Kevin Harvick Foundation Logo

Proceeds from ticket purchases to benefit the Kevin Harvick Foundation

Kernersville, N.C. (February 9, 2012) - The Kevin Harvick Foundation announced today the launch of “Win Happy’s Chevy.” For the second consecutive year, one lucky winner will take home Kevin Harvick’s custom designed Chevrolet Camaro, while helping children in need. Starting today, tickets for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible can be purchased for $29 each at www.winhappyschevy.com.

The vehicle includes gray leather interior, 21″ black painted wheels, 6-speed manual transmission, V8 engine, rear parking assist and much more.

Proceeds will be used to further the mission of the Kevin Harvick Foundation. Established in 2010 by Harvick and his wife DeLana, the mission of the Kevin Harvick Foundation focuses on positively enriching the lives of children through programs such as Kevin’s Krew, Chase Your Dreams Scholarships, the Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship Fund and many others.

“Chevy has been great to work with while designing this Camaro,” said Harvick. “It was really exciting to hand the keys over to last year’s winner, and I can’t wait to do it again. While there is a lot of excitement around giving the car away, the best part of what we are doing is that so many wonderful kids will benefit from this program.”

For official rules and regulations to Win Happy’s Chevy, visit www.winhappyschevy.com.

About the Kevin Harvick Foundation:
Established in 2010 by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick and his wife, DeLana, the mission of the Kevin Harvick Foundation is to support programs that positively enrich the lives of children throughout the United States. The foundation works to not only improve the quality of life, but to help underprivileged youth find and realize their dreams by supporting programs such as the Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship Fund at California State University, Bakersfield, Kevin’s Krew, and Kevin Harvick Foundation Chase Your Dreams Scholarship.

Source: Kevin Harvick Inc./Foundation, Press Release

1967 Le MansTrophy

· Winning trophy from 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans event returned to Ford.

DEARBORN, Mich. Feb. 9, 2012. – A trophy from one of Ford Motor Company’s greatest racing triumphs has just returned home in time to help celebrate the 45th anniversary of Ford Racing’s 1967 victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The victory that day was piloted by the All-American team of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt in a car prepared by Carroll Shelby and his Shelby-American race team. The trophy was recently returned to Edsel B. Ford II, a Ford Motor Company board member.

“It is a very important milestone for Ford to have this great and historic trophy returned to the Company,” said Ford. “The win in the No. 1 Ford Mark IV with Gurney and Foyt was memorable in so many ways and proved beyond doubt that our dominant victory at Le Mans in 1966 was not a one-time occurrence.”

The 1967 victory still remains the only time an American car, prepared by an American team with American drivers, has ever won the world’s greatest endurance sports car race. The Ford team took the lead 90 minutes into the event and won going away, winning by four laps over the second-place Ferrari.

The trophy was preserved by an individual following the company’s pull-out from racing in 1970. It was recently shipped to Dearborn with the wish that it be returned to Ford Racing. The trophy is currently in the hands of expert curators at the Henry Ford Museum, who are conserving it for display later.

Henry Ford Museum is the owner of the famous red No. 1 Ford Mark IV that Gurney and Foyt drove that day in France. The winning car is one of the prized pieces of the museum’s Racing in America collection.

“It’s great to have this trophy back 45 years after the historic win,” said Ford. “It gives us hope that one of these days the greatest missing artifact in our company’s racing history – my great-grandfather’s punch bowl trophy from 1901 – may someday be found as well.”

About Ford Racing – North America

Ford Racing – North America, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing. In addition, Ford’s action motorsport programs involve Global RallyCross, Formula Drift, RallyCar and Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Source: PCGCampbell for Ford Racing, Press Release

Richmond International Raceway Celebrating 60 Years in NASCAR

Richmond, VA (February 9, 2012)—

With conference calls and meetings throughout the year, the Fan Advisory Board serves as a sounding board for RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. But the communication goes both ways, as the fans are the eyes and ears, relaying information to further enhance Richmond International Raceway’s operations. The committee has been busy over the past few months, providing feedback topics including the Fan Guide, parking, concessions and the Midway experience.

“One of the first things I wanted to do upon my arrival last year was get to know our Fan Advisory Board,” said Bickmeier. “There is no better way to improve the fan experience than to speak directly with the fans who visit us, whether they’ve been here one, five or 30 years. I look forward to our continued dialogue and know this core group will help us make the fan experience at RIR even better.”

“It’s refreshing to hear you’re committed to addressing the fan experience at Richmond International Raceway,” said Fan Advisory Board member Brian Johnson. “You have a wonderful track and a proud history, but even the best venues need to retool from time to time in order to maximize the experience.”

Fan Advisory Board members will be active throughout race weekends at RIR, talking with fellow fans and taking notes about their experience to relay back to track officials.

Each member accepted their role because they have a passion for Richmond International Raceway – a place they call home twice a year on NASCAR weekends. Here is a quick snapshot of the Fan Advisory Board members:

Joshua Grim

Hometown: Charlottesville, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 8

Favorite driver: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Fun fact: Attended races since 1992

John Moon

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 5

Favorite drivers: Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin

Fun fact: Professional skydiver

Robert Rightmyer

Hometown: Prince George, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 19

Favorite drivers: Tony Stewart, A.J. Allmendinger

Fun fact: Richard Petty fanatic

Larry Curtis

Hometown: Bear, Delaware

Number of years attending races at RIR: 10+

Favorite drivers: Richard Petty, Kyle Busch

Fun fact: Attended more than 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races

Maryellen Davison

Hometown: Edwardsville, PA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 10

Favorite drivers: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards

Fun fact: Teaches deep water aerobics

Lee Allan

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 4

Favorite drivers: Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards

Jeff Crowder

Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 20+

Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon

Lee-An Felkins

Hometown: Reading, PA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 1

Favorite driver: Mark Martin

Fun fact: 26 years in the Navy

Gerry Allen

Hometown: Severn, Maryland

Number of years attending races at RIR: 3

Favorite drivers: Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards

Fun fact: Was a camera operator during the Orioles/Mariners American League Divisional Series game in 1997 and was seen in the dugout on television

Amy Sylvia

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 8

Favorite driver: Tony Stewart

Robert Ellis

Hometown: Hampton, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 19

Favorite drivers: Ken Schrader, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Fun fact: Raced at Langley Speedway 1997-2009 in the Grand Stock Division

Kevin Van Asdalan

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 9

Favorite driver: Brad Keselowski

Fun fact: Owns a Greater Swiss Mountain dog – strong enough to pull a car

Kamele Schwab

Hometown: Charlottesville, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 2

Favorite driver: Jimmie Johnson

Frank Decker

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 15+

Faorite driver: Bobby Labonte

Fun fact: Enjoys camping at track

Kendall Humphries

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 5

Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon

Fun fact: Makes music and works on his Jeep

Brian Johnson

Hometown: Charlottesville, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 5

Favorite driver: David Gilliland

Joy Metzger

Hometown: Chester, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 12

Favorite driver: Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman

Fun fact: Always wanted to go to clown school

Steven Wilson

Hometown: Gloucester, VA

Number of years attending races at RIR: 15+

Favorite drivers: Carl Edwards, Trevor Bayne

Fun fact: Loves Civil War history

Vishal Aswani

Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL

Number of years attending races at RIR: 3

Favorite driver: Jeff Gordon

Fun fact: Has been going to NASCAR, F1, Endurance, Rallying, and IndyCar races for at least 18 of the 25 years he has been alive (and still has the dream to drive someday!)

Members will serve at least two full seasons, with new applications accepted next year for those whose term is complete.

Join us to celebrate 60 Years of NASCAR at Richmond International Raceway this season. Tickets are on sale now for the Saturday, April 28, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400 race, featuring Chesterfield, Virginia’s Denny Hamlin, reigning series champion Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and all of your favorite drivers.

The weekend begins on Thursday, April 26, with a doubleheader, showcasing the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Model race, as well as the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. The action continues Friday, April 27, with a full day of on-track activity, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 race and practice and pole qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

For tickets and information, click here or call 866-455-7223. You can also Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date.

Source: Richmond International Speedway, Press Release

Lenny Kravitz

Special Ticket Package with VIP Concert Access Available

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Rock superstar Lenny Kravitz will perform the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to the start of “The Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 26 (FOX, 1 p.m. ET, pre-race show begins at noon ET).

Kravitz, who has sold more than 35 million albums and is the only musician in history to win the Grammy for best male vocals in rock music four times consecutively, will perform three songs prior to the start of the 54th annual Daytona 500 – the season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the biggest stock car race in the world.

All race fans that purchase a Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access pass for the Daytona 500 will be able to view Kravitz’s Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show, as well as driver introductions, from the grass tri-oval area.

“Lenny Kravitz is an iconic performer and multi-talented musician – he will deliver a rousing performance prior to the start of the 54^th Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Race fans will experience a first-class, heart-pounding pre-race show that will serve as the perfect prelude to what will be an historic and thrilling afternoon of NASCAR racing on the high banks of Daytona.”

Kravitz’s ninth album, Black and White America, was released in 2011 and features a mixture of funk and hard rock hits like “Stand,” “Rock Star City Life” and his anthemic new single “Push.” Fresh off a massive European tour, Lenny Kravitz recently kicked off his first American outing in five years in January. The 20-city tour will wrap up in Miami on February 25th. In addition to his live shows, Kravitz is also set to appear as Cinna in the highly anticipated motion picture The Hunger Games, which will hit theaters March 23^rd.

Kravitz joins a long list of star-studded names that have performed in the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show including Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey and Brad Paisley.

In addition to his Daytona 500 Pre-Race Concert, a special ticket package designed around Kravitz has been created that includes a Daytona 500 ticket, Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access and VIP area access to Kravitz’s performance. Packages start at $164.

For more information on tickets for the 54th annual Daytona 500 and Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access, race fans can go online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and fans can also follow NASCAR (@NASCAR) and hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500.

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Gary Sinise with Guitar

Forrest Gump, CSI NY Star Will Perform Benefit Concert Goody’s 500 Weekend

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (February 9, 2012) – Award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise is going to make sure Cpl. J.B. Kerns’ dream of a log cabin on the Ararat River becomes a reality.

Sinise announced today that the Gary Sinise Foundation and The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (named after the NY firefighter who perished on 9/11), are partnering as part of their Building For America’s Bravest program to build a “smart home” for Kerns that will allow him to live independently.

Kerns lost both legs and his right arm last April as a result of a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) while on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. The heroic Marine, who’s had to undergo dozens of surgeries, is from Ararat—a small, rural town in Patrick County, about 30 miles from Martinsville Speedway.

The fundraising centerpiece for the project will be a concert performed by Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band at Martinsville High School on Saturday, March 31, at 7 p.m, and 100% of the ticket sales will go toward funding the specially-equipped smart home for Kerns. The next day, at the running of the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Sinise and Kerns will play a special role in the Speedway’s pre-race program.

General admission to the Martinsville concert will be $25. There will also be a limited number of VIP passes available, which include a ticket to the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 and a Sunday morning meet-and-greet with Sinise at Martinsville Speedway.

Tickets will be sold by the Piedmont Arts Association in Martinsville and will go on sale Friday, Feb. 10. They may be purchased online at www.piedmontarts.org or by calling (276) 632-3221. To make donations to Building For America’s Bravest Program, you can go to http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/help_us/donate  or  https://tunneltotowersfoundation.org/donate_now.aspx .

Sinise, nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Lt. Dan—the character who lost both legs in battle in “Forrest Gump”—and the star of CBS’ popular “CSI: New York,” is also an accomplished musician.   He formed the Lt. Dan Band in 2004 primarily for USO Tours, and now performs 30 to 40 concerts a year to entertain troops and families, to raise funds for charitable efforts to help wounded warriors and families of the fallen, and to support charities devoted to the same.

Said Kerns, “I am overwhelmed at the support my community has given me. I have loved auto racing and NASCAR my whole life, and the fact that Martinsville Speedway, a star like Gary Sinise, and a foundation named after a 9/11 hero fireman, have come together so that I can have a home that is going to give me a good life, is awesome.”

“It is my honor to partner with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to raise the necessary funds to support the building of a home for JB Kerns,” said Sinise.  “JB has given so much in service to his country, and it is a privilege to do what I can to give something back to him. I hope that the entire community will join me and my band to help show our support and our gratitude to a great American hero, JB Kerns, the night of March 31.  As our 30th president Calvin Coolidge said, ‘The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.’ Let’s come together to honor this brave American, and show him that we will not forget what he has sacrificed in defense of our freedom.”

Purchase of the site for Kerns’ house—land overlooking the Ararat River—is being finalized. Its acquisition is made possible by the partnership between the Gary Sinise Foundation and The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Since 2011, the two foundations have joined forces to build smart homes for three quadruple amputees. In 2012 they are partnering on nine additional homes for very-severely wounded warriors from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. They completed one home for Spc. Brendan Marrocco, on June 11, 2011 in Staten Island, NY; will break ground on Feb. 14 in Temecula, CA for Cpl. Juan Dominguez’s home; broke ground October 26, 2011 at the Lake of the Ozarks, MO for Cpl. Todd Nicely’s smart home; and this year, in addition to a home in Ararat, VA for JB Kerns, will begin raising funds for homes in Brooklyn, NY, Albany, NY, Columbia, MO, Atlanta, GA, Marietta, OH, and Whitehall, PA.

The Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicated to serving the Nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. For more information, go to www.GarySiniseFoundation.org.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, named after fallen NY firefighter Stephen Siller, is best known for its annual Tunnel to Towers Run which follows Siller’s heroic run from a blocked-off Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center in a desperate bid to save lives. The Run, held the last Sunday of each September, attracts 30,000 participants from around the world. Beginning in 2011, cities all across America—including some of the largest—held their versions of the Tunnel to Towers Run and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Foundation’s “Building for America’s Bravest” program. For more information, go to www.TunneltoTowers.org.

Source: Martinsville Speedway, Press Release

NNS No. 81 American Majority/PledgeToVote.com Dodge Challenger R/T with Driver Jason Bowles

(MOORESVILLE, NC) February 9, 2012 –

Originally from Ontario, California, Bowles made a name for himself winning in the open wheel and road racing ranks on the west coast as a teenager before transitioning to stock cars in 2006. After one season in late models at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, CA, Jason moved up to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. During the 2007 season, Jason earned a pole two wins, and eight top-5s, propelling him to a third place finish in the championship. In 2008, Jason picked up five poles and four victories on his way to a second place championship finish. After completing the 2007 and 2008 K&N West Series seasons with second and third place point finishes respectively, 2009 became his magic year. With an average finish of fourth, Jason brought home three poles, three wins, and ten top-5’s to secure the 2009 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Championship.

In 2011 driving for Rusty Wallace Incorporated (RWI), Jason landed arguably his biggest victory of his career by winning the Toyota All Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, CA. Jason also ran three NASCAR Nationwide Series races for RWI during last season where his best finish was a solid 13^th place run in August at Montreal.

“I’m super excited about the opportunity with American Majority Racing and MacDonald Motorsports,” said Jason. “I look forward to working with them all year and a successful 2012 season. I can’t thank them enough for coming on board and the support they have shown so far leading up to Daytona; it’s going to be an exciting year!”

“I think Jason is going to be an excellent fit for our team and our sponsor, American Majority,” explained Randy MacDonald, team owner. “He had an enormous amount of success running the K&N Pro Series and deserves a shot in Nationwide. I’m hoping to bring our team to the next level and compete for top-10 finishes this year with Jason, and that will be our goal on each race weekend.”

John Monsam will return as the crew chief on the American Majority/PledgeToVote.com No. 81 after finishing off the season last year with MacDonald Motorsports. For the final seven races last season, John made tremendous improvements to the No. 81 car’s performance, which will hopefully continue into 2012.

“We have been working really hard this off-season to make our team as strong as possible for the 2012 season. Bringing on Jason as the driver and American Majority as a sponsor is going to be big for our team, and I can’t wait to get to Daytona to get this season started,” explained Monsam.

This will be a joint effort by American Majority and MacDonald Motorsports to get everyone excited about the 2012 election. This effort will include the launch of www.pledgetovote.com which will also feature contests and ticket giveaways to NASCAR races throughout the 2012 racing season.

Another large part of American Majority’s participation in the series will be their state-of-the-art display on vendor row. This will provide race fans with the ability to register to vote, race iRacing simulators, play games, win prizes, and get their picture taken in front of an exact replica of the American Majority No. 81 car.

Bowles and the No. 81 American Majority Racing team will kick off the 2012 season by taking the green flag at Daytona International Speedway on February 25^th. The DRIVE4COPD 300 can be seen live on ESPN at 1:00 P.M. EST.

Follow Jason on Social Media…..Keep up with everything that Jason is doing by following him on twitter @bowlesjason.

About American Majority Racing

American Majority Racing is a national program of American Majority, the nation’s leading conservative grassroots training organization. The program is designed to target millions of NASCAR fans from all political backgrounds in an unprecedented effort to engage them in the electoral process. Having teamed up with NASCAR driver Jason Bowles and car #81 MacDonald Motorsports for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series racing season, the American Majority Racing program is designed to educate Americans about how smaller government and less spending will “Keep America Free.” Through www.PledgetoVote.com, American Majority Racing encourages all Americans to register and vote in the 2012 elections.

About American Majority

American Majority is the leading developer of the nation’s new 21st century conservative grassroots political infrastructure. The organization uses its cutting edge curriculum to empower individuals and organizations with the most effective tools to promote liberty through limited government. American Majority trains thousands of activists and candidates each year in communities across the country to be catalysts for authentic change in government. The non-profit, non-partisan organization is dedicated to developing a new generation of American elected and opinion leadership that will reject the self-destructive policies associated with government expansion and promote those that will lead to growth and success.

About MacDonald Motorsports

MacDonald Motorsports Owner Randy MacDonald has been around the NASCAR circles since 1985, when he began his own racing career with the loving support of his father “Doc” and his mother Pat MacDonald. As a NASCAR driver, Randy was successful in making it all the way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The MacDonald family became NASCAR team owners in 1986 and have fielded cars in all three of NASCAR’s elite series following faith based principles. MacDonald Motorsports focuses on assisting our sponsors with strategically increasing the overall awareness of corporate messaging or brand recognition by consistently articulating the message to be delivered through motorsports. MacDonald Motorsports offers drivers opportunities to gain experience from grass roots all the way through the elite series of NASCAR. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Tanya Hall @ thall9@aol.com.

Source: MacDonald Motorsports, Press Release

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway

TALLADEGA, Ala. –

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the largest infield party in NASCAR.  Two-day tickets start at just $49 in the Allison Grandstands.  And as always, free camping is available so there’s no reason to miss a minute of the action.

“It’s going to be a weekend full of great racing and unforgettable memories,” said Talladega Superspeedway’s Chairman Grant Lynch.  “You have to experience a race at Talladega Superspeedway in person to truly understand how exciting it is.  From the infield to the grandstands, nothing compares to a ‘DEGA weekend.”

The most competitive racing in NASCAR combined with a mix of southern hospitality returns to Talladega Superspeedway May 4-6 for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend.  Experience the excitement as the superstars of NASCAR attempt to tackle the high-banks of ‘DEGA at 200 mph.  Secure your tickets atwww.talladegasuperspeedway.com or by calling 877-Go2-DEGA.  This is more than a race…This is Talladega!

Source: Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release

Little Big Town

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –

Little Big Town will perform three songs prior to the non-points event on the pre-race stage located on pit road as well as the National Anthem, which will be carried live on FOX Sports. After the checkered flag waves on the 75-lap race, the group will perform a 60-minute post-race concert from the Sprint FANZONE Main Entertainment Stage.

Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access holders will be able to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval grass while all ticket holders will have access to the post-race concert, which will start in the Sprint FANZONE approximately 30 minutes after the end of the race.

“Country superstars Little Big Town will take the party into overdrive at the 34th annual Budweiser Shootout At Daytona,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “Our fans can expect some hard racing, loud music and an unforgettable night as the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series kick off the 2012 racing season at the ‘World Center of Racing.’ ”

In addition to their Budweiser Shootout pre- and post-race concerts and National Anthem, a special $84 ticket package designed around the Little Big Town has been created that includes a Budweiser Shootout ticket, Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access and VIP area access to the Little Big Town pre-race performance.

Formed in 1998, Little Big Town is comprised of Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and husband and wife duo, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook. The group has sold over 1.5 million records, placed 12 songs on theBillboard Hot Country Songs charts, earned four Grammy Nominations and was honored with an Academy of Country Music award for Top New Vocal Duet/Group.

Their 2005 Grammy-nominated album, The Road to Here, was certified platinum and boasts hits such as “Boondocks” and “Bring It On Home.” Recent hits from their 2010 album The Reason Why include “Kiss Goodbye,” “The Reason Why” and the album’s fastest-rising single, “Little White Church.”

The Budweiser Shootout, NASCAR’s season-opening non-points event, is the climax to a racing doubleheader.  The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is set for 4:30 p.m. followed by the Budweiser Shootout at 8:10 p.m., which will feature the top 25 competitors in the 2011 driver points as well as previous winners at Daytona including the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola and the Budweiser Shootout.

Tickets for all Speedweeks 2012 events, including the Budweiser Shootout, are available online athttp://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway).

Source: Daytona International Speedway. Press Release

Celebrity Apprentice - Michael Andretti

Indianapolis, IN – February 9, 2012 -

Andretti, son of racing legend Mario Andretti, has the third most victories (42) of any driver in IndyCar history, and he lead 6,702 IndyCar laps during his career. Currently, he is the Chairman, President and CEO of Andretti Autosport. As one of the most well-known racing personalities in the U.S., Andretti continues to set the standard in the industry, albeit from behind the pit wall.

After the mother of one of Andretti’s racecar drivers, Ryan Hunter-Reay, passed away of cancer, Tom Vossman, a past associate sponsor of Andretti Autosport, started Racing for Cancer with Hunter-Reay. The non-profit organization is aimed at uniting motorsport fans, racing organizations, drivers and sponsors in support of the global fight against cancer. Michael Andretti has supported this charity from its inception. When contacted by the producers of “Celebrity Apprentice,” charity selection was an easy choice.

“I chose Racing for Cancer because I believe that the effort put forth by this organization is helping to win the fight and helping people,” says Andretti. “My mother is a cancer survivor and Ryan (Hunter-Reay) lost his mother to the disease, so the cause is near and dear to me and our team. We need to continue to fight this disease in any way we can. Racing For Cancer is fully committed and I’m honored to be competing on “Celebrity Apprentice” to benefit this great organization.”

The season premiere of “Celebrity Apprentice,” broadcast on NBC, airs on February 19, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Andretti will compete against 17 other celebrities for a donation of $250,000 or perhaps more, to Racing For Cancer. Only a month after the premiere, Andretti and Racing For Cancer CEO, Tom Vossman, will head to the streets of St. Petersburg, FL, for the season opener of the IZOD IndyCar Series on Sunday, March 25.

To donate to Racing For Cancer and support Michael’s “Celebrity Apprentice” attempt, please visit www.RacingForCancer.org.

About Racing For Cancer, Inc.

Racing For Cancer, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) organization, is “helping pick up the pace… one fan at a time.” Racing For Cancer was formed to unite motorsports fans around the world, racing organizations, drivers and sponsors to help those afflicted with cancer. The mission is simply to beat cancer. Support is focused towards early detection and prevention, and efforts to help raise awareness and support of fighting childhood cancer. One hundred percent of the net proceeds of fundraising efforts are committed to the cause. Racing For Cancer also partners with various marketing efforts to aid in the global cancer awareness campaign. For more information, visit www.RacingForCancer.org.

Source: 242MPH for Racing for Cancer, Press Release

No. 49 America Israel Racing Robinson-Blakeney Toyota Camry -Car Front

Car will prominently display both the United States and Israel flags

CHARLOTTE, NC (February 9, 2012) – With under a month to go before the green flag drops on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, America Israel Racing (AIR) has unveiled its unique paint scheme for the No. 49 Robinson-Blakeney Racing Toyota that will be driven by JJ Yeley at the Daytona 500.

Inspired by AIR’s mission of promoting the importance of America supporting Israel, the design prominently displays both the United States and Israel flags as well as a striking image of a bald eagle holding both nations’ flags in its claws and an olive branch in its beak on the hood.

“We wanted to ensure our car design was not only eye-catching, but properly conveyed the mission and values of America Israel Racing,” said AIR co-founder Rich Shirey. “The eagle in particular contains a great deal of symbolism – it has a determined look on its face, because we are determined to voice the importance of America’s support of Israel.

“However, we wanted to be sure to include the olive branch, because it is a universal sign of peace and above all else, America Israel Racing’s message is a peaceful one.”

American Israel Racing has teamed with Robinson-Blakeney Racing of Monroe, North Carolina, to place a car in the 2012 Daytona 500 field on February 26 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. AIR hopes to continue its partnership with Robinson-Blakeney Racing beyond Daytona, and with the support of like-minded individuals AIR will spread its message of American Israeli support by placing a car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup field for the entire 2012 season. Anyone wishing to support America Israel Racing and its cause can make a donation online at AmericaIsraelRacing.com.

About America Israel Racing

America Israel Racing was formed to raise awareness of the importance of America supporting Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, as it stands against its enemies. The North Carolina-based race team, founded in 2011, is in the process of fundraising to field a car in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting with the Daytona 500. Through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other organizations, America Israel Racing hopes to spread the message throughout the world that the United States supports Israel.

AmericaIsraelRacing.com

facebook.com/AmericaIsraelRacing

twitter.com/AmIsraelRacing

Source: America Israel Racing, Press Release

No. 9 Anderson's Maple Syrup Chevrolet Silverado Layout

“I had the privilege of working with Anderson’s in 2011, I’m thrilled to have them back on board this year,” said Hornaday. “They are a small family-owned and operated company with big dreams and a great product. I look forward to our continued success in 2012 and can’t wait for the sweet taste of victory.”

Anderson’s Maple Syrup, a pure, all-natural, and healthy alternative to artificial “maple-flavored” syrups, was started over 80 years ago by Paul Anderson as a hobby. Today the third generation grandson, Steve Anderson, continues the family’s sugar making heritage.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Ron Hornaday’s ‘Drive for 5′,” said Steve Anderson of Anderson’s Maple Syrup. “Joe Denette Motorsports has assembled a great team and we feel fortunate to be a part of their program. Anderson’s Maple Syrup is excited about the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season and sharing it with the loyal fans of Ron Hornaday and Anderson’s Maple Syrup.”

About Anderson’s Maple Syrup:

In 1928, Paul Anderson first shared the distinct taste of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, delicately sweet pure maple syrup. Three generations later, the Anderson family carries on its sugar making heritage by bottling pure maple syrup from the same sugar bush their grandfather tapped for so many years. A healthy all-natural delicacy, authentic maple syrup is a nutritious and natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and maple-flavored syrups. From its roots in Cumberland, Wisconsin, Anderson’s Maple Syrup can today be found in supermarkets and specialty shops across the country.

Follow the Anderson’s race team all year long at www.AndersonsMapleSyrupRacing.com and on Facebook

For more information on Anderson’s Maple Syrup visit: www.AndersonsMapleSyrup.com

For more information on Joe Denette Motorsports please visit: www.JoeDenetteMotorsports.com

- Joe Denette Motorsports Press Release

Phoenix International Raceway

PHOENIX

“Dominick is a true Arizona success story and we are proud of the style and class with which he represents our entire region,” said Sperber. “We are excited to have him headline the weekend activities that kickoff the start of the 2012 NASCAR season at PIR.”

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Cruz, 26, has ascended to the top of his profession, compiling a 19-1-0 professional record that includes wins over the likes of Demetrious Johnson, Urijah Faber, Scott Jorgensen, Joseph Benavidez and Brian Bowles. Cruz and Faber will face each other as opposing coaches in the upcoming season of“The Ultimate Fighter Live®” premiering on FX before squaring off in the Octagon® for the third time following the program’s season finale.

“Having been a long-time fan of PIR and NASCAR, I am honored to be part of one of the most exciting sporting events in the Phoenix area,” said Cruz. “Similar to whenever I step into the ring, these drivers go out there and put it all on the line to win the race and give the fans a great show.”

Cruz will participate in pre-race ceremonies and will make appearances onsite at PIR on Sunday, March 4. Additional information on race weekend activities is available on Phoenix International Raceway’s official website at www.phoenixraceway.com.

About Phoenix International Raceway

Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s one-mile oval on March 4, 2012 in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™. Tickets for the entire SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ NASCAR weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com/Tickets or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more information, visit PhoenixRaceway.com, Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway and Twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway.

Source: Phoenix International Raceway, Press Release

INDYCAR Logo

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1.      If you missed it: Bobby Rahal and Takuma Sato Conference Call

2.      Hinchcliffe to field questions at Canadian Motorsports Expo

3.      HVM welcomes new team manager

4.      Open Test set for Barber Motorsports Park

1. If you missed it: Bobby Rahal and Takuma Sato Conference Call: Rahal Letterman Lanigan co-owner Bobby Rahal and IZOD IndyCar Series driver Takuma Sato were guests on an INDYCAR conference call today to discuss Sato’s signing with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Selected quotes from the interview are below.

Q. Bobby, talk about the team’s recent news. How excited are you to add a driver of the quality of Takuma and how did your relationship start? 

BOBBY RAHAL: I’m excited that Taku has joined us for our 2012 IndyCar season. I had a chance to see Taku not when he first started racing but when he was Europe in England in Formula 3 in 2001 when I was over there with Jaguar Formula One. I managed to watch Takuma win a lot of Formula 3 races. I think Formula 3 has always been considered a very good judge of talent.

Of course, you know, I kept an eye on him when he was in Formula One. So I’ve known his competitiveness, his speed. I’ve seen that many times over the years.

I was very pleased that we were able to come together. We’ve spent some time together. Taku spent a lot of time in England, so he’s got a lot of English slang and colloquialisms, so it’s almost like being back in England when you’re around him.

I think we all look forward to having him with us because, as I said earlier, he’s shown his pace over the last couple years in IndyCars. As I said in the beginning when we reentered IndyCar racing, it was important for us to do so with someone who was going to be competitive. I had no real interest in just being here. Taku certainly fits that bill.

I think we are quite excited for the start of the year. We have testing to do yet. We’ve done a little bit already in December which went I think pretty well. So I think everybody’s just anxious to get going.

Q. Obviously adding Takuma to your driver lineup isn’t the only change for your team, which is going to base its IZOD IndyCar Series operations in Brownsburg, Ind. Why move the operation to Indianapolis? 

BOBBY RAHAL: This has actually been under consideration for a number of years. It’s really become the center of IndyCar racing, the Indianapolis area. You look at the resource that exists here within the area, both the human resource, but the subcontractors, what have you, that can provide services for an IndyCar team.

It just seemed to me that we needed to be in sort of the epicenter of IndyCar racing now that we were going to come back into it on a full-time basis. So we managed to lease the space that Gil de Ferran used to be in from my friend Don Prudhomme. It’s a nice shop up here in Brownsburg. This is a start for us. But the IndyCar team will certainly be headquartered here for many years to come because we think this is the place to be both for now and in the future.

Q. Taku, it has to be a relief for you to get your plans for 2012 settled after what has been a pretty long off-season.

TAKUMA SATO: Yes and no. Obviously I’m very excited to be announced I’m joined with Bobby’s big project. I’m extremely pleased and extremely excited.

As Bobby said, I made the first contact immediately after the season ends last year. When I heard from Bobby, it was such an excitement project for his 2012 restart with the IndyCar project.

We talk about lots of various options, the great stories, what could be the scenario. It was just a matter of all the preparation.

It was a long winter. But I was always confident that we could do a great deal with it. Suddenly the announcement this February, very excitement. But I’ve known it’s going to be happen from very early stage of the end of the season last year, so I’m extremely pleased.

Q. This will be your third year in the IZOD IndyCar Series. What led to your decision to change teams and do you feel that Rahal Letterman Lanigan can help you get the first win in the series that you’ve been so close to getting? 

TAKUMA SATO: Yeah, sure. As a driver you have to look at the options, the various options, after the season ends. As I said, Bobby gave me a great offer. I believe very strongly this team is going to be huge potential.

I mean, Bobby’s team, Rahal Letterman Lanigan team, it’s shown great history. The numbers in racing is very impressive winning record. It’s just great success. Okay, the IndyCar Series wasn’t entering full-time in a couple years, but they showing great speed last year every single time they were entering IndyCar. So I was very confident.

Of course, with the new operation, (indiscernible) very experienced, and such a great opportunity to see all the possibility for the great performance. When I discuss with Bobby how it’s going to operate with the new team, I was very excited.

My expectation is ever so high. I was very confident we could do a great job this year.

Q. Bobby, I know you talked about not only having Taku, but having a second car. Since you’re coming back into the series, have you gone over with the series how Leaders Circle money might be allocated? Is there a date where you need to have the second car confirmed or else that engine contract, you might not have that? 

BOBBY RAHAL: First off, on the Leaders Circle situation, I’m not quite sure what the situation is there. We certainly made a presentation to them, as did many other teams.

I think we bring some unique assets to the equation that can really help IndyCar. I think we’ve already utilized many of those, thanks to David Letterman. But that process is still going on as far as I know. We’ve not heard one way or the other.

We certainly hope to receive one of the Leaders Circle memberships and believe we deserve to be, frankly. But, again, it’s out of our hands at this stage and we’ll just have to wait like everybody else. I think it is important for us to be one of the members of the Leaders Circle, so we’re certainly hopeful.

In regards to the second car, we’re very close on that. All of our efforts are being split right now between getting Taku’s car ready for the Barber test. This last week we did not go to the Sebring test because we felt it was more important for us to understand the car, what we have a little bit better, so we spent several days on the seven-post rig up in Canada, which we’ve used quite extensively in the past in IndyCar Series and ALMS cars. We came away with a lot of good information from that.

Quite frankly, there’s plenty of time. You’re limited to 1,000 miles per driver pre-season anyway. So by doing Barber, Sebring and Sebring again, we’ll be able to accomplish 1,000 miles.

I think right now it’s getting Taku’s car ready for those tests and working hard to finalize our second driver. The second car is being prepared as we speak. As far as we’re concerned, we’re going to have two cars, two drivers, and that’s really our focus at this point in time.

Q. Bobby, what is the importance of having multiple cars, with your new car? Do you have more chance to find out more about them? 

BOBBY RAHAL: For sure having multiple cars within a team is better I think up to a point. I think ideally a two-car team is probably the right number. We’ve run three in the past and been successful with that. But, nevertheless, organizationally it’s a much tougher deal. That’s part of the reason why we want to be a two-car team.

Having said that, I had my best years, some of my best years, on a single-car team. We’ve gone to Indy the last several years as a single-car team and done I think pretty well.

While a single-car team may not be ideal, I think your ability to be competitive is just as good there as anywhere else because you’re able to focus all your efforts on one driver, one car, a small group of people tightly knit. That can do a lot of good things.

In the end, if we have our options, we want to be a two-car team. We’re working hard for that. I think we will be. So that’s how we’re going forward at this stage.

2. Hinchcliffe to field questions at Canadian Motorsports Expo: Andretti Autosport’s James Hinchcliffe, the 2011 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, will be on the Mazda Stage from 12:45-1:30 p.m. Feb. 12 for a Q&A session at the Canadian Motorsports Expo at the International Centre adjacent to Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

Hinchcliffe will then head to the Inside Track Motorsport News booth to sign autographs and chat with the show goers.

“It’s been a couple of years since my last visit and I know it’s grown in stature since then, which is fantastic to see,” said Hinchcliffe, 25, a native of suburban Toronto. “Canadian fans are truly passionate about their motorsports and it’s always a great experience to hang out with them.”

The IZOD IndyCar Series returns to the streets of Exhibition Place July 6-8 for the Honda Indy Toronto.

3. HVM welcomes new team manager: Lotus HVM Racing has added Shane Seneviratne as the team’s new manager. Seneviratne, former principal of US RaceTronics, has an 18-year history in Indy Lights and Atlantics, amassing multiple championships.

He worked with Simona de Silvestro in Atlantics in ’09.

“I’m excited to be part of HVM Racing and happy to help Simona once more continue her remarkable racing career,” he said. ”The new IndyCar brings new challenges to teams that have not had to be dealt with for many years. I’m looking forward to contributing to this team in overcoming these challenges, and in strengthening the great chemistry that exists within HVM Racing.”

4. Open Test set for Barber Motorsports Park: Firestone Indy Lights and the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will share Barber Motorsports Park on March 19-20 for an Open Test. Each series will have seven sessions on the 2.38-mile road course.

Both series will be part of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 23-25 and return to Barber Motorsports Park on March 30-April 1 as part of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

Source: INDYCAR, Press Release

The Mosquito Patch

“I am ecstatic for the launch of The Mosquito Patch; we have been working on this product for over five years, and there is no place more exciting to debut our product than Daytona International Speedway,” said The Mosquito Patch Owner Ronnie Bennett. “To be involved in professional motorsports is way beyond what we have expected for our product debut. I hope that we can continue this for years and years to come.”

Based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, The Mosquito Patch is an all-natural, deet free mosquito bite protection patch. The transdermal, water-proof patch attaches to the skin and provides up to 36 hours of mosquito bite protection. Because the spray-free, odor-free patch is all-natural, it is safe to use on children and adults of all ages.

The Mosquito Patch will be making its launch on the hood of two cars for the Motorhead Racing Company, who will also be making their first start in the ARCA Racing Series. Motorhead Racing Company’s flagship driver, 23-year-old ARCA Rookie Aleks Gregory is set to make his series debut in the seat of the No. 78 Mosquito Patch Ford Fusion.

“I really appreciate what the owners at The Mosquito Patch are doing to support our Motorhead Racing Company,” said Gregory. “This is a great opportunity and something I have wanted to do for a long time. The Mosquito Patch is a great product and very innovative. I have used it myself and it is fantastic. I am really excited to take the green flag at Daytona with The Mosquito Patch colors on my car and look forward to putting on a great show.”

Daytona veteran John Ferrier will be teaming with Gregory in a second car for Motorhead Racing. Piloting the No. 76 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ferrier will also be sporting The Mosquito Patch colors along with support from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I want to thank The Mosquito Patch for their support and for the opportunity to come back to Daytona. It is really exciting to be a part of their debut and to be able to take a startup company and help bring them to a national stage. I look forward to making them proud with a strong run at Daytona.”

For more information on Motorhead Racing Company and The Mosquito Patch log on to www.AleksGregory.com and www.TheMosquitoPatch.us. More information about plans for the Motorhead Racing Company and The Mosquito Patch and their 2012 racing season will be available in the coming weeks.

- Motorhead Racing Company Press Release

No. 23 GunBroker.com Ford F-150 (Jason White) - Getty Images for NASCAR

“I am extremely honored to continue my relationship with GunBroker.com and greatly appreciate their support of my racing career,” stated Jason White. “Sponsors such as GunBroker.com are what make this sport so special and I am lucky to have such a loyal supporter and partner. We have worked hard to build this program and we have assembled a talented group of dedicated employees that are working hard to prepare for Daytona and the 2012 season.”

Doug George has joined the organization as Crew Chief for the No. 23 Ford. George is a veteran within the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with 113 career races as Crew Chief including two career victories with driver Kyle Busch.

Jason White

Jason White has become one of the veteran drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Series having compiled 129 career starts in the series. He competed for Joe Dennette Motorsports last season where he finished 15th in the final standings after finishing 10th in the 2010 season standings.

Currently a single truck team, GB Racing is considering expanding into a multi-team operation.

About GunBroker.com:

GunBroker.com is an informative, detailed, secure and safe way to find guns for sale, hunting / shooting accessories, and much more. GunBroker.com is an online gun auction that promotes responsible gun ownership. We make sure ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. GunBroker.com is not just a gun auction, as we offer hunting gear, collectibles, vehicles, and much more. Start buying and selling guns today at GunBroker.com!

- Integrity Sports Marketing Press Release