Mikey Kile

Kile, a Westlake, La.-native, cut his teeth racing go-karts at local tracks throughout his home state. He progressed to modifieds and late-models, capturing numerous wins and awards along the way. He made his NASCAR debut in 2009, driving a partial schedule in the Camping World Truck Series for Brad Keselowski Racing. In six starts he accumulated three top-15 finishes. Additionally, he competed in eight ARCA Racing Series events with Brad Keselowski Racing, posting an impressive four top-10 finishes. He moved to Venturini Motorsports in 2010, running the full ARCA Racing Series schedule, capturing his first series victory at Michigan International Speedway along with two pole awards, seven top-five and 15 top-10 finishes. Kile also made his Nationwide Series debut in the April event at Nashville Superspeedway.

The father of two is thrilled to be returning to the Nationwide Series with Turner Motorsports.

“This is such a great opportunity for me. Turner Motorsports has proven it is a top-tier organization with talented employees and drivers. Their equipment is some of the best in the sport and I am excited about getting a chance to race in it,” said Kile. “I worked with Stewart [Cooper, crew chief] in my Nationwide Series debut and I am glad I get the chance to work with him again. He and the 30 crew all have experience working with rookies and they have been so helpful already. I also have a great group of teammates, with a wealth of experience, who I can lean on as I make my way into the Nationwide Series.”

About Turner Motorsports:

Turner Motorsports, LLC, established in 1999, is in the midst of its sophomore season of NASCAR competition. Owned by Texas-native, Steve Turner, the organization has expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR’s top-tier touring series. Turner Motorsports operates out of an 110,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility in Mooresville, N.C., and will house three entries in the Camping World Truck Series and four entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The team boasts an all-star driver line-up that includes Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Jason Leffler, Reed Sorenson, Justin Allgaier, Ricky Carmichael, James Buescher and Brad Sweet.

The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse teams Hendrick Motorsports, which will provide engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, Kevin Harvick Inc. for body and aero support, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. Turner Motorsports’ marketing partners include Dollar General, Great Clips, Monster Energy, BRANDT, Rexall, Exide, AccuDoc Solutions, Wolfpack Rentals, Fraternal Order of Eagles and ABF Freight. For more information on Turner Motorsports, visit www.turnermotorsportsllc.com.

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

Robb Brent Black Shirt

Midland, Michigan – (October 19

The 2010 Pocono Raceway winning trophy was on display along with a scrap book photo album of each race in the season.  Approximately 59,000 people came out to the campus for the NUIAS show.  Many came to take a tour through the hauler and got an autograph from Brent as he explained how racing works and what he has done during the past few years.  “It was a lot of fun and I think we gained some new fans this weekend,” Brent said.  “It was really cool to bring back a trophy to show my professors, counselors, other alumni and friends what I have been up to.”

Next Brent, a Shelby Twp., Michigan –  native, will be attending the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Championship Awards Banquet on Saturday, December 4 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky.

Prior to joining Allgaier Motorsports, Brent participated in the ARCA Racing Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driving for NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski and Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR). In his 57 ARCA starts, Brent has acquired six top-five finishes and 19 top-10 efforts. Brent notched his career best qualifying effort of second at Kentucky Speedway in 2008 and best career finish of first at Pocono Raceway in 2010. He has led the ARCA pack three times for 58 laps.

Brent made his NASCAR Nationwide debut at Road America this year for RAB Racing where he started 25^th and finished 30^th.  His best finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series occurred at Nashville Superspeedway in his inaugural truck debut where he finished 21st after qualifying 26th.

Washington Township, Michigan-based Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has been the primary sponsor on Brent’s No. 36 Dodge Charger. Go to www.orchardcdj.com for more information on new and used cars, parts and service

Multiple cost-effective marketing partnership packages are available for the 2011 ARCA Racing Series season for Robb Brent.   Let Robb Brent Racing show you how we can help your company succeed in marketing in the racing world!

For more info on NASCAR ARCA Driver Robb Brent, sponsorship opportunities and racing apparel, please visit Robbbrentracing.com

Be sure to cast your vote for Robb Brent as the 2010 National Speed Sport News Most Popular Driver. Visit ARCANation.com/robbbrent and vote for Robb Brent today – voting ends October 23.

- Robb Brent Racing, Press Release

Week 13 Daytona Repave Update: Project Reaches The Halfway Mark

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –

The crew from Lane Construction began the Daytona Repave project immediately following the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola in early July and has spent the past three months putting down a new racing surface on Daytona International Speedway’s 2.5-mile tri-oval, skid pad, apron and pit road.

Three months remain in the project that will put down 50,000 tons of asphalt on 1.4 million square feet. Here are the updates from the 13^th week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway:

• Demolition of the old asphalt in Turns 1 and 2 began on Friday
• Paving on the skid pad extension continues
• Milling of asphalt on the apron on the Superstretch
• Work on paving the wearing course in Turns 3 and 4, through the start/finish line to the entrance of Turn 1 remains ongoing.

About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011.

Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience.

Daytona International Speedway also is posting updates on the project at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/repave and on its social sites on Twitter (www.twitter.com/DISUpdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/daytonainternationalspeedway). For fans interested in purchasing pieces of asphalt, they can visit www.jostens.com/Daytona

For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

- Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Max Gresham

“Winning the pole was great, it was one heck of a lap,” said Gresham, who grabbed the pole blistering the rough and tumble Salem oval with a lap of 17.266 seconds (115.719 mph) on Saturday. “It’s a lap I don’t want to make again. I drove it in really hard and I drove it hard off the corner. I was fun, but like I said, I don’t think I want to do that again for awhile”

At the drop of the green flag Sunday, Gresham settled into third place allowing Steve Arpin and Joey Coulter to battle for the top spot over the first 50 laps. Gresham stayed on track during a Lap 54 caution as sixth on back came in for tires and fuel.

Without fresh rubber, Gresham slid back in the field to eighth after the restart before another caution, this time on Lap 78, had him heading to the pits for service. There, quick work on a two-tire pit stop by his Gresham Motorsports team kept the Woodward Academy High School junior student among the leaders as he roared off in sixth on the Lap 83 restart.

Gresham continued to run comfortably in the Top-10 as the race again went yellow at Lap 98, just short of the half-way mark in the 200-circuit event.

“It was hard to get going with all the cautions,” said Gresham. “On some of the long runs, you could get in a groove. I just tried to stay smooth and keep the tires under the car for later in the race.”

Gresham was 10th as the field again rumbled back to green-flag conditions on Lap 103. With just 14 cars still on the lead lap, the young driver battled with Ali Owens, Bryan Silas, Timmy Hill and Frank Kimmel to stay in contention for a Top-10 finish. Out of tires and falling fast in the running order, Gresham got the break he needed when the caution flew on Lap 129 allowing him to come to the pits for fresh rubber.

“We really faded after the two-tire pit stop,” said Gresham. “I just burned them off and we didn’t have any tires left. Fortunately we got a caution right when we needed it.”

Now 13th and the final car on the lead lap on the restart, Gresham quickly hustled his way back into the Top-10 and was eighth when another caution, this one on Lap 148, again slowed the field.

After a lengthy clean up, Gresham was back at speed as the field took the green flag with just 40 laps remaining. Gresham then had a close call as he narrowly missed a spin in front of him on Lap 167.

“Man, that was close,” Gresham stated. “I still don’t know how I got through that one. I slammed on the brakes, got the car straight, and then slammed on the brakes again. It was crazy.”

The cautions kept on coming over the final 25 laps as the field slowed several times for spins and accidents. At the end, Gresham didn’t have enough for the win, but after capturing the pole and coming home sixth in his first ARCA effort, it felt just as good as a victory.

“It’s definitely a win for our team,” said Gresham. “The finish and winning the pole are a huge morale booster for everyone. I think the next time we show up for an ARCA race, they will know we mean business.”

- Gresham Motorsports Press Release

The Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone

The Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone is an all-inclusive package for race fans featuring:

• A reserved tailgate area that includes the use of a 10×10 tent, table and chairs
• A premium parking pass
• Use of a portable generator provided by Honda Generators
• Four reserved grandstand tickets to the Aaron’s 499 on Sunday, April 25

The Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone will also feature tailgate activities and contests with prizes from Pepsi Max and other participating partners.  The area is located directly behind the Gadsden Grandstands, just steps away from all the action.

“This is a new area we created for our race fans,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch.  “With so many of our fans travelling long distances to get to the races, we want to make it simple for them to have a great tailgate party that is hassle-free.  I believe the Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone is going to be a big hit during the Aaron’s Dream Weekend.”

The Pepsi Max Tailgate Zone package is $299 and available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visiting the website at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

The Aaron’s Dream Weekend features qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, followed by the ARCA Racing Series 250 race on Friday, April 23.  On Saturday, April 24, fans will see qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, followed by the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.  On Sunday, April 25, NASCAR’s greatest drivers face off in the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.

- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release

George, a licensed chiropractor and NCAA Basketball Referee, spun in turn four of the high banked superspeedway as she tried to avoid the wreckage of Jesse Smith’s Dodge Charger. “I saw the tire blow on the 29 car,” stated a dejected George “I steered to miss him and then I found myself sliding upside down across the track.”

George was credited with a 31st place finishing position in the ARCA Racing Series opening event of the 2010 season. “I am really looking forward to racing again in the ARCA Series” stated George “I really had the time of my life this week.”

- Hylton Motorsports Press Release

Michigan International Speedway

MIS Cares donated more than $15,000 in grant donations to a number of area organizations and charities, including the American Red Cross, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots campaign.

“In our first year of the MIS Cares organization, we were very pleased in the money and donations we raised to help many local organizations in 2009,” MIS Director of Community and Government Affairs Alisha Cottrell said. “We’ll continue to take positive strides with the MIS Cares program and provide donations to organizations that are in need.”

At its annual community holiday luncheon in December, MIS Cares presented checks to the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross and MUCC. The Red Cross received a donation of $8,000 to support the Spirit of America Blood Drive in addition to the $100,000 it received from MIS Director of Guest Services Tim Booth winning the Home Depot NMPA Humanitarian Award in November. Booth won the award for his efforts in making the Spirit of America Blood Drive the largest of its kind on 9-11.

The MUCC received $5,700 to support the restoration of the beach at Cedar Lake in the Waterloo Recreation Area and for new camp programming for the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp.

The Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program in Jackson, Mich., received a donation from MIS Cares of $1,350, along with over 3,000 toys that were collected by the track’s Track Drive for Charity. The track drive was held in early December and allowed race fans to take a lap around the historic two-mile MIS oval for the donation of a toy or food item. The drive collected over 3,000 toys and also thousands of food items, which in turn was donated to the CCIS Food Pantry in Brooklyn, Mich.

“It’s special when local businesses pitch in and help out like this,” Mike Brown, local coordinator for Toys for Tots said. “The people and businesses in Jackson County and surrounding areas are always very giving to their local communities, so thank you to MIS for being involved and always showing us you care.”

In 2010, MIS Cares plans to hold a variety of events surrounding its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in June and August. Fishing tournaments along with another track drive are planned in the upcoming year.

“We had so much success with the events we had in 2009. It’s important to continue those programs and try some new ones for this year in hopes of being able to raise for money and donation items for good causes,” Cottrell said.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

MIS’ Value Pricing Period begins on Feb. 1. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 will be as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 on Feb. 1 to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.

Michigan International Speedway – 2010 Schedule

Friday, June 11           ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Racing for Wildlife 200

Saturday, June 12      NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Sunday, June 13         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

Friday, Aug. 13           Gatorade Pole Day

Saturday, Aug. 14       NASCAR Nationwide CARFAX 250 Series

Sunday, Aug. 15         NASCAR Sprint Cup CARFAX 400 Series

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

TRG's No. 71 Porsche GT3 997 - Photo by Juha Lievonon

George Jr. was pleased with the results; “we had a great test at the Roar Before the 24 and were often the fastest Porsche on track. I think overall we had the fastest GT combined driver lap time. I’m excited to be back for my third year with TRG and Spencer Pumpelly as my co-driver. The factory support from Porsche is also a great asset. It’s an honor to drive with 2000 NASCAR Cup Champion, Bobby Labonte, as well.”

George Jr. is no rookie when it comes to the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He ran the 24-hour race for the first time in 2008, finishing third and receiving the 2008 Rolex Series Rookie of the Year award. Adding to his third place finish, George Jr. and team finished second in 2009. Looking at the 2010 race, George Jr.’s goal is to round out his podium finishes with a win and the famed Rolex 24 Winner’s Watch.

Racing with TRG for the third time, George Jr. has put himself in a great position to achieve that goal. TRG has won the 24-hour race three times, including one overall win, and has seven podiums finishes in the last eight races.

In addition to reuniting with TRG, George Jr. will team up with Spencer Pumpelly for a third time. Pumpelly brings a wealth of experience with a win in the GT class at the 2006 Rolex 24 and six Grand-Am wins. Also teaming up with George Jr. is NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte. Labonte will take his first laps in the GT class, after competing three times at the Rolex 24 in the DP class.

Three-time TRG teammate Spencer Pumpelly talks about George Jr. racing a sports car; “Tim has come a long way since we first raced together three seasons ago. He has the experience now to help with the set-up and take on a bigger role on our 24 hour team. With Tim turning the times he was at the test and Bobby Labonte running times to rival the top Porsche drivers, I think we have one of the best driver line-ups in this year’s race.”

Tim George Jr./TRG Motorsports - Photo by Juha Lievonon

About Tim George Jr.

The New York, N.Y., native began racing in the Skip Barber Racing School regional series in 2005. In 2007, he ran the Grand-Am KONI series before moving up to the Grand-Am Rolex series in the GT class. In 2008, Tim George Jr. was named Rolex Series MESCO “Building for the Future” Rookie-of-the-Year. He has two GT class podium finishes in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, finishing third in 2008 and second in 2009. The 29-year old driver made his transition to stock cars in 2009, running full-time in the ARCA Racing Series, finishing 11th in the point standings with one top-5 and two top-10 finishes. George Jr. will pilot the No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet full-time in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards in 2010.

For more information, please visit www.timgeorgejr.com

About Activ8 Communications

Activ8 Communications, based in Mooresville, North Carolina, specializes in public relations, marketing strategies, brand development and sponsor activation. With focus on NASCAR public relations and relationship building, Activ8 creates unique identities and connections for the drivers and clients under its umbrella.

For more information about Activ8 Communications, please visit www.goactiv8.com

- Activ8 Communications, Press Release

Daytona International Speedway Logo

Goodman’s 100-word essay on “Why I Should Be Mayor” was selected by Facebook users as the winner of the annual contest held by Daytona International Speedway.

“I’ve wanted to be Mayor for a long time,” said Goodman.  “I’m so happy and proud.  If you want an ambassador for Daytona, you got the right person.”

Goodman, an avid NASCAR fan who calls local radio stations to give race reports often, has NASCAR memorabilia in every room of his house.  Unique aspects of Goodman’s home include a rendering of the tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway on one wall.

“In 1967, as a little kid, we had (ABC’s) ‘Wild World of Sports’ (on the television) and I happened to be walking through the living room of the house and they had a little bit of the Daytona 500 going on,” said Goodman.  “I just stopped and started watching.  I’ve been infatuated every since.”

Goodman will wave the flag at the Rolex 24 At Daytona practice session to officially get Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010 underway as his first duty as Mayor.

Other Mayor of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks perks for Goodman include Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access for the Daytona 500, two tickets to the Daytona 500 Experience, an invitation to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver’s Meeting and a chance to be part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the 52^nd running of the Daytona 500.

Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available on your web-enabled phone at mobile.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, online at 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).

- Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Daytona International Speedway Logo

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –

Hershey’s Milk and Milkshakes are available in 12 oz. plastic single-serve bottles at retailers nationwide in a variety of flavors, including Hershey’s Lowfat Chocolate Milk,  Hershey’s Creamy Chocolate Milkshake and Hershey’s Cookies n’ Cream Milkshake. Fans attending Speedweeks 2010 will be able to sample Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes in the FanZone area.

Hershey’s Milk and Milkshakes Speedweeks at Daytona features eight major events:

• The 48^th Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend on Jan. 28-31
• A racing tripleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6 with Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 and the Budweiser Shootout
• The Gatorade Duel At Daytona qualifying races on Thursday, Feb. 11
• The NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, Feb. 12
• The Camping World 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, Feb. 13
• The Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 14, “The Great American Race” and NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious event

“Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks at Daytona is a one-of-a-kind motorsports spectacle,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “We’re excited about this new sponsorship opportunity with Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes and look forward to a great working relationship.”

“Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes is proud to be the sponsor of Speedweeks 2010 at Daytona International Speedway,” said Chris Ross, spokesperson for HP Hood LLC, who produces the products under license from The Hershey Company. “We are excited to share with NASCAR’s fan base—the best fan base across all of sports—the opportunity to enjoy the authentic and delicious taste of new Hershey’s Milk and Milkshakes.”

Tickets for Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks at Daytona events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

About HP Hood LLC (licensee of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes)

Founded in 1846, today Hood is one of the largest branded dairy operators in the United States.  Hood is the number-one dairy brand in New England, and Hood’s portfolio of national and super-regional brands and franchise products includes Hood, Kemps, Crowley Foods, Simply Smart, Heluva Good!, LACTAID, FiberOne, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze and Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes. For more information about Hood, please visit www.Hood.com.

- Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

PoconoRaceway

POCONO, PA (December 7, 2009)-

Pocono Raceway tickets would make a great holiday gift for the race fan on your shopping list.

Tickets are also available for the Friday and Saturday events leading up to Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice, ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX practice and qualifying plus WEIS Markets Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series are scheduled for Friday, June 4.

Saturday, June 5 features NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice and the Pocono 200, ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX race.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pocono Mountains 125 has been added to the Pennsylvania 500 weekend. Friday, July 30 will feature practice for all three series; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX, followed by ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX qualifying and WEIS Markets Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying will start the action on Saturday, July 31 followed by the Pocono Mountains 125, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and the Pennsylvania 125, ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX race.

Tickets for all Pocono Raceway events can be purchased online at www.poconoraceway.com or by calling 1-800-RACEWAY

About Pocono Raceway

”The Tricky Triangle” is host to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series races each year and has added a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 2010. Pocono Raceway’s 2.5 mile triangular design makes it truly unique. Pocono is the only track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Circuit with 3 turns, 3 different radii and 3 variant degrees of banking. All that ensures our fans will enjoy some serious action, meanwhile presenting a competitive challenge to the world’s best drivers and their crew chiefs. Pocono strives to create a family atmosphere with increased focus on the Fan Experience. We are Pocono Raceway and this is “The Tricky Triangle.”

In business for over 50 years, Pocono Raceway is family owned and located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We are located within 300 miles of one-third of the US population and within 90 miles of New York City and Philadelphia. Pocono Raceway is and always will be an attractive option for NASCAR and race fans alike.

- Pocono Raceway, Press Release

Michigan International Speedway

Speedway staff, along with employees of Competition Tire and Americrown collected thousands of toys and food items that will benefit Toys for Tots of Jackson and the Brooklyn Food Pantry, respectively, this holiday.

The track drive gave fans, many of them armed with video cameras, the opportunity to take their personal vehicles for a lap around the track in exchange for a donation of a toy or non-perishable food item. The turnout was exceptional despite the 28-degree weather and flurries. Fans came from across Michigan, Ohio and parts of Canada. A group of driver’s education students and their instructor stopped by, as did a local race car driver.

“We couldn’t be happier with the amount of toys and food items we collected,” Alisha Cottrell, director of Government and Community Relations for MIS, said. “It’s nice to see so many race fans and area residents take time out of their day to give to charity and support this event. This donation will greatly help the needs of many local families who need some cheer this holiday.”

Oscar Ortiz, an infield camping customer, traveled from Ypsilanti, Mich., to participate in the event.

“I’ve been a longtime MIS fan, so to be able to give to charity and get to take a lap around this great racetrack is a win-win for everyone,” he said. “I applaud MIS and their efforts to allow us to do this, and at the same time, collect toys and food for their local community. Many people and children will benefit from this and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Chris Siemion of Taylor, Mich., a suburb of Detroit, heard about the track drive on WJR 760 AM at 10:30 a.m. this morning. He decided to take his 2000 Pontiac Trans Am out of storage for the day and head out to MIS with a toy in hand.

“What a great opportunity to give back to the community and donate a toy for a child who may have not had one this year,” Siemion said. “I’ve known about MIS for years, but thought this was the best chance to come out and see it for myself. I called my insurance company up, re-inflated the tires, and got my Trans Am out of storage so I could take a lap around the track with it. It was a great experience.”

Competition Tire, the company that handles delivery of Goodyear Racing tires across the country for various motorsports series including NASCAR, is storing the toys and food in a tractor trailer until the speedway staff can deliver the goods in the coming weeks.

Toys and food will continue to be collected at MIS during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Dec. 16. Toys for Tots and Food Pantry collection boxes are in the speedway lobby at 12626 US 12 in Brooklyn.

All donated toys should be unwrapped and new. Food should be nonperishable. The Food Pantry is also seeking soap products, paper goods, canned fruits and juices.

The speedway has not opened its gates for a public track drive since 2005 when it hosted a similar effort to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. That drive raised more than $20,000.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2010 will go to customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2010.

Media Note: A photo of MIS staff members Tim Lamb (Left) and Jennifer Hutchinson collecting food items for the MIS Track Drive for Charity is attached to this e-mail for media use. Credit Michigan International Speedway

Michigan International Speedway – 2010 Schedule

Friday, June 11 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX Racing for Wildlife 200
Saturday, June 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Sunday, June 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400

Friday, Aug. 13 Gatorade Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Nationwide CARFAX 250 Series
Sunday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup CARFAX 400 Series

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

Sheltra Motorsports Logo

Kenny Saul, 77 was a huge supporter of driver Patrick Sheltra as he made his way through the dirt late model ranks before quickly accelerating into a successful asphalt career in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark and his family,” said driver Patrick Sheltra. “Kenny was one heck of a guy. He didn’t cut you any slack but he was always very supportive. I will never forget that and I will miss him greatly.”

“Words cannot describe how saddened we are about the loss of Kenny,” said car owner Grace Sheltra. “We will forever be appreciative of his kindness, support and dedication to Patrick’s driving career. Our sincerest condolences go out to Mark and his family through this most difficult time.”

Funeral arrangements are still pending at this time.

For more on Patrick Sheltra, the Sheltra Motorsports team and marketing partnership opportunities please visit PatrickSheltra.com.

About Sheltra Motorsports:

Sheltra Motorsports (sheltramotorsports.com) is a three-tier Motorsports operation consisting of dirt and asphalt competition. Patrick Sheltra, a 23-year old native of Indiantown, Florida competes in the UMP and WoO (Dirt) Series; while also running a full schedule in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX (No. 60) and a limited schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Sheltra Motorsports ownership is combined of Richard, Grace and Patrick Sheltra. The team is headquartered in Indiantown, Florida with additional operations in Richmond, Indiana and Whitesville, Kentucky.

- Sheltra Motorsports Press Release

Sheltra Motorsports Logo

23-year old Patrick Sheltra is expected to return to the ARCA Racing Series on a full-time basis on the heels of three consecutive seasons of competition. His latest season included his first career-win at Salem Speedway in April after recovering from a serious injury in the season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February. Sheltra went on to score four top-fives and eight top-10 finishes overall in 21 starts leading to a ninth place finish in the championship standings.

In total, Sheltra has accumulated 67 ARCA starts, one win, 10 top-fives and 22 top-10 finishes behind the wheel of his colorful No. 60 machine. The Sheltra Motorsports team has rotated the Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota emblems during their short but impressive tenure.

For the third consecutive season, car owner and Mother Grace Sheltra has earned a place inside the top-10 in the final car owner points rundown. This year, Grace Sheltra was one of only three registered female owners to earn a check in the win column.

Sheltra, a native of Indiantown, Florida is anxiously preparing for an upcoming test at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway later this month commented on the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX schedule.

Patrick Sheltra

SHELTRA: (ON TWENTY RACES IN 2010) “I don’t care if there is fifthteen, twenty or 35 races as long as the racing is justified and is beneficial to everyone including the fans, the teams and marketing partners. Overall, I think the ARCA teams should be very satisfied with what the sanctioning body has laid down especially during this tough economic time.”

SHELTRA: (ON THE ADDITION OF PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY) “The addition of the road course at Palm Beach (Fla.) International Raceway is a big deal. It’s a big deal for several reasons. It’s by all counts a hometown event for me with it located just 15 minutes up the road from Indiantown and it’s also adds more momentum to the ARCA Series by adding a track of this caliber to their lineup. It’s going to be one of the most anticipated events of the year. I can promise you that.”

SHELTRA: (ON TALLADEGA REMAINING AN APRIL RACE) “I still have mixed feelings about that. I enjoy restrictor plate racing but to get both plate races out of the way so early in the season is a bummer for me. In 2008, we finished fifth there (Talladega) in October and it gave us some momentum for the final couple races. There is no doubt in my mind that our restrictor plate program will be top-notch. However, it was nice to have a “wild card” race like Talladega thrown into the mix near the end of the schedule.”

SHELTRA: (ON THE ADDITION OF TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY) “Texas is going to be one of those nail biter races, I think. It’s a immensely fast track and I think the young-guns like myself are going to have to lean on the veterans like Frank Kimmel and Mark Gibson on how to get around there. This race has probably the potential to be one of the more exciting races of the year.”

Patrick Sheltra

SHELTRA: (ON DIRT RACING NEXT YEAR) “The ARCA Racing Series schedule would not be complete without racing on the dirt. I would like to think we can win those races next year. We’ve been so close but have come up short. The Sheltra Motorsports team has always giving me a strong car and we’ve run in the top-five and even the top-10 but we just haven’t been able to claim that checkered flag. I hope we’re able to change that stat in 2010. I was hoping we might get another dirt race on the schedule next year but I’ll take the two we have.”

SHELTRA: (ON RETURNING TO NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK) “New Jersey Motorsports Park has become one of the nicest facilities on the ARCA scene. It’s a great place with great people who opened their arms to make us feel welcomed. We had a really good car there this year and had a top-10 finish. I think that the fans saw one of the best ARCA road-course races in history last year at New Jersey. It was a pretty clean race with a lot of intensity and action. I’m starting to get the hang of these road courses a little bit, so I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy racing on them.”

SHELTRA: (ON ENDING THE SEASON AT ROCKINGHAM SPEEDWAY) “It fits pretty nicely. We’ve had some success at the track and we’ve experienced some bad luck at “The Rock” but I cannot justify a better place to crown a Champion than at a track that empowers such a rich history. It’s a shame we’re not racing their twice next year but it’s definitely fitting and proper to close out the year at Andy Hillenburg’s track.”

SHELTRA: (ON THE DISSAPEARANCE OF KENTUCKY SPEEDWAY) “I feel like Kentucky Speedway was one of my better tracks on the ARCA scene. We were never really a threat to win but we were solid each and every time we unloaded. I know that the track has gone through some ownership changes and their racing window had shrunk considerably compared to prior years. We’ll miss racing in the “Bluegrass” state in 2010, but I hope it’s a track that returns to the ARCA lineup down the road.”

SHELTRA: (ON A RACE TRACK MISSING FROM THE 2010 ARCA RACING SERIES SCHEDULE) “I really wish we could get Winchester Speedway back on the tour. It’s a fun place to race and I think a lot of the drivers would agree with me. There is no other short track on the circuit that you can compare to Winchester Speedway; it’s just that powerful of a racetrack. I’m disappointed it’s not on the schedule but maybe down the road it will be and if I’m able to compete in the race, I will.”

For more on Patrick Sheltra, the Sheltra Motorsports team and marketing partnership opportunities please visit PatrickSheltra.com.

For additional input on Buffalo Wings & Rings, please connect to Buffalowingsandrings.com or call 513.831.WING.

About Sheltra Motorsports:

Sheltra Motorsports (sheltramotorsports.com) is a three-tier Motorsports operation consisting of dirt and asphalt competition. Patrick Sheltra, a 23-year old native of Indiantown, Florida competes in the UMP and WoO (Dirt) Series; while also running a full schedule in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX (No. 60) and a limited schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Sheltra Motorsports ownership is combined of Richard, Grace and Patrick Sheltra. The team is headquartered in Indiantown, Florida with additional operations in Richmond, Indiana and Whitesville, Kentucky.

About Buffalo Wings & Rings:

Buffalo Wings & Rings is the fastest-growing privately owned franchised chain of restaurants in the nation serving Buffalo-style chicken wings, onion rings, burgers, chicken and salads. Founded in 1988 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Buffalo Wings & Rings operates franchised restaurants throughout the United States. Buffalo Wings & Rings was ranked the No. 1 fastest growing restaurant chain nationwide in the July 2008 issue of Restaurant Business, and ranked in the top 500 franchises in the January 2009 issue of Entrepreneur. For more information, visit buffalowingsandrings.com or call 513-831-WING.

- Sheltra Motorsports Press Release

Sheltra Motorsports Logo

LaCosta arrived in the deep isolation city of Dryden, whose stunning population without the Sheltra clan is a staggering 11 on Wednesday and was able to experience the Sheltra’s off-season activities before giving his meaning of “Thanks” on Thursday.

“The Sheltra’s are terrific people and I’m having a blast,” said LaCosta who will depart back to North Carolina on Saturday afternoon. “The entire Sheltra family is a blast around the racetrack any ways but to see their lives from a different prospective outside the racing scene truly shows how close of a family they are. I appreciate their hospitality and I’m hoping to be able to hang out with them away from the track more often.”

He added, “It’s very quiet out here, but it’s very relaxing. To experience all the different angles of wildlife like I have this week has truly been amazing. The memories here will last a lifetime.”

For Sheltra, a native of Indiantown, Florida, he’s equally enjoyed the company of LaCosta.

“Corey’s a blast,” said Sheltra, who will take a breather from Texas next weekend and head to Cincinnati, Ohio to be honored for his ninth-place championship finish this year. “We had a good number of entries for the Hunting Extravaganza, and I would like to thank everyone who placed an entry but for one of the winners to be Corey was a welcomed surprised. I appreciate what he has done for the teams in ARCA this year, especially ours. Now we’re giving back to him in our own Sheltra form. It’s just been a lot of fun!”

Ray Sasser, the other recipient of the Sheltra Motorsports Hunting Extravaganza will make his expedition before the Sheltra’s return to Florida in January.

The 23-year old Sheltra has 67 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX starts to his credit with one career victory at Salem Speedway (April 2009). During his ARCA tenure, Sheltra has accumulated 10 top-fives and posted 22 top-10 finishes. A third place qualifying effort at Rockingham Speedway (April 2009) is Sheltra’s best time trials efforts to date. He has controlled the ARCA field five times for 109 laps.

For more on Patrick Sheltra, the Sheltra Motorsports team and marketing partnership opportunities please visit PatrickSheltra.com.

For additional input on Buffalo Wings & Rings, please connect to Buffalowingsandrings.com or call 513.831.WING.

About Sheltra Motorsports:

Sheltra Motorsports (sheltramotorsports.com) is a three-tier Motorsports operation consisting of dirt and asphalt competition. Patrick Sheltra, a 23-year old native of Indiantown, Florida competes in the UMP and WoO (Dirt) Series; while also running a full schedule in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX (No. 60) and a limited schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Sheltra Motorsports ownership is combined of Richard, Grace and Patrick Sheltra. The team is headquartered in Indiantown, Florida with additional operations in Richmond, Indiana and Whitesville, Kentucky.

About Buffalo Wings & Rings:

Buffalo Wings & Rings is the fastest-growing privately owned franchised chain of restaurants in the nation serving Buffalo-style chicken wings, onion rings, burgers, chicken and salads. Founded in 1988 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Buffalo Wings & Rings operates franchised restaurants throughout the United States. Buffalo Wings & Rings was ranked the No. 1 fastest growing restaurant chain nationwide in the July 2008 issue of Restaurant Business, and ranked in the top 500 franchises in the January 2009 issue of Entrepreneur. For more information, visit buffalowingsandrings.com or call 513-831-WING.

- Sheltra Motorsports Press Release