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

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

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

Jane Lynch, right, and Kate Upton from the new Three Stooges movie. (Photo credit: Peter Iovino)

Larry, Moe and Curly to deliver the Green Flag for the 54^th running of ‘The Great American Race’ 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As Grand Marshals, co-stars from the new Three Stooges movie Jane Lynch and Kate Upton will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – “Drivers, start your engines.”

Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Will Sasso — starring as Larry, Moe & Curly – in the all new The Three Stooges movie from Twentieth Century Fox, will start the action by delivering the green flag at the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race, on Sunday, February 26^th (FOX, 1 p.m. ET).

“We look forward to Jane and Kate’s participation in the pre-race ceremonies, adding to the star power of NASCAR’s biggest and richest race of the year,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Also, the thousands of race fans in attendance and the millions more watching on FOX Sports are eagerly waiting to experience ‘Stoogemania,’ when The Three Stooges deliver the green flag”

In The Three Stooges, which hits theaters everywhere April 13, 2012, newborns Larry, Moe and Curly are left on the doorstep of an orphanage run by nuns. The boys grow up finger-poking, nyuk-nyuk-nyuking and woo-woo-wooing their way to uncharted levels of knuckleheaded misadventure. Out to save their childhood home, only The Three Stooges could become embroiled in an oddball murder plot…while stumbling into starring in a phenomenally successful TV reality show.

Earl Benjamin, President and CEO of C3 Entertainment, Inc. (The Three Stooges brand owner) and Executive Producer of the new movie, said “The Three Stooges as a part of the Daytona 500 gives both comedy and racing fans a truly unique blend of two of America’s most enduring cultural icons – The greatest comedy team of all time and the aptly named The Great American Race. What could be better?”

Jane Lynch is best known for her role as the sarcastic villain on FOX’s hit show Glee, for which she has earned an Emmy and Golden Globe. Kate Upton, who was raised in Melbourne, Fla., is known for her appearance in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she was named Rookie of the Year.

Sean Hayes (Larry) garnered acclaim as the sarcastic and hilarious Jack McFarland on NBC’s long-running sitcom, Will & Grace. Will Sasso (Curly) starred for five seasons (1997-2002) on FOX-TV’s hit sketch comedy series MADtv, Chris Diamantopoulos (Moe) recently portrayed Frank Sinatra in the Emmy-nominated mini-series The Kennedys.

Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 events, including the 54^th annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 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.

Visit www.threestooges.com and Facebook (www.facebook.com/thethreestooges) for all the latest Three Stooges movie news.

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Reese Towpower Logo

NASCAR SEASON FOR REESE TOWPOWER KICKS OFF AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY WITH BRAD KESELOWSKI TWITTER TRUCK NATIONAL PROMOTION AND BIG PLANS FOR THE APRIL KANSAS RACE AS MAIN SPONSORS IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES WITH LABONTE  AND IN THE CAMPING  WORLD TRUCK SERIES WITH KLIGERMAN  

(SOLON, OH-) Second year NASCAR team sponsors, Cequent Consumer Products (CCP) and its leading brand Reese Towpower® will kick off the 2012 NASCAR season February 24th, 2012 at Daytona International Speedway as part of Brad Keselowski’s Twitter truck at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Keselowski held a Twitter promotion in which fans had to Tweet the answer to a question and follow sponsors @ReeseTowpower @CooperStandard and @Keselowski for a chance to be featured on the Keselowski’s #19 RAM truck. The promotion gained massive appeal through Twitter with NASCAR fans and the media.

After Daytona, Reese Towpower will then have a huge weekend at the Kansas Speedway April 21 and 22 with sponsored teams at both the SFP 250 and the STP 400 races.  Reese Towpower®, the leader in towing products and Highland®, the leader in cargo management and cargo securing products will return for a second year to sponsor 2000 NASCAR Champion driver, Bobby Labonte of JTG Daugherty Racing in the Sprint Cup Series. Labonte will drive the No. 47 Toyota Camry Reese Towpower car on April 22 at the Kansas Speedway.

“We’re looking forward to having Cequent Consumer Products brands Reese Towpower® and Highland® return to the No. 47 Toyota Camry at Kansas Speedway in April,” Labonte said. “CCP is a great partner of JTG Daugherty Racing and they have selected a fan-friendly track with multiple grooves and good racing to spotlight their brands with our NASCAR fans.”

The Kansas City race is also when Reese Towpower will debut as the primary sponsor of the No. 29 Reese Towpower RAM in the Camping World Truck Series with up and coming driver, Parker Kligerman of Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR). Additional dates for the Reese Towpower Ram driven by Kligerman include:

April 21st – Kansas Speedway
June 8th – Texas Motor Speedway
July 14th – Iowa Speedway
July 21st – Chicagoland Speedway
September 29 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway

CCP is also proud to bring an industry partner on board as part of the 2012 NASCAR team sponsorship. Partner, National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA), will promote their consumer website PlanitDIY.com on the No. 29 Ram Truck as an Associate Sponsor for the July 21st Camping World Truck Series race at Chicagoland Speedway.

Reese Towpower is also pleased to announce Brad Keselowski will be the driver of the Reese Towpower No.19
RAM on August 22nd at Bristol Motor Speedway– Bristol, TN.

“Everyone at BKR is excited to debut the Cequent Consumer Products No. 29 Reese Towpower Ram at Kansas Speedway in April,” Kligerman said. “CCP is a great addition to our truck program and I am thrilled to able to represent all of CCP’s brands and products on and off the race track.”

“We are thrilled to open our season as dual sponsors of both team JTG Daugherty Racing and Brad Keselowski Racing,” said Francis Bernart, VP Marketing, Cequent Consumer Products. “This will be a big weekend of racing for us and being in both the Sprint Cup and the World Camping Series will provide maximum exposure for our leading brands Reese Towpower® and Highland®.”

Cequent Consumer Products began sponsoring the sport of NASCAR with JTG Daugherty Racing and Bobby Labonte in 2011.  In October, CCP announced a new mutil-race sponsorship with Brad Keselowski Racing to be split among CCP, its sister company, Cequent Performance Products and Cooper Standard, a returning sponsor for BKR. Cequent Consumer and Cequent Performance Products are divisions of the Cequent Group owned by TriMas Corporation of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

ABOUT CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS:
Cequent Consumer Products, Inc. is the industry’s leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative consumer products for the automotive aftermarket industry. For more than 85 years, Cequent Consumer Products has produced some of the most dependable products in today’s market including superior-quality towing and hitch systems, trailer components and accessories, as well as electrical, brake, cargo carrying and rack systems for cars and trucks. Our established brands are sold through leading automotive retailers nationwide. Our brands are leaders in the industry and include: Reese Towpower, Highland, Rola, Fulton, and Bulldog. Cequent Consumer Products is part of the Recreational Accessories business segment of TriMas Corporation headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  Visit http://www.CequentConsumerProducts.com
Follow us:
www.Facebook.com/ReeseTowpower    www.Twitter.com./ReeseTowpower
www.Facebook.com/HighlandProduct    www.Twitter.com/HighlandProduct

ABOUT BRAD KESELOWSKI RACING:
Based in Mooresville, North Carolina and led by NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series driver Brad Keselowski, Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) fields the No. 29 RAM in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. BKR, with the aim to provide young talented drivers the opportunity to improve their skills with a professional, competitive team, has also fielded entries in the ARCA Series and other developmental motorsport series. For more information, please visit www.bradracing.com.

ABOUT JTG DAUGHERTY RACING:
JTG Daugherty Racing is a thriving NASCAR Sprint Cup Series operation owned by husband and wife team Jodi and Tad Geschickter along with five-time NBA All-Star and ESPN television analyst Brad Daugherty. JTG Daugherty Racing entered full-time NASCAR Sprint Series competition during the 2009 season after competing 14 years in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and winning races. Based in Harrisburg, N.C., the team returns to the pinnacle of the sport for their fourth year. 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte returns at the wheel for his second season with the team looking to add to his 21 victories, 115 top-five and 201 top-10 finishes. For more information, please visit www.jtgdaughertyracing.com.

ABOUT NATIONAL RETAIL HARDWARE ASSOCIATION (NRHA)
The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing 36,000 independent hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards across the U.S. and Canada. NRHA provides information, communication, training programs and networking opportunities to help these retailers become better merchants and compete more effectively. In 2011, NRHA launched PlanItDIY, a consumer-awareness and marketing campaign promoting the benefits of shopping at local, independent home improvement stores. The primary component of this initiative is PlanItDIY.com, a website where consumers can watch how-to videos and find project information for the most popular do-it-yourself home improvement projects. It also features the nation’s most complete store locator of independent home improvement retailers. For more information visit www.nrha.org orwww.PlanItDIY.com.
Here’s a recap:
Sprint Cup Series
Driver Bobby Labonte of (JTG) – No. 47 Toyota Camry Reese Towpower car – April 22 – Kansas Speedway

Camping World Truck Series
Driver Brad Keselowski of (BKR) – Reese Towpower featured on the No. 19 Twitter Truck – February 24 - Daytona International  Speedway
Reese Towpower No.19 RAM on August 22nd at Bristol Motor Speedway

Driver Parker Kligerman of (BKR)- No. 29 Reese Towpower RAM:
April 21st – Kansas Speedway
June 8th – Texas Motor Speedway
July 14th – Iowa Speedway
July 21st – Chicagoland Speedway
September 29th – Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Source: Cequent Consumer Products, Inc./REESE Towpower Press Release

John Cena

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –

Cena was invited to participate in this year’s big race by 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series runner-up Carl Edwards on WWE’s Monday Night Raw®. Edwards got out of his official No. 99 Fastenal Ford and told Cena, “NASCAR asked me to come to Monday Night Raw and personally invite you to drop the green flag and officially start the Daytona 500 on February 26.” An appreciative John Cena enthusiastically accepted with an emphatic “Yes!”

“John Cena is the greatest Superstar in WWE today,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “We look forward to seeing him on the flag stand waving the green flag to start ‘The Great American Race’ and kick off the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.”

Cena, who made his WWE debut in 2002, is a ten-time World Champion. He can be seen each week on the hit cable series Monday Night Raw on USA Network. The avid NASCAR fan will headline WrestleMania against The Rock® at Sun Life Stadium in Miami on Sunday, April 1, 2012.

Cena’s success has led to starring roles in various Hollywood films. He recently starred in The Reunion from WWE Studios and alongside Patricia Clarkson and Danny Glover in the family drama Legendary. His first theatrical film was the 2006 action-thriller The Marine from Twentieth Century Fox. Always a fan favorite with kids, Cena played himself in Nickelodeon’s popular teen comedies Fred: The Movie and Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred. A popular talk show guest, Cena has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Talk and many more.

Cena, like many NASCAR drivers, has a long standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is on pace to grant his 300th wish, making him the first celebrity wish granter ever to reach that lofty goal. The Make-A-Wish Foundation recently dedicated a room to WWE at the foundation’s headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, in honor of Cena’s unwavering dedication to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Past Honorary Starters for the Daytona 500 include NASCAR Hall of Famers Bobby Allison and Richard Petty, actor Ashton Kutcher, comedian Whoopi Goldberg and singer Mariah Carey.

Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 events, including the 54th annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.comor by calling 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 Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway). In addition, fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter (@NASCAR) and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500.

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

No 27 PEAK Menards Chevy Impala SS

WELCOME, N.C. (February 6, 2012)

Expanding on their hood sponsorship of the Menards Chevrolet, PEAK has redesigned the No. 27 Impala to be completely adorned with the signature “PEAK blue” and “Menards yellow” as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series kicks off the season with the 54th running of the “Great American Race” on February 26. The special paint scheme will also be showcased in the Budweiser Shootout on February 18 and the Duel 150 qualifying race on February 23.

“PEAK has been a great partner to work with over the years,” commented Menard. “This year, to kick off the season at Daytona with a little extra punch, PEAK decided to run a vastly different paint scheme on the No. 27 Chevrolet. There is always a special energy going into Daytona and I know the team and I are all excited to get there and do everything we can to put the No. 27 PEAK car into Victory Lane.”

PEAK first partnered with the 2011 Brickyard 400 champion in 2004, but their relationship with Menards dates back to the home improvement chain’s IndyCar days. To celebrate the occasion and generate excitement with fans, PEAK will feature exclusive online Menard content in the days leading into the Daytona 500. The blog can be followed at www.peakauto.com/blog. Fans can also follow the march to Daytona at @peakauto on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peakauto.

Menard had an outstanding 2011 season, capturing his first-career Sprint Cup Series win with an emotional trip to Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and finishing 17th in the driver championship standings, his highest career finish. Menard enters his sixth year of NSCS competition in 2012 and will make his second career appearance in the annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

About PEAK

PEAK products are manufactured, marketed and distributed by Old World Industries, which is among the largest privately-held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World’s brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Products; Mr. Clean® Windshield Wash, Wiper Blades, and Auto Care Products; SIERRA®, the safer antifreeze; Fleet Charge® Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge® Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; SmartBLADE™ Premium Wiper Blades; HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; SplitFire® Spark Plugs. For more information, please visit www.oldworldind.com or www.peakauto.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 14 championships, including six in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its current Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser/Rheem/Jimmy John’s Chevrolet) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar/Wheaties/BB&T Chevrolet). Its Nationwide Series program includes Elliott Sadler (No. 2 One Main Financial Chevrolet), 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Advocare/Bass Pro Shops/American Ethanol Chevrolet) and Kevin Harvick/Brendan Gaughan/Paul Menard (No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino/Menards/Hunt Brothers Pizza/Armour/Fast Fixin’/ Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. and Brendan Gaughan (No. 2 Potomac Family Dining Group/South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet), Joey Coulter (No. 22 RCR/Armour Chevrolet) and 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion Ty Dillon (No.3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) compete in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series season.

Source: Richard Childress Racing, Press Release

SPEED Logo

GATORADE DUEL AT DAYTONA HEADLINES 100 HOURS

OF SPEEDWEEKS ON SPEED™

NASCAR RACE HUB OPENS SPEED COVERAGE

LIVE FROM MEDIA DAY 

            SPEED opens its extensive Daytona Speedweeks programming lineup Feb. 16 with reports from Media Day on a special live two-hour edition of NASCAR Race Hub. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars take to the track the following day for the first Budweiser Shootout practice session and SPEED brings viewers the Budweiser Shootout Selection Show on Feb. 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

NASCAR Race Hub, which enjoyed a 27-percent ratings increase in 2011, goes live from Daytona on Feb. 20-22, with Steve Byrnes hosting, Danielle Trotta reporting and analysis from Larry McReynolds, Randy Pemberton and Matt Clark.

Byrnes, covering Daytona Speedweeks for the 27^th time, has two main goals in bringing NASCAR’s season-opening action to SPEED audiences.

“First off, look at the scale at Daytona … it’s a huge venue,” said Byrnes, who also serves as a pit reporter for FOX Sports during the Daytona 500. “We have to use all the tools at our disposal and find the best ways to deliver a sense of speed in a place that can be overwhelming. And secondly, we have to keep finding stories that convey just how special the Daytona 500 is. It’s more than our Super Bowl … it’s much more than the money … for the drivers, it’s all about the trophy and for the fans it’s all about creating memories that often last a lifetime.”

On Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. ET, SPEED is live from the Gatorade Duel at Daytona as drivers battle for the final spots on the Daytona 500 starting grid. Krista Voda and Jeff Hammond host, with the NASCAR on FOX team of Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds and Mike Joy calling the action and Byrnes, Dr. Dick Berggren and Matt Yocum reporting from the pits.

Coming off its most-watched season ever, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opens its season under the lights Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. ET as NCWTS Setup w/ Krista Voda sets the tone for the green flag at 7:30 p.m. ET. Rick Allen hosts with Michael Waltrip and Phil Parsons providing analysis and Hermie Sadler and Ray Dunlap reporting from the pits.

Working with NASCAR and Sportvision, SPEED adds full telemetry to the NCWTS broadcasts in 2012. The network also will continue to explore more ways to connect with viewers through social media initiatives.

SPEED also offers live coverage of the ARCA Racing Series race Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m. ET, with Allen and Parsons in the booth and Dunlap, Jim Tretow and Jamie Howe in the pits.

NASCAR RaceDay, which saw huge audience increases during last season’s 10-race NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup, returns for three pre-race editions with John Roberts as host, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace and McReynolds providing analysis and Wendy Venturini, Rutledge Wood, Clark and Howe reporting from the garage.

NASCAR RaceDay offers pre-race coverage of the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duel at Daytona and a special three-hour show (Feb. 26, 9 a.m. ET) leading into FOX Sports coverage of the Daytona 500.

Wallace gets a little extra attention as the network special Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace chronicles the veteran driver and SPEED personality’s quest to make the Great American Race. The program premieres Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. ET.

Making a special appearance at Daytona Speedweeks, car customizer and racer Jimmy Shine, host of the SPEED original Car Warriors, stops by several shows during the week to talk season two, which gets a special preview Feb. 24 at 10 p.m. ET, following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

Trackside, the network’s longest-running NASCAR program, returns Feb. 25 at 4:30 p.m. ET. Voda hosts with Petty, Wood and Marianela Pereyra all returning to the show.

Live coverage of practice and qualifying sessions, as well as up-to-the minute updates from NASCAR Live!and SPEED Center round out the schedule, with Dave Despain’s Wind Tunnel returning for a 10^th season Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

NASCAR Performance kicks of its season on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m., with Trotta making her hosting debut.

SPEED.com’s online coverage is anchored by Editor-In-Chief Tom Jensen and Senior NASCAR Editor Mike Hembree, who will provide daily breaking news stories, feature reports and analysis, contributing to SPEED’s robust video and photo offerings from Daytona. SPEED also will debut additional social media elements in Daytona. In addition to the NASCAR on SPEED Facebook page, there will be new Facebook fan pages for the popular “Trackside” and “RaceDay” shows. And SPEED’s television and online talent will be integrated across platforms, including SPEED.com, Facebook and Twitter. 

Daytona Speedweeks on SPEED (All times Eastern and subject to change):

February 13

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 14

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 15

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 16

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub (two-hour Media Day special) – 6 to 8 p.m.

February 17

• ·        NASCAR Live! – 4 to 5 p.m.
• ·        Budweiser Shootout practice – 5 to 6 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 6 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        Budweiser Shootout final practice – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• ·        Budweiser Shootout Selection Show – 8:30 to 10 p.m.
• ·        The Day – Remembering Dale Earnhardt – 10 to 11 p.m.

February 18

• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 1 to 2 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 2 to 4 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 4 to 4:30 p.m.
• ·        ARCA Racing Series race – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR RaceDay (Budweiser Shootout) – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 8 to 8:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Victory Lane (Budweiser Shootout) – 11:30 to midnight

February 19

• ·        NASCAR Live! – Noon to 1 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 7 to 8 p.m.
• ·        Daytona 500 Pole Day – 8 to 9 p.m.

February 20

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 21

• ·        NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 22

• ·        NASCAR Live! – 11:30 a.m. to noon
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 2:30 to 4 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.
• ·        Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 9 to 10 p.m.

February 23

• ·        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice – Noon to 1 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR RaceDay (Gatorade Duel at Daytona) – 1 to 2 p.m.
• ·        Gatorade Duel at Daytona – 2 to 5:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Victory Lane – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• ·        Gatorade Duel at Daytona prime time replay – 8 to 11:30 p.m.
• ·        Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 11:30 p.m.

February 24

• ·        NASCAR Live! – 10:30 to 11 a.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 11 a.m. to noon
• ·        NASCAR Live! – Noon to 12:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Live! – 1:30 to 2 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying – 4 to 5:30 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 5:30 to 6 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 6 to 7 p.m.
• ·        NCWTS Setup – 7 to 7:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race – 7:30 to 10 p.m.
• ·        Car Warriors Season II Special Preview – 10 to 11 p.m.

February 25

• ·        NASCAR Live! – 10 to 10:30 a.m.
• ·        NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice – 10:30 a.m. to noon
• ·        Trackside – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• ·        Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        NASCAR Performance – 6:30 to 7 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 7 to 7:30 p.m.

February 26

• ·        NASCAR Performance – 8 to 8:30 a.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – NASCAR Edition – 8:30 to 9 a.m.
• ·        NASCAR RaceDay (Daytona 500) – 9 a.m. to noon
• ·        NASCAR Victory Lane – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• ·        SPEED Center – 7 to 8 p.m.
• ·        Wind Tunnel w/Dave Despain – 8 to 9 p.m. 

About SPEED™

SPEED, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in nearly 84 million homes in North America, SPEED, a member of the FOX Sports Media Group, is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services, including SPEED2, a groundbreaking new broadband network featuring live, streaming and on-demand events complementing offerings of the linear network. For more information, please visit SPEED.com, the online motor sports authority.

About FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill.  Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships.  FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports.  In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.comand scout.com, reaching almost 30 million unique visitors monthly.  Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

Source: SPEED, Press Release

2012 DAYTONA 500 Logo

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. 

The posted awards for “The Great American Race” are $19,142,601 with the winner collecting a minimum of $1,431,325. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,050,075, $759,600, $609,900 and $486,550.

The Daytona 500 Mid-Race Leader Award will reward the driver leading at the completion of lap 100 of the historic 200-lap, 500-mile race with a $200,000 bonus. If the race is under caution at Lap 100, the leader of the race at the completion of the fifth consecutive green flag lap following the caution will receive the award.

“There is plenty of incentive for drivers to run up front the entire race but even more so at the halfway point and the last lap of the Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “This year’s ‘Great American Race’ stands to be one of the most exciting and thrilling ever seen, and will serve as a great kick-off to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.”

Tickets for the 54^th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 as well as other Speedweeks 2012 events can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 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’s social media channels on Twitter (@DISUpdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway). In addition, fans can also follow NASCAR (@NASCAR) and hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500.

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

No 8 Starworks Autosport Ford Riley DP - Photo Credit: Catchfence.com Open Wheel Editor, Paul Powell

THE PLOT:

The Fort Lauderdale-based team turned up a sensational effort against the odds to make the second step of the podium in Florida.

They finished just 5.1 seconds behind Michael Shank Racing. But they had been in the running for a magnificent win for most of the 24 hours.

After epic stints from Allan McNish and Venezuelans Enzo Potolicchio and Alex Popow, the team changed the strategy at the 22-hour mark. While their rivals kept their drivers in the car, Starworks put in Lucas Luhr so that Ryan Dalziel would be kept fresh for the final charge. He gave it everything, but eventually the team had to settle for second.

The #2 car, with Ryan Hunter-Reay, Michael Valiante and Marco Andretti, finished in tenth place.

THE QUOTES:

Team owner Peter Baron: “It is an immense bitter-sweet feeling. We got a car two weeks ago and it was almost a build up from scratch. The team did an awesome job, fielding two cars that ran perfectly. The #2 car had a driveshaft failure that wasn’t their fault and the new car did not have one installation fault. It ran like clockwork.

“I have never been so confident midway through a race, thinking this is ours – but I guess it wasn’t.”

Ryan Dalziel, Orlando – originally from Lanarkshire in Scotland: “It is disappointing. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. We were the car to beat and it was nice to lead so many laps, but leading so many laps sometimes makes it feel worse when you don’t take the checkered flag.

“On the plus side, it was an amazing race and the perfect way to mark the 50th running for Daytona. Starworks did an awesome job. Peter put together an amazing crew and we will now focus on the rest of the year.”

Enzo Potolicchio, Venezuela: “We have all worked really hard since the end of last season. We hired the right people, so you can see how the team has grown. We are really proud of all the people Peter has put together. It is amazing how it has all come together. And I am delighted to have Ryan as a team-mate.

“Ryan is also my coach. Last year was our first year in DPs and we learned a lot about driving these difficult cars. But with all the work we have done in the off-season, we can show others now we are one of the teams to beat.”

Alex Popow, Venezuela: “I did a good job. Enzo and I were doing good lap times. We can go out there and hang with the other guys, but we didn’t have the experience to fight at the end and we didn’t want to risk it. It is the 50th running of the Daytona 24 and we wanted to win.

“We have done such a good job – not just for this race, but since last year. It is a big turnaround for Starworks. We have a two-car team and that will last all season. We are going to fight for the championship. Last year we were rookies, this year we are saying we can try for the championship and we are going for it.”

Lucas Luhr, Germany: “I really had to push hard in the final stint. I knew I was only doing a single stint because our strategy was to put Ryan in at the end against drivers who had been in a long time. The car was solid and I just pushed as hard as I could.”

Allan McNish, Dumfries, Scotland: “It is never smooth in 24-hour racing. The important thing is to stay in there fighting and wait on it coming back to you. The car ran very well, without any mechanical issues. It has been fast. I never thought it would be fun because it is a job and these Daytona Prototype cars are so different from what I am used to.

“I said to Peter that he should be very proud of what he has put together and the performance of the whole team because I am proud of what he has put together. He has a shoestring budget compared with the Ganassis and the other big boys, so what he has done is quite sensational.”

THE FACTS: Starworks Motorsport won the final round of the 2011 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car championship at Mid-Ohio. Ryan Dalziel and Enzo Potolicchio were the drivers that day.

The next round is of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series is at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama on March 31.

Source: Starworks Motorsport, Press Release

TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 30, 2012) –

The No. 02 DP driven by 2006 Race Winner Scott Dixon and co-drivers Dario Franchitti (2008 Winner), Juan Pablo Montoya (2007, 2008 Winner) and NASCAR star Jamie McMurray had trouble in the overnight portion of the race when the team had to repair a broken shifter. The car headed to the garage area at 2:44 a.m. ET and returned to the track in ninth position and four laps down to the leader after a five-minute repair. The team was able to gain three laps back in the final two hours of the event to finish fourth with Montoya behind the wheel in the final stint.

After contending in the top three overall for most of the 24-hour race, four-time and defending Rolex 24 At Daytona Winner Scott Pruett and co-drivers Memo Rojas (2008, 2011 Winner), Graham Rahal (2011 Winner) and Joey Hand (2011 Winner) were running in second with just over an hour to go in the race when the No.01 DP encountered gear box issues and were forced to come pit road. The team lost ground after having to replace the gear box and rejoined the race in sixth and four laps down with just under 50 minutes until the checkered flag. With little time remaining to make up the time lost, the No.01 crossed the finish line sixth with Pruett behind the wheel in the final stint.

NOTES OF INTEREST:

- The 50th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona had a total of 14 caution flags for 58 laps

- There were 10 total leaders over the course of the 24 hours

- The No. 01 TELMEX/Target Dinan-Prepared BMW Riley led a total of 96 out of 761 laps

- The No. 02 Target/TELMEX Dinan-Prepared BMW Riley led a total of 52 out of 761 laps

- Pruett led the most laps for CGRFS with a total of 79

- CGRFS has earned 10 top-five finishes in each Rolex 24 At Daytona since first competing in the race in 2004

- The race marked the first Rolex 24 At Daytona since 2005 that CGRFS finished off of the podium

- Pruett still holds the all-time class victory mark at the Rolex 24 At Daytona with nine (1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2011).

- Pruett has a record 37 overall GRAND-AM Rolex Series wins in addition to four overall wins at the Rolex 24 (1994, 2007, 2008, 2011)

- CGRFS still holds the greatest six-race stretch in Rolex 24 At Daytona history with four wins (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011) and two second-place finishes (2009, 2010) dating back to 2006

- CGRFS has five championships (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011) and 37 race wins since their introduction to the circuit in 2004– all GRAND-AM records

- Pruett and Rojas continue to be the most successful driving duo in series history with 23 GRAND-AM race wins

CGRFS QUOTEBOARD

SCOTT PRUETT – (No.01 TELMEX/Target Dinan-Prepared BMW Riley)

“What a race. You really never know what is going to happen here. This is the big one that we all love to win in sports car racing in America. We had a great car and even with the fact we had to overcome a gearbox issue near the end, I’m just not sure we had anything for the two Fords up front. It was a total team effort like always from the Ganassi team, and Memo and I are looking forward to Barber in March.”

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA – (No.02 Target/TELMEX Dinan-Prepared BMW Riley)

“We gave it all we had. For the second year in a row we just couldn’t make it happen. It’s disappointing what happened in the middle of the night. I really enjoy running this race with this group of guys (Dixon, Franchitti and McMurray). One of these days we’ll get this right and win it again.”

The next GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race for the CGRFS season-long effort in the No.01 TELMEX Dinan-Prepared BMW Riley with Pruett and Rojas will be at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Al on March 31. The Porsche 250 will air on SPEED at 4:00 pm ET.

About Chip Ganassi Racing Teams

Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 25 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world. Today his teams include four in the IZOD IndyCar Series, two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and one Daytona Prototype in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. Overall his teams have 14 championships and 145 victories, including three Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400 and four Rolex 24 At Daytonas. Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis and Brownsburg, Ind. and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh, Penn.

For more information log onto www.chipganassiracing.com

Source: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Press Release

Ben Keating also drove for TRG at last year's Petit Le Mans event. © NARRA

For more information on NARRA, the USGTC, Whelen USTTC and USPDE visit NARRAonline.com . 

 Source: NARRA, Press Release

No 8 Starworks Autosport Ford Riley DP - Photo Credit: Catchfence.com Open Wheel Editor, Paul Powell

THE PLOT:

Orlando-based Ryan, originally from Lanarkshire in Scotland, had put the Starworks Motorsport car on pole position on Thursday.

Then he turned in a flawless opening stint as the Fort Lauderdale-based team showed they had the power to take on the Grand-Am Sports Car Series big guns.

Ryan was just as good in his other stints and was perfectly backed up by Venezuelans Enzo Potolicchio and Alex Popow, fellow Scot Allan McNish and German Lucas Luhr.

But their stunning efforts were not enough as they finished just 5.1 seconds behind the winners.

THE QUOTES: “It is disappointing. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. We were the car to beat and it was nice to lead so many laps, but leading so many laps sometimes makes it feel worse when you don’t take the checkered flag.

“On the plus side, it was an amazing race and the perfect way to mark the 50^th running for Daytona. Starworks did an awesome job. Peter put together an amazing crew and we will now focus on the rest of the year.

“To win this race it takes an incredible car – and we had that.

“I have never been in such a dominant position before and not won the race. We were the dominant car and that is the hardest thing to take. We had the car to beat, but sometimes things do not go your way.

“Second place is great. We will probably appreciate it a bit more after a little time.

“We thought that we had something in the final stint. We had some damage and we bumped into things. But the last two stops, we made three seconds each time over the Shanks car. It was almost a fairytale ending to a tough two weeks for us.

“We qualified on pole, had the fastest lap but we didn’t win. But it is hard to be overly disappointed when you think of where Starworks has come from.”

THE FACTS: Ryan will also spearhead Starworks Motorsport’s 2012 Grand-Am campaign. He will also compete with Starworks in the Continental Tires Sports Car. The next round is of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series is at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama on March 31.

Ryan had four Rolex Grand-Am podiums in 2011 – a win at mid-Ohio and third at Barber, Lime Rock and Watkins Glen. He also had three fourth-place finishes.

Ryan also gave Starworks Motorsports its first DP victory, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, in 2008.

Find out more at www.ryandalziel.com.

Source: Ryan Dalziel Press Release

Goncalvez drove this #6 Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Ford-Riley during the 50th Rolex 24. (Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

His first time at the endurance race, Jorge teamed up with GRAND-AM winner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell, fellow Firestone Indy Lights driver Gustavo Yacaman and Formula Three Champion Felipe Nasr. Together they piloted the No. 6 Ford-powered Riley to a podium finish in the historic endurance race.

“The entire Belardi Auto Racing family is very happy for Jorge and the entire Michael Shank Racing team,” said Belardi Auto Racing owner, Brian Belardi. “We are so proud to see one of our former drivers on podium at such a renowned event. It was great to see Jorge, as well as Anders, competing at the 24 Hours, and we are all very proud of them both. I am sure they will continue their successes wherever 2012 takes them.”

Goncalvez’s 2011 Indy Lights teammate, Anders Krohn, also competed in the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24. Krohn had a great run in the No. 36 Yellow Dragon Motorsports car, with co-drivers John and Jarrett Andretti and Taylor Hacquard, until they were forced to retire due to mechanical issues in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Source: Belardi Auto Racing, Press Release

Ford Sweeps 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona Podium

The Ford-powered programs of Michael Shank Racing (1^st, 3^rd) and Starworks Motorsport (2^nd) swept the podium of the 50^th Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday to open the 2012 season of the Grand-Am Rolex series.

• The No. 60 of MSR took first and the No. 6 third, while the Starworks No. 8 placed second after starting on the pole.

• Ford last swept the podium in 1966, its first victory in the 24-hour version of the event.

Daytona, Fla. – Jan. 29, 2012 – Historic events are often filled with special moments, and the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 was no exception. Ford powered cars managed to sweep the podium of North America’s greatest endurance test at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday to kick off the 2012 season of the Grand-Am Rolex series.

Michael Shank Racing’s No. 60 Daytona Prototype claimed the checkered flag, followed by Starworks Motorsport’s No. 8 DP and the MSR No. 6 DP, giving the Blue Oval its first DP victory at Daytona since 2003, and its first overall victory in the 24-hour marathon event since 1999.

“I always feel like I have to prove myself, because I came from nothing,” Michael Shank said. “I’ve had great relationships with people like Ozz Negri and John Pew that have taken our business to another level.”

A.J. Allmendinger piloted across the finish line seconds ahead of pole winner Ryan Dalziel, and Filipe Nasr soon followed to complete the impressive feat.

“That Ford motor was the best, most powerful engine I’ve ever had,” Allmendinger said, noting that when anyone challenged him during that final three-hour period, “the engine pulled like no other I’ve ever had. It was great.”

Ford also swept the podium in 1966, one of four victories for the manufacturer in the 24-hour version of the race, which includes three overall victories — 1966, 1997 and 1999.

“What a historic moment for all of Ford Motor Company and its fans around the world,” Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing, said. “In the hands of our long-time partners at Michael Shank Racing and our new friends at Starworks Motorsport, we are proud to have captured this special 1-2-3 finish at the 50th running of the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona. Without so many people, a moment like this would never be possible. The support from Roush Yates, who support all of our teams in Grand-Am, under the leadership of John Maddux and Doug Yates is critical to our success.”

The accomplishments of the weekend were also special for John Maddux of Roush Yates engines.

“We’ve had some really fast cars in the past, but we’ve never had it come together,” Maddux said. “We had two really strong teams and they put it all together there today. A huge thanks to Robert and Doug Yates and Jack Roush for believing in the fact that we could make a commercial business out of sports car racing. It’s been great.”

Each of the three Ford teams on the podium led at least one lap, including a race-best 295 by the No. 8 and 249 by the No. 60. The three teams combined to pace 545 of the 761 completed laps.

“A grueling 24-hour race is a culmination of team work, perseverance and flawless execution, and that came at the hands of all 12 of our Ford drivers,” said Allison.

The No. 60 DP, piloted by Allmendinger, Ozz Negri, John Pew and Justin Wilson, and the No. 8 DP, manned by Dalziel, Lucas Luhr, Allan McNish, Alex Popow and Enzo Potolicchio, each showed long stints of dominance at various points in the race, and the crew of the No. 6 DP, driven by Jorge Goncalvez, Michael McDowell, Felipe Nasr, and Gustavo Yacaman, made critical strides to come back from a lap down in the late stages of the event.

Winning the Rolex 24 is a special victory, but claiming the checkered flag on the 50th anniversary of the event makes it a moment many will never forget.

“Being there for the weekend festivities to celebrate the history of this marquee event, with the leadership of Jim France and his team in Grand-Am, make this victory even sweeter,” Allison said.

The Grand-Am Rolex season continues March 31, at Barber Motorsports Park.

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’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Source: PCGCampbell for Ford Racing, Press Release