Gary Sinise with Guitar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Martinsville Speedway, Press Release

Trevor Bayne astonished the sports world—and himself—on Feb. 20, 2011, when just one day after his 20th birthday and during only his second Sprint Cup start, he won the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race.

Today, the defending champion is preparing for the 2012 running of the Great American Race scheduled for Feb. 26 at Daytona International Speedway. American Profile recently caught up with Bayne, who became the youngest Daytona 500 champion in history while driving for legendary Wood Brothers Racing, NASCAR’s oldest continually operating team. He reflected on winning the Super Bowl of NASCAR, his plans for the future, and the illness that temporarily stalled his meteoric rise. - Full Story by M.B. Roberts @ American Profile

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

(MOORESVILLE, NC) February 9, 2012 –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About American Majority Racing

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

About American Majority

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

About MacDonald Motorsports

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

Source: MacDonald Motorsports, Press Release

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway

TALLADEGA, Ala. –

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

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

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

Source: Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release

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

Phoenix International Raceway

PHOENIX

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

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

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

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

About Phoenix International Raceway

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

Source: Phoenix International Raceway, Press Release

2011 Carl Edwards Debriefs with Crew Chief Bob Osborne - Photo Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Now the Official Training Restaurant of Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing 

Milford, Conn., Feb. 8, 2012 – SUBWAY^® restaurant chain, the world’s largest restaurant chain, has expanded its successful partnership with Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing from the primary sponsor of the No. 99 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for three races in 2011 to six races starting in 2012.  The multi-year partnership also includes four additional races as a major associate sponsor and becoming the Official Training Restaurant of Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing.

“Carl has been a fan of our brand and our sweet onion chicken teriyaki sandwich for a long time,” said Tony Pace, Sr. Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer at SUBWAY^® Franchisee Advertising Fund.  “He and Roush Fenway Racing are great partners and proven winners. We look forward to Carl chasing his goal of a championship in 2012.”

The first race this year for the No. 99 SUBWAY^® Ford will be March 4 in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ at Phoenix International Raceway; returning to the track March 25, at Auto Club Speedway; June 3, Dover International Speedway; July 7, Daytona International Speedway; Sept. 2, Atlanta Motor Speedway; and Oct. 7, at Talladega Superspeedway.

“The SUBWAY^® restaurant brand and their SUBWAY FRESH FIT^® menu provides me with the opportunity to promote my healthy, active lifestyle,” stated Edwards. “SUBWAY^® sandwiches are the best tasting, most healthy food option that I can get on-the-go when I’m traveling,” continued Edwards.

Edwards will again be featured in the SUBWAY^® restaurant advertising campaigns.  The first new on-air ad with Edwards will run during the national television broadcast of the Daytona 500 (Feb. 26 on FOX).

“I am extremely pleased that SUBWAY^® has expanded their relationship with Roush Fenway Racing,” said Jack Roush, co-owner, Roush Fenway Racing. “As a company, we promote a healthy lifestyle with our employees and in particular, our drivers and pit crew members. Having the SUBWAY^® restaurant chain as our Official Training Restaurant is ideal.”     

About SUBWAY® Restaurants

Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami and Singapore, the SUBWAY® brand was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. Their partnership, which continues today, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey – one that has made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business. In 2011, for the third straight year, Zagat® Fast Food Survey, the SUBWAY® brand was ranked “number one” by consumers in the “Healthy Options,” “Most Popular” and “Top Service” categories for food brands with 5,000 or more locations. For more information about the SUBWAY® chain, visit www.subway.com. Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/subway. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/subwayfreshbuzz. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series with drivers Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Trevor Bayne. Celebrating 25 winning years in 2012, Roush Fenway is the leader in NASCAR marketing solutions with its exclusive RoushFenwayOnTrack sponsorship measurement services, motorsport’s only team-focused TV show, and its social marketing channel RickyvsTrevor.com bringing unmatched brand opportunities to sponsors. Visit www.RoushFenway.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushfenwayand follow on Twitter at @roushfenway.

Source: Roush Fenway 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

Front Row Motorsports Logo

NASCAR Veteran Strengthens Front Row Motorsports Leadership Team

Statesville, N.C. (February 8, 2012) - NASCAR veteran Pat Tryson will join Front Row Motorsports as the crew chief for David Gilliland’s No. 38 Ford.  The move is the latest of numerous off-season improvements for the Sprint Cup Series team and allows interim crew chief Derrick Finley to return full-time to his role of Director of Competition.

Tryson comes to Front Row Motorsports with more than 15 years of experience atop the pit box and race-winning credentials, earning victories with drivers Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler and Mark Martin.  He most recently worked for Michael Waltrip Racing, where he served in crew-chief and consultant roles.

“We made some pretty big changes this off-season to really take this team to the next level, and adding Pat is just one more critical piece that we’ve put in place for our 2012 season,” said team general manager Jerry Freeze.  “With Jay Guy on the No. 34 car and Derrick returning full-time to the competition director role, the depth and experience of our leadership team is better than it’s ever been before.”

Tryson has worked with some of the sport’s best organizations and drivers over the years.  This season will be his first time working with Gilliland, but he is ready to step in and help the team.

“I like what this team has done in the last few years, doing the right things and making the right changes to get better every season,” said Tryson.  “Gilliland’s a competitive driver – he’s got the fire in his belly – and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Gilliland, who scored a season-best third in last year’s Daytona 500, is ready to hit the track next week in Daytona Beach with Tryson running the No. 38 program.

“He’s a great ‘get’ for this team,” said Gilliland.  “There’s just so much that he brings to the table with all his experience.  I can’t wait to get started.”

About Front Row Motorsports:

Front Row Motorsports is a Statesville, N.C.-based race team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Formed in 2005 by restaurant and transportation entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, the team has competed in NASCAR racing in each year since its inception.  The team partners with Ford Racing and Roush-Yates Racing Engines to field the No. 34 Ford driven by David Ragan and the No. 38 Ford driven by David Gilliland.  For sponsorship inquiries contact Robin Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, at (704) 904-4347.

Source: Breaking Limits Marketing for Front Row Motorsports, Press Release

ESPN Now - Photo Credit: John Atashian/ESPN

NASCAR Now will air Monday-Friday with half-hour episodes originating from ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Ct. A one-hour weekend edition will air on the morning of each NASCAR Sprint Cup race and NASCAR Now will air a weekend wrap-up edition starting with the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

AJ Allmendinger, driver of the Shell-Pennzoil Dodge for Penske Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, joins NASCAR Now this season as a guest reporter for the weekend edition programs. “The Daily Dinger” segment will feature Allmendinger in off-beat interviews around the racetracks with drivers, crew chiefs, fans and others or reporting on a unique aspect of that day’s race.

Mike Massaro will continue as the primary host of NASCAR Now with ongoing hosts Allen Bestwick, Nicole Briscoe, Marty Reid and Shannon Spake. ESPN SportsCenter anchors Lindsay Czarniak, Michael Yam and Michelle Bonner also will fill in as occasional NASCAR Now hosts. Marty Smith will again be the lead reporter for the program while Briscoe, Massaro and Spake will also serve as reporters.

Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie of the year Ricky Craven will continue as an analyst for NASCAR Nowand other ESPN studio programs such as SportsCenter. ESPN NASCAR analysts Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, Andy Petree, Tim Brewer and Brad Daugherty also will contribute to NASCAR Now as will ESPN pit reporters Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Dr. Jerry Punch and Vince Welch. NASCAR Now also will continue to have contributions from ESPN.com motorsports writers Ed Hinton, Terry Blount and David Newton along with ESPN the Magazine senior writer Ryan McGee and former NASCAR pit crew member D.J. Copp.

The program will originate from Daytona International Speedway for three shows surrounding the Daytona 500. In past years, NASCAR Now also has originated from remote locations including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the White House, Chicago’s Navy Pier and other racetracks.

NASCAR Now and all of ESPN’s NASCAR television content is also viewable digitally through WatchESPN and WatchESPN.com, the groundbreaking online-accessible authenticated version of ESPN. WatchESPN is available on computers, smartphones and tablets through WatchESPN.com and the free WatchESPN app, which are accessible to fans who receive their video service from an affiliated provider.

About NASCAR on ESPN:

ESPN produces comprehensive, multi-platform coverage featuring telecasts of the final 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup races, including the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Additionally, ESPN is the television home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series. ESPN’s NASCAR coverage extends to ESPN.com, SportsCenter, ESPN the Magazine, WatchESPN, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio and ESPN International, among other ESPN platforms. ESPN aired 262 NASCAR Cup Races over a 20-year period starting in 1981 and returned to NASCAR coverage in 2007. The network’s award-winning, live flag-to-flag coverage on ESPN has been honored with 19 Sports Emmy Awards, as well as many industry honors. It is widely credited for helping to popularize the sport nationwide.

Source: ESPN Communications, Press Release

NASCAR drivers Kasey Kahne, left, Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch, right, fill out postcards for troops at the Crown Royal Heroes Tailgate Party, on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The drivers stopped by and stuffed a bag in support of the "Your Hero's Name Here" program, which will award naming rights to the Brickyard 400 to a hero. Crown Royal sends the camo bags to troops overseas. (Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Crown Royal)

Whisky Brand to Honor an American Hero with Naming Rights to the Brickyard 400 at 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Feb. 7, 2012 – There are certain people who go above and beyond to change people’s lives. From protecting our country to serving as leaders in the community, Crown Royal is looking to pay tribute to those who are making a difference. The whisky brand is encouraging adult fans to nominate their personal heroes (21 or older) for naming rights to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here”^TM 400 at the Brickyard.

The race, to be held on July 29, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, represents the ultimate celebration of heroes and will mark the sixth time Crown Royal has awarded race naming rights to an adult fan. For the past two years, Crown Royal accepted nominations for military and service members exclusively. Not only has the 2012 race moved to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the annual program—now called “Your Hero’s Name Here”—has been expanded to accept entries for all of the unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities, from firefighters and police officers, to first responders and local volunteers.

“The expansion of the nomination category gives adult fans the opportunity to honor all men and women who truly make a difference in their day-to-day lives,” said Yvonne Briese, VP Marketing, DIAGEO North American whisky.  “We’ve been given the opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who unselfishly commit themselves to giving back, and we look forward to seeing one of our heroes kiss the bricks in Indianapolis this summer.”

To nominate a hero for consideration for naming rights to the race, fans are encouraged to visit the Crown Royal Facebook page (Facebook.com/CrownRoyal), where they will be asked to describe a heroic act by the nominee in 100 words or less. Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2012 and the five finalists will be announced in May. Once the finalists are announced, fans will be provided the chance to cast a vote and determine the winner. The winner will be revealed in a special ceremony leading up to the race.

As part of the prize package, the grand-prize winner will travel to Indianapolis for the race, where he or she will be provided an once-in-a-lifetime experience, which includes waving the green flag to signal the start of the race and delivering the trophy bearing his or her moniker to the race winner in Victory Lane.

The race is the culminating event of the Crown Royal Heroes Project^TM, an ongoing commitment to recognize everyday heroes and give back to their communities. As part of the project, special commemorative CAMO Crown Royal bag stuffing events were held across the country throughout the fall, resulting in thousands of Crown Royal care packages being sent to American troops overseas, with the help of Packages from Home. The Project benefits the brand’s two national charity partners, Honoring Heroes and Operation Patriot Foundation.

Crown Royal’s ongoing effort to identify deserving individuals kicked off this weekend in Indianapolis, along with various military bases across the country and will continue throughout the entry period.  Former NFL standout Warrick Dunn made a special appearance around the big game to call attention to the program and encourage adult fans to nominate their heroes. Dunn has partnered with the whisky brand to honor his own hero – his late mother – a former police officer who was killed during an off-duty security shift 19 years ago.

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canadamade by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky’s smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all fans to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

About Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment since it opened in 1909. The facility has hosted the Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day annual sporting event, since 1911 and also is the site of the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing also will make their IMS debut with races in 2012.

IMS is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and is the only venue to stage annual races in the IZOD IndyCar Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, GRAND-AM Road Racing and MotoGP.

About Operation Patriot Foundation

The mission of Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc., is to pay tribute to those who protect us daily – fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency responders and our active and veteran military forces, and to raise money for organizations representing these men and women who protect us. Our intentions are simple. To pay tribute to and help those who risk their lives for us daily and provide support to these people and their families through fund raising and ceremony in their honor. Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.operationpatriot.org.

About Honoring Heroes

Honoring Heroes, also known as The American First Responder Institute of Heraldry, has created nationally recognized awards for valor and heroism in the service of the First Responders’ life saving mission. No federal, state or local funds are required because the First Responder Institute prioritizes using locally donated dollars to honor local first responders. Prior to the work of the Institute, there was only one nationally recognized award for First Responders; the Medal of Valor. We have created complimentary awards for heroism and exceptional service “above and beyond the call of duty.” Awards are also given for direct participation in significant events, for improving security of the homeland and for exemplary service. For more information, please visit www.honoringheroes.com.

About Packages From Home

Packages From Home is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world, as well as to facilitate activities that elevate morale of all veterans. Packages From Home was founded in 2004 by Kathleen Lewis and has sent over 130,000 individual care packages and thousands of pounds of bulk mailing to deployed military troops overseas since its inception.  You can make a donation and learn more about Packages From Home by calling 602.253.0284 or by visiting us at www.packagesfromhome.org.

Source: Crown Royal Press Release

Front Row Motorsports Logo

Sport Supplement Company to Sponsor Ragan, Gilliland, Pit Crews

Statesville, N.C. (February 8, 2012) - Sport supplement company Maximum Human Performance (MHP) will bring its message to NASCAR fans for the first time, joining Front Row Motorsports as a multi-race, multi-year partner in the team’s Sprint Cup Series campaigns. MHP will be a primary sponsor for multiple races in both 2012 and 2013, including the upcoming Budweiser Shootout exhibition race on David Ragan’s No. 34 Ford and the season-opening Daytona 500 on David Gilliland’s No. 38 Ford.

MHP will also be the official sport supplement line of Front Row Motorsports and an official sponsor of the Nos. 34 and 38 pit crews. Company experts will work with the team’s pit crew coach and trainers to develop nutritional and fitness plans to improve and maximize the performance of the over-the-wall crew throughout the season.

“This is really going to be a unique program,” said Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins. “Sponsors, of course, help make your race programs better across the board via funding, but this is a case where they’re also going to make our pit crews healthier, stronger and faster. Everyone knows that a couple seconds on pit road can make a huge difference on the track. This partnership is focused on getting our athletes in the best shape possible to deliver maximum performance when it matters most.”

Fairfield, NJ-based MHP was launched in 1997 by bodybuilder Gerard Dente to develop premier science-based, research-driven sports supplements to help athletes achieve their greatest physical potential. The product line is used by world-class athletes, pro bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen and fitness enthusiasts alike. Products are sold in vitamin/supplement retail stores and online at www.MHPStrong.com.

The deal marks MHP’s first partnership in NASCAR. With Ragan and Gilliland both being skilled restrictor-plate racers, the February 18 Budweiser Shootout and the February 26 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway provide the perfect platform to introduce the company to an audience of millions of race fans.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to work with a first-rate racing team like Front Row Motorsports,” said Dente, CEO of MHP. “This unique sponsorship will not only connect our brand with millions of NASCAR fans, but more importantly it will showcase how our supplements will help improve the performance of their pit crew and drivers. I’m looking forward to working with pit crew coach Gary Smith and seeing how improvements in the pit crews’ speed and strength translate into better track times for the team.”

“MHP could have teamed up with any team in the sport, and they selected Front Row Motorsports,” said team general manager Jerry Freeze. “In the off-season, we upgraded our driver line-up, our pit crews and shop personnel, and our front-office leadership. It is reassuring when prospects like MHP conduct in-depth due diligence and confirm that our value proposition is compelling.

“Plus, it will be even more compelling after MHP helps get our over-the-wall guys performing at their maximum performance potential. That was an area that needed improvement, and in MHP we have a partner that is going help us do just that – continually improve.”

For more information about MHP, visit www.MHPStrong.com.

About Front Row Motorsports:

Front Row Motorsports is a Statesville, N.C.-based race team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Formed in 2005 by restaurant and transportation entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, the team has competed in NASCAR racing in each year since its inception. The team partners with Ford Racing and Roush-Yates Racing Engines to field the No. 34 Ford driven by David Ragan and the No. 38 Ford driven by David Gilliland. For sponsorship inquiries contact Robin Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, at (704) 904-4347.

Source: Breaking Limits Marketing for Front Row Motorsports, Press Release

Tommy Baldwin Racing Logo

Parrott will work with Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 7, 2012) – During the off-season, Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) announced an expansion into the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS). NNS veteran crew chief Brad Parrott will head the team of young drivers, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos, in an eight-race schedule for the No. 36 Chevrolet.

Parrott brings more than 20 years of knowledge to the rookie NNS program. The Charlotte, N.C., native has a plethora of experience in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) and NNS. He has worked as crew chief and car chief for many successful teams in both series, including Yates Racing, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Roush Fenway Racing. Parrott complied 18 wins as a NNS crew chief. He won the 1999 NSCS Championship as the car chief at Yates Racing, where he compiled 23 victories in his five-year tenure as Car Chief of the team.

“I’m glad to be a part of TBR,” Parrott said. “Tommy has a long history in the sport, as do I. We’ve both been to the top ranks of the NASCAR, as well as smaller teams. Now as a young team owner, I can relate to where his race team is going and look forward to many years ahead. I have been a crew chief in the Nationwide Series since 2002 and won 18 races. With the experience that I have, I look forward to bringing a young team with young drivers to the winner’s circle. I’m thrilled to work with Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos, as well as our partners. 2012 will be very exciting for all involved.”

This season will mark TBR’s fourth season of competition. TBR began as a part-time, one-car NSCS team in 2009 and developed into a top-35 team by 2011. In 2012, TBR plans to compete with two NSCS teams and a part-time NASCAR Nationwide Series team. The team would like to increase the number of races in both the NSCS and NNS schedules, provided more sponsorship can be found.

“Brad has been in the sport for many years in many different positions,” explained Tommy Baldwin. “His variety of experiences will help us build the Nationwide team from the ground up, in addition to assisting with some of the Cup program. His strengths will complement a lot of areas we need help with. I look forward to working with him and growing our program.”

About Tommy Baldwin Racing:

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin formed Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) in 2009. Baldwin utilized a declining economy to open a NSCS team with a stringent budget. The team worked to build to full-time competition, and by the 2011 season, the team’s third season, TBR competed in every race and locked the No. 36 Chevrolet in the top-35 in NSCS Owner Points. Dave Blaney drove the No. 36 Chevrolet to TBR’s highest finish of third in the October 2011 event at Talladega Superspeedway. TBR also fielded a second car for select races in the past two seasons with multiple drivers.

Based in Mooresville, N.C., TBR will compete in the NSCS in 2012 with NASCAR veterans David Reutimann and Dave Blaney. The team will also compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Ryan Blaney, Bobby Santos and Ryan Truex.

For more information on Tommy Baldwin Racing, visit tommybaldwinracing.com or follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/TBR.HBR, and Twitter, twitter.com/TBR_Racing.

Source: Tommy Baldwin Racing, Press Release

Ricky Rudd - Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR

FORMER MISS SPRINT CUP MONICA PALUMBO SIGNS

WITH SPEED AS SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTER 

            Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ricky Rudd signed with SPEED this week to be an analyst on the popular weekend motor sports news program, SPEED Center. Rudd, a winner of 23 Cup Series races, including the 1997 Brickyard 400, was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

“Anytime you add someone with Ricky’s credentials, you give the viewers a voice and a perspective that has real impact,” said SPEED President Scott Ackerson.

Scheduled to begin Feb. 12, Rudd could be in for a long run on the network. After all, his 788 consecutive starts are the most in Cup history, earning the Chesapeake, Va., native the honorary title of NASCAR’s “Ironman.”

“I’m really looking forward to the next chapter,” said Rudd, the 1977 Rookie of the Year. “It’s going to be a lot of fun working with the gang at SPEED.”

Former Miss Sprint Cup Monica Palumbo

As a Social Media Reporter, Palumbo works with producers, creating original SPEED content for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media outlets. In addition, she provides reports from various tracks and locations and serves as a broadcast contributor with social media updates from second-screen touch points.  

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

FOX Sports Media Group Logo

54^th Daytona 500 on Sun. Feb 26 Highlights 12^th Season

Coverage Begins with Budweiser Shootout on Feb. 18 

New York & Los Angeles – FOX Sports gears up for its 12th season of NASCAR coverage by unveiling the 2012 NASCAR on FOX broadcast schedule featuring 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup points races and 15 events total,  highlighted by the 54th running of the DAYTONA 500, live on Sunday, Feb. 26 (1:00-5:30 PM ET) from Daytona International Speedway.  Coverage of the “Great American Race” begins that day with a special one-hour pre-race program (12:00-1:00 PM ET) from the DIS infield and a completely remodeled Hollywood Hotel.  The flag officially drops on FOX Sports’ 2012 Speedweeks coverage with the BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT, live on Saturday, Feb. 18 in prime time (8:00-10:00 PM ET), followed by live coverage of DAYTONA 500 QUALIFYING on Sunday, Feb. 19 (1:00-4:00 PM ET).

Michael Waltrip, driver, owner and pitch-man extraordinaire, joins the FOX NASCAR SUNDAY prerace team, taking a seat in the famed Hollywood Hotel alongside big brother Darrell Waltrip and host Chris Myers. Darrell and former champion crew chief Larry McReynolds return to provide race analysis for all NASCAR on FOX Sprint Cup events, and Mike Joy returns as race announcer.  Veteran analyst Jeff Hammond takes his extensive experience as a former championship-winning crew chief to the action in the garages and on pit road.  Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Krista Voda also return to cover pit road.  NASCAR on FOX “storm scout” and meteorologist Rick Dickert of FOX-owned KTTV in Los Angeles rejoins the crew to provide weather updates to viewers on the FOX NASCAR SUNDAY prerace show as well as during race coverage.

FOX’s 2012 NASCAR schedule is highlighted by races from Phoenix International Speedway onSunday, March 4; Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 11; Bristol Motor Speedway onSunday, March 18; Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 14; Richmond International Raceway onSaturday, April 28; Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, May 6; and the NASCAR on FOX season finale from Dover, Delaware on Sunday, June 3.

The network’s presentation of the first 13 races of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup series hit a three-year high averaging 8.6 million viewers per race, up +9% over 2010 (7.9 million viewers).  The 2011 Daytona 500 crowned the event’s youngest champion ever and delivered ratings and audience gains for FOX Sports.  A total audience of just over 30 million Americans watched the race, making the 2011 Daytona 500 the most-watched NASCAR race since 2008.  The 30.1 million total viewers, a measure of the audience that saw at least a portion of the race, is +1% higher than 2010’s total audience of 29.8 million and +15% better than 2009′s 26.2 million.

FOX Sports commands the well-earned distinction as television’s most innovative sports broadcaster.  Ranking high among the network’s achievements are honors for its NASCAR coverage.  NASCAR on FOX has garnered 15 Emmy Awards for its coverage including three for Outstanding Sports Series (2001, 2005, 2007), five for Outstanding Live Event Audio Sound (2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010), one for Outstanding Graphic Design (2001), five for Outstanding Technical Team Remote (2001, 2003-05, 2007) and one for Promotional Announcement Episodic (2008).

NASCAR on FOX 2012 Schedule

Date Track Event Coverage Begins

Sat. Feb. 18     Daytona Int’l Speedway      Budweiser Shootout              8:00 PM

Sun. Feb. 19     Daytona Int’l Speedway      Daytona 500 Qualifying          1:00 PM

Sun. Feb. 26     Daytona Int’l Speedway      Daytona 500                     12:00 PM

Sun. March 4     Phoenix Int’l Speedway      NASCAR Racing from Phoenix      2:30 PM

Sun. March 11    Las Vegas Motor Speedway    NASCAR Racing from Las Vegas    2:30 PM

Sun. March 18    Bristol Motor Speedway      NASCAR Racing from Bristol      12:30 PM

Sun. March 25    Auto Club Speedway          NASCAR Racing from Fontana      2:30 PM

Sun. April 1     Martinsville Speedway       NASCAR Racing from Martinsville 12:30 PM

Sat. April 14    Texas Motor Speedway        NASCAR Racing from Fort Worth   7:00 PM

Sun. April 22    Kansas Speedway             NASCAR Racing from Kansas City  12:30 PM

Sat.  April 28   Richmond Int’l Raceway      NASCAR Racing from Richmond     7:00 PM

Sun. May 6       Talladega Superspeedway     NASCAR Racing from Talladega    12:00 PM

Sat.  May 12     Darlington Raceway          NASCAR Racing from Darlington   6:30 PM

Sun.  May 27     Charlotte Motor Speedway    NASCAR Racing from Charlotte    5:30 PM

Sun.  June 3     Dover Int’l Speedway        NASCAR Racing from Dover        12:30 PM

All times Eastern; Schedule subject to change

Source: FOX Sports Media Group, Press Release