SME Branding Selected To Develop Identity for GRAND-AM, ALMS Merger

SME Branding Selected To Develop Identity for GRAND-AM, ALMS Merger

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2012) – A key component in the merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón was announced today, with world-class branding agency SME Branding selected to develop the new identity for the combined sports car series.

“Scott Atherton and I both believe our mandate, since announcing plans to merge GRAND-AM and ALMS, has been to ensure that we get it right the first time,” said GRAND-AM CEO Ed Bennett. “We think we’re well on our way to doing that from an identity standpoint with SME Branding on board.”

The New York-based agency’s client list includes NASCAR, the NFL, NHL, UFC, the New York Yankees, Kentucky Derby, and Madison Square Garden. In this assignment, SME will conduct stakeholder research, develop positioning strategy and produce the name, logo and brand identity for the new series.

“We are honored to be part of this historic moment in motorsports,” said SME Branding Senior Partner Ed O’Hara. “Our process will include key stakeholders from the merged series so that we can get to one holistic concept representing both the excitement and prestige of the series.”

The new branding is expected to be revealed in early 2013.

ABOUT GRAND-AM ROAD RACING:
GRAND-AM Road Racing operates and sanctions the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the TOTAL Performance Showcase. GRAND-AM also sanctions the Ferrari Challenge in North America. Owned by NASCAR Holdings Inc., GRAND-AM is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. With a racing schedule led by the prestigious season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, GRAND-AM delivers professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America in addition to being televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. For additional information, please visit www.grand-ammedia.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES:
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is based on the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. It features multiple classes of purpose-built prototypes and production-based GT cars that race on the same track at the same time. The ALMS holds events annually throughout North America on premier urban street circuits and top permanent natural terrain road courses. The American Le Mans Series has a leadership role in motorsports for the furthering of alternative fuel technology and use. The ALMS was the first motorsports body in the world to embrace an entire suite of alternative energy sources – E10 and E85 cellulosic ethanols, isobutanol, clean diesel and hybrid technologies. For additional information, please visit www.alms.com.

ABOUT SME:
SME is a leading strategic brand development and advertising agency serving the sports entertainment industry. Founded in 1989, with offices in New York, Miami, London and Tokyo, SME enjoys a stellar worldwide reputation of creative excellence and thought leadership. Utilizing its highly successful and proprietary brand building process, SME connects fans to brands through emotional identity, messaging and engagement strategies. Clients include the New York Yankees, Kentucky Derby, UFC, Madison Square Garden, Pac-12, Miami Marlins, USOC, NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, LPGA and NASCAR. www.smebranding.com

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SEMA NEWS

SEMA UNIFIES RACING INDUSTRY TRADE SHOWS

· SEMA acquires the International Motorsports Industry Show.

· IMIS to be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show, which returns to Indianapolis for 2013 and beyond.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (Nov. 19, 2012) —The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced it has finalized an agreement to purchase the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), the racing trade show that has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2009.

The IMIS will be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, which returns to Indianapolis for 2013 and beyond. The 2013 PRI Trade Show will occupy the entire Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Show days, December 12-14, 2013.

The acquisition unifies the racing industry’s two trade shows into one, creating the opportunity for exhibitors and buyers to do business in a single location.

“The racing industry needed to have just one motorsports trade show in the U.S. I’m proud to say we’ve accomplished that,” said Scooter Brothers, SEMA chairman of the Board of Directors. “We have all worked toward a common goal, and have succeeded on behalf of the industry. To have a single home for the racing trade show is clearly the best thing for the industry, and working together with Chris Paulsen (co-founder of IMIS), we got it done.”

Both the PRI and IMIS trade shows will take place as scheduled for 2012. The PRI Trade Show will be held November 29–December 1, in Orlando. The IMIS will be held December 6–8, in Indianapolis. The IMIS transaction is set to close in December 2012.

“We formed IMIS in 2009 to bring a hardcore racing tradeshow back to Indianapolis,” Paulsen said. “We grew a lot faster than we ever could have dreamed of and we couldn’t be happier that a hardcore racing tradeshow will remain in Indianapolis for years to come. SEMA will be great stewards of the hardcore racing industry and I couldn’t be more pleased that Indianapolis will remain the center of motorsports both on and off the track.”

“Being from Indiana, having a hardcore racing trade show in Indianapolis was very important to me,” said Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and co-founder of IMIS. “That’s why I got involved with Chris and Jeff (Stoops, co-founder of IMIS) to help form IMIS and bring back a show to Indianapolis. I know SEMA will do a great job to make sure Indy remains the place for hardcore racing. The State of Indiana and City of Indianapolis, especially Governor Mitch Daniels and Mayor Greg Ballard, were huge allies of the show and I know the city and state will continue to help grow the motorsports industry in Indiana.”

The 2013 PRI Trade Show will be organized and produced by the PRI team based in Laguna Beach, California, with John Kilroy at the helm as Vice President/General Manager. This year’s PRI Trade Show in Orlando is the 25th edition. PRI also publishes the racing industry’s only business magazine.

“We are excited to bring the PRI Trade Show back to Indianapolis, where exhibitors and buyers experienced six very successful racing industry trade shows, from 1998 to 2004,” said Kilroy. “Chris Paulsen, Jeff Stoops, Tony Stewart and the entire IMIS team have done an excellent job starting up a new racing trade show, and we promise to build on their mission to keep Indianapolis the annual epicenter of new racing technology.”

“This consolidation is all about helping the racing industry to succeed,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Unifying the racing industry’s trade shows makes it more affordable for all to participate and allows us to focus on providing the greatest value and benefits for the racing segment. Look for the association to be adding resources and services to help participants get maximum value from the PRI Show in Indy.”

ABOUT SEMA:

Founded in 1963, the SEMA trade association provides services and resources to businesses in the automotive specialty equipment industry. Members include manufacturers, distributors, retailers and marketers of products that enhance the styling and functionality of cars, trucks and SUVs. In addition to producing the premier automotive accessories trade show, where more than 100,000 individuals come to do business, SEMA offers education, research and several publications specifically targeted to the industry. The association also represents its members with a legislative advocacy group. SEMA acquired PRI in March, 2012.

ABOUT PRI:

The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) serves the racing industry through the PRI trade show and the PRI Magazine. With more than 1,000 companies exhibiting at the annual trade show, the event is the world’s largest auto racing trade show and the gateway to the worldwide racing marketplace. The monthly magazine complements the show with issues between 130-380+ pages and is recognized as the “voice of the racing marketplace.” PRI was purchased by SEMA in March, 2012.

ABOUT IMIS:

The International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) is the United States’ premier hardcore racing trade show, conducted each year at the Indiana Convention Center and owned by Chris Paulsen, owner of C&R Racing, Jeff Stoops, president of Stoops Freightliner, and three-time and reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. From car builders to tire manufacturers to parts suppliers, every aspect of motorsports is represented at IMIS, which has a lifetime contract with the City of Indianapolis and reserved show dates through 2017. Nearly 25,000 attendees are expected for IMIS, which will feature more than 530 motorsports companies, including more than 100 that are new for 2012. And with several longtime exhibitors expanding their booths this year, the 2012 IMIS show floor will be bigger and better than ever.

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Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Action Express, Audi Of America, Conquest Racing Highlight Opening Day Of Rolex Series Daytona Test

Action Express, Audi Of America, Conquest Racing

Highlight Opening Day Of Rolex Series Daytona Test

Barbosa, Biela Lead Charts In Preparation for Rolex 24 And Beyond

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 13, 2012) – While 20 GRAND-AM Rolex Series teams were preparing for 2013 competition Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway, an American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón team was on hand providing valuable data looking ahead to 2014 competition.

Joao Barbosa ran the fastest unofficial Daytona Prototype lap of the day, running 1:41.334 (126.473 mph) in the No. 9 Action Express Racing Corvette DP also driven by Christian Fittipaldi and brothers Burt and Brian Frisselle.

“We spent today trying different chassis setups,” said Barbosa, winner of the 2010 Rolex 24 for Action Express. “We definitely have a lot of work to do, but we improved with every session and it’s definitely working better than it did here last January. We’ve got plenty of room to improve, but we’re heading in the right direction.”

Wednesday’s conclusion of testing will be the final official GRAND-AM activity prior to the Roar Before the Rolex 24, Jan. 4-6. The 2013 season opens with the 51st Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27.

Defending Rolex 24 winner Ozz Negri was second with a lap of 1:41.544 (126.211 mph) in the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ford/Riley, followed by Alex Gurney in the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Corvette DP co-driven by Jon Fogarty, Memo Gidley and Darren Law, 1:41.726 (125.985 mph).

Faced with a steep learning curve on his first visit to Daytona Beach, Frank Biela was up to the task. The five-time overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans ran a quick lap of 1:48.953 (117.629 mph) in the No. 52 Audi of America Audi R8 to lead the GT competitors.

“Very impressive,” Biela said of Daytona. “It was a strange feeling with the banking at first, but I quickly started enjoying it. We’re still in discussion about our plans for 2013, but I’d like to do not only the Rolex 24, but we’re talking about doing the whole season.”

Boris Said was second in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Corvette co-driven by Eric Curran, 1:49.160 (117.406 mph), followed by Patrick Long in the No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Porsche GT3 co-driven by Patrick Lindsey and Jason Hart, 1:49.782 (116.740 mph).

Joining the test for Tuesday only was Martin Plowman, driving the No. 37 Conquest Endurance Morgan/Nissan. The American Le Mans Series regular took advantage of the prime opportunity to gather data, which will be analyzed as a first step towards a merger of the two sanctioning bodies into one organization for 2014 competition.

“We knew coming into the test that today was not about comparisons, it was purely to give the tire guys some indication of how our cars work, in the exact same conditions as the Rolex Series cars on track,” Plowman said. “It was a brand new tire for us, and we had to work very hard to get the setup right. I was very happy with how they worked. By the end of the morning, we were very happy with it. During the afternoon, we did a full race stint simulation. We were hoping for a qualifying simulation, but miscalculated our fuel. Other than that, we ticked every box that we wanted to do.

“Daytona is one of the iconic tracks, and just to be out there is a huge honor – especially on the road course,” added the 25-year-old Englishman. “The chicane is very fast, and it takes a lot of commitment to be fast through there. With this car, you can really go deep through the corner there and challenge it.”

Richard Buck, GRAND-AM’s managing director of competition, was pleased with the session.

“Today was a very successful day for data gathering,” Buck said. “It will help us to move even quicker to find solutions moving forward for the 2014 season. We will take the next few days to mine and analyze date very carefully. Today was a major step verifying our simulation programs and verifying our path moving forward.”

The test concludes Wednesday, with three sessions beginning at 9 a.m. and running through 5 p.m. A section of the Oldfield Grandstands will be open free to the public with access available through the lobby of the Daytona International Speedway ticket office. Sports car fans will also be able to watch the testing action through a Daytona International Speedway Track Tour.

Contact:
GRAND-AM Communications
(386) 310-6588
jomalley

GA_NovTest_111312.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Angelelli Makes Late Closing Statement In Wet Final Day Of Rolex Series Daytona Test

Please see attached release, below is a text-only version.

Angelelli Makes Late Closing Statement

In Wet Final Day Of Rolex Series Daytona Test

Wayne Taylor Racing, Brumos Fastest In Final Official Session Of 2012

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2012) – GRAND-AM wrapped up its 2012 season Wednesday with the final day of open testing for the Rolex Sports Car Series at Daytona International Speedway. Max Angelelli gave his team a pat on the back by turning the test’s fastest lap in the closing minutes of the session.

“This was good for the guys,” Angelelli said after running an unofficial lap of 1:41.118 (126.743 mph) in the No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing Corvette DP he shares with new co-driver Jordan Taylor. “This is also good for our partners and sponsors. Now we want to maintain this pace, this status. We do not want other people going faster.”

Other teams played cat and mouse throughout a day that began with morning showers before the track dried completely in mid-afternoon. Alex Gurney was second fastest in the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Corvette DP co-driven by Jon Fogarty, Memo Gidley and Darren Law, 1:41.963 (125.693 mph).

Tuesday’s fastest team, Action Express Racing, led much of the day on Wednesday as Christian Fittipaldi ran a lap of 1:42.092 (125.534 mph) in the No. 9 Corvette DP co-driven by Joao Barbosa and brothers Burt and Brian Frisselle. Action Express topped the charts in four of the six sessions over the two days, but the team was confident it would go faster in GRAND-AM’s next official test, Daytona’s Roar Before the Rolex 24 on Jan. 4-6.

“Our pace is confidence inspiring,” Burt Frisselle said. “But what we learned last year is that no one puts their card on the table until qualifying for the Rolex 24 – and no one shows their whole hand until the actual race. So we don’t know how we really stand in relation to the other teams. We’re just working to make our package the best we can for the race.”

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Brumos Racing led the GT class as Andrew Davis ran a lap of 1:49.943 (116.569 mph) in the No. 59 Porsche GT3 co-driven by Leh Keen. He was followed by Frank Biela in the No. 52 Audi of America Audi R8, 1:49.943 (116.532 mph) and Jeroen Bleekemolen in the No. 23 WeatherTech Porsche GT3, 1:50.063 (116.422 mph).

—

Contact:
J.J. O’Malley
(386) 310-6588
jomalley

GA_NovTest_111412.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Allmendinger Returns to Karting Roots at Supernationals

Allmendinger Returns to Karting Roots at SuperNationals

Walldinger Racing Media Contact:
Matt Cleary, Sunday Group Management
Media

LAS VEGAS (13 November 2012) – AJ Allmendinger is sporting a grin that will barely fit in his helmet as the former karting stand out returns to his roots for the 2012 SKUSA SuperNationals XVI presented by MG Tires in Las Vegas this week.

Also back in race action will be Allmendinger’s Shell-Pennzoil karting scholarship winner Kyle Kirkwood, who will complete his final event of the scholarship following a year of karting at the national level.

Both Allmendinger and Kirkwood will compete against some of the best karters in the country with the 14th Annual SuperKarts! event attracting racers from across the nation. Allmendinger will contest the S1 class while 13-year-old Kirkwood will campaign the TaG Junior division with support from his Shell-Pennzoil KartSport team.

Allmendinger’s scholarship has given Kirkwood the opportunity to race on tracks around the country and the Florida native has enjoyed several highlight moments throughout the year. With sponsorship from Shell-Pennzoil, Kirkwood delivered all season long to score four wins, two pole positions, 11 podiums and 16 top-10 results in 20 events. Those accomplishments saw him finish runner-up in the Yamaha Jr. Heavy championship. As he looks ahead to this weekend’s event, Kirkwood looks to add yet another trophy to his growing collection.

Allmendinger last competed in the prestigious Vegas event 10 years ago and has recently been doing some testing back in the Carolinas in preparation for what is expected to be some fierce competition. His best SuperNats! finish is second.

“We’ve had some good test days on the new kart and I’m really looking forward to getting to the SuperNats,” said Allmendinger. “It’s been quite a while since the last time I was there and I’ve really missed it. I just love karting. There’s so much talent there that you really have to be on top of it in order to do well. I’m also excited to see Kyle (Kirkwood) in action this weekend too. I didn’t get to see any of his races in person this year, but he’s done a really great job and I think this weekend will be no different.”

The five-day event will see several practice sessions for each class with all classes receiving one qualifying session, three heat races, and one main event. The starting positions for the main event will be determined by the amount of points earned in the heat races.

The on-track action begins with practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Qualifying and the first round of heats is slated for Friday with the second and third heats taking place on Saturday. The main events will begin at 10:00 AM (PST) on Sunday.

Ekartingnews will have live audio and timing at www.ekartingnews.com/live. Event updates can also be found throughout the week by following @ekartingnews, @SuperKartsUSA, or @Kart360 on twitter.

About Shell-Pennzoil:
Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs nearly 20,000 people using technology and innovation to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future. The Shell downstream organization manages a portfolio of top-quality brands, including the No. 1 selling gasoline and premium gasoline brand[i] and Pennzoil®, the most trusted motor oil brand in America*. Shell’s motorsports technical alliances around the world provide a testing ground for fuel and lubricant technologies and products in demanding road conditions. The knowledge Shell and Pennzoil gain through these alliances help address tomorrow’s world mobility energy challenge with efficient solutions that power and protect motorists around the globe.

http://www.pennzoil.com/

Walldinger Racing
About Walldinger Racing, Inc.: Walldinger Racing was formed in 2006 to support AJ Allmendinger’s motorsports career by developing commercial opportunities and partnership programs.

About KartSport
Formed in August 2010, KartSport is the exclusive North American importer of Arrow Racing Karts. Owned and operated by professional karting and racing veterans Justin Marks and Eric Jones, and operating out of a state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, KartSport delivers to the karting industry a number of quality products and services. KartSport also designs and manufacturers it’s own line of karting tools and components.

About Sparco
Founded in 1977 Sparco is the world leader in motor sports safety equipment. More than 35 years later, Sparco’s ambition for producing the safest and innovative driving equipment possible, is still the number one priority for the company. At speeds of more than 200 mph, and temperatures above 120 degrees, a driver must be 100% confident in their safety equipment. Therefore, the world’s top professional drivers choose Sparco, more than any other brand.

About Sunday Group Management
Sunday Group Management is a leading motorsports management and communications consulting firm with clients in NASCAR, IndyCar, GRAND-AM, and ALMS. www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, or www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

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pastedGraphic_2.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

GRAND-AM Hosts Two-Day Open Test At Daytona

GRAND-AM Hosts Two-Day Open Test At Daytona

19 Rolex Series Teams Set To Prepare For 51st Rolex 24, Upcoming Season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2012) – A number of Rolex Sports Car Series teams will make important preparations for 2013 competition when GRAND-AM Road Racing hosts its final event of the year with a two-day test for the Rolex Sports Car Series at Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Nineteen Rolex Series cars – eight Daytona Prototypes and 11 from the production-based GT class – are entered for two full days of on-track activities. This will be the last open test before the Roar Before the Rolex 24 on Jan. 4-6, 2013, the final official test for the Rolex Series before the season-opening 51st Rolex 24 At Daytona during the Jan. 24-27 weekend.

Defending Rolex 24 winners Michael Shank Racing will be joined by GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing, Action Express Racing, Wayne Taylor Racing and Spirit of Daytona from the DP ranks. They will be joined by Team Sahlen, which will be having its first open test with its two new BMW/Rileys.

Action Express will have a second car, a Porsche/Riley, for Sunoco Rolex 24 At Daytona Challenge winner Ivan Bellarosa and his driver-coach, Max Papis. An American Le Mans Series P2 fielded by Conquest Racing is also expected to provide data as an initial step in evaluating the potential class structure of a unified series in 2014.

GT entries include champion AIM Autosport Team FXDD with Ferrari, defending Rolex 24 and North American Endurance Championship winner Magnus Racing, Stevenson Motorsports, Brumos Racing, TRG, Marsh Racing, Alex Job Racing, Park Place Motorsports and Racers Edge Motorsports. AIM Autosport will also have a second Ferrari 458 Italia with drivers to be announced, while five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Frank Biela will test the factory Audi R8.

Testing will begin at 9 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. on both days.

A section of the Oldfield Grandstands will be open free to the public with access available through the lobby of the Daytona International Speedway ticket office. Sports car fans will also be able to watch the testing action through a Daytona International Speedway Track Tour.

Contact:
J.J. O’Malley
(386) 310-6588
jomalley

Release Nov. test.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Randy Bernard and INDYCAR

RANDY BERNARD STEPS DOWN AS CEO OF INDYCAR
Remains an advisor to INDYCAR; Belskus appointed interim CEO
INDIANAPOLIS, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012 – The board of directors of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation convened a special meeting Sunday, Oct. 28 and has announced that Randy Bernard will relinquish his position as CEO of INDYCAR effective immediately. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and CEO Jeff Belskus was appointed as interim CEO of INDYCAR.
“We are very grateful for the tireless effort that Randy has invested into learning, understanding and working to grow the IndyCar Series over the last three racing seasons,” Belskus said. “As both Randy and our organization have reflected on the past season and as we look toward the opportunities ahead and how to best take advantage of them, we agreed that the timing was right to pursue separate paths.”
Bernard, who joined INDYCAR in March 2010, said he believed he is leaving INDYCAR in a better position than when he arrived.
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the entire INDYCAR community, its teams, drivers, loyal partners and fans,” Bernard said. “The last three years have produced some exciting, and some difficult, times. But we have created a foundation for INDYCAR that positions it to grow over the next several years, and I am proud of what everyone at INDYCAR has been able to accomplish since I came on board.”
Bernard was also grateful for the support of the Hulman-George family during his tenure.
“I want to thank the Hulman-George family, especially Josie (George), for giving me the opportunity and privilege to work with the organization and to help set a course and direction for INDYCAR,” Bernard said. “With the family’s firm commitment to the betterment of the sport and the dedication of our teams, drivers, partners and fans, INDYCAR is better poised for success than it has been in many years.”
Belskus credited Bernard with successfully navigating INDYCAR through a challenging and important time period that included the development and rollout of the first new chassis rules in nine years and the introduction of a new engine platform and multiple engine manufactures after six years of a single-supplier format.
Belskus added that Bernard would still provide input into the overall operation of INDYCAR through an ongoing advisory capacity with INDYCAR. Bernard said he was looking forward to staying involved.
“I have developed a passion for the sport of INDYCAR, and I look forward to being involved at a strategic level as an advisor to the INDYCAR leadership,” Bernard said. “As INDYCAR fans, we need to unify behind the sport in order to move it to the next level, and I look forward to providing input and being part of that unified voice along the way.”
Belskus, who served as CEO of INDYCAR from July 2009 through February 2010, will continue in his current roles in addition to being named interim CEO of INDYCAR. Belskus said a specific timeline had not been established for announcing a permanent replacement, but added that future INDYCAR leadership structure will be addressed as part of a current strategic planning process that includes assistance from global business management firm The Boston Consulting Group and would incorporate consultation with INDYCAR stakeholders.
“The organization is full of talented professionals, and we will continue to prepare for what will be a very exciting 2013 racing season,” Belskus said. “Once again, INDYCAR is not for sale, and the organization remains completely committed to owning and operating INDYCAR.”
…IMSC2012-017…

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imsc2012-017(indycarbernard).docx

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

CHEVY NSCS AT MARTINSVILLE TWO: Chevrolet Clinches 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Cup

Chevrolet Clinches NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship; 2012 Title is the 10th Consecutive and 36thOverall for the Bowtie Brand

DETROIT (October 28, 2012) – Jimmie Johnson’s victory in the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway clinched the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship for Chevrolet. It is the 10th consecutive year, and the 36th time overall that the Bowtie Brand has captured the prestigious title in NASCAR’s top series.

“Chevrolet is truly honored to win the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship for the 10th consecutive year and the 36th time overall,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “This award is the result of a relentless effort by the Chevrolet team owners, drivers, crew chiefs, crews and technical partners. Many laps remain to be run in the balance of 2012. Chevrolet and the teams remain committed to a strong finish.”

In the 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races run to-date in 2012, Chevrolet drivers have captured 12 victories. Chevrolet won its first Manufacturers’ Cup in 1958, and now with the 2012 Cup secured, Chevrolet has reached an unprecedented 36th title.

“Winning Chevrolet’s 36th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship has been a dedicated effort of focus and cooperation by our teams, technical partners and Chevrolet’s engineers,” added Pat Suhy, Chevrolet Racing NASCAR Group Manager. “Everyone associated with Team Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series has worked tirelessly throughout the season to meet the challenges, and to give our drivers race cars that are competitive and reliable. Thank you to everyone whose passion has brought this award to Chevrolet.”

The Team Chevy drivers that have contributed manufacturers’ points that resulted in the title for Chevrolet are: Jimmie Johnson (four wins); Tony Stewart (three wins); Kasey Kahne (two wins); Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (one win); Jeff Gordon (one win); Ryan Newman (one win); Kevin Harvick; Paul Menard and Jamie McMurray.

“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to our teams, drivers and technical partners on winning the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship for Chevrolet for the 36th time,” said Alba Colon, Chevrolet Racing Program Manager, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. “The spirit of cooperation among all of our teams is extraordinary, and has allowed us to give them the right tools to be competitors on the track, as well as partners for the benefit of Chevrolet. To achieve this accomplishment 10 consecutive years is a remarkable feat with the level of competition in the Sprint Cup Series.”

With three races remaining in the 2012 season, Jimmie Johnson is the current points leader and Kasey Kahne sits fourth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings. Other Team Chevy Chase drivers current ranking in the top-12 point standings: Jeff Gordon – sixth; Tony Stewart – 10th; Kevin Harvick – 11th and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 12th.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

CONTACTS: Nancy Wager Judy Kouba Dominick
727.415.3109 317.408.1049
nmwager jkdracer

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup

Kansas Speedway Test, Day 1: Negri, Johnson Post Fast Laps

Please see attached press release, text-only version is below

Kansas Speedway Test, Day 1: Negri, Johnson Post Fast Laps

Teams Preparing For 2013 Summer Races On New Road Course

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Oct. 27, 2012) – Here’s the Saturday skinny, from GRAND-AM’s open test on the new 2.37-mile road course at Kansas Speedway.

The track is green but smooth;

The track is fast;

And the garage is excited.

“I like it a lot,” said Roush Performance driver Shelby Blackstock. “The banking is really fast. You’re flying on the banks. This is going to an amazing venue for fans next year with the casino right here and a [Rolex Series] race at night.

“Just an awesome place.”

Saturday, a total of 12 teams from the Rolex Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge gathered for a total of six practice sessions, with crisp, cool weather (40s and 50s) aiding both engine performance and tire grip on the less-than-seasoned race surface.

The test continues today with another six sessions, beginning at 9 a.m. (CT). Both series will compete at Kansas Speedway next season, on Aug. 16-17.

Ozz Negri topped Saturday’s Rolex Series speeds with a fast lap of 123.080 mph (1 minute, 9.321 seconds) in Michael Shank Racing’s No. 60 Ford/Riley DP, posted in the final session. Negri had the fastest DP lap in all three sessions.

“This is a pretty good indication of how it’s going to be [when we race],” Negri said. “We’re going for it. We’re not treating this like it’s only a test.

“The track is so smooth, and even though it’s green there was a tremendous amount of grip. This is definitely the quickest oval section of a course I’ve experienced in GRAND-AM, even quicker than Daytona. It’s also probably the toughest braking zones we’ve seen. It’s all going to make for some very interesting racing.”
Blackstock posted the fastest lap in Saturday’s first Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge session, at 101.819 mph (1 minute, 23.796 seconds) in Roush Performance’s No. 61 Ford Mustang, a GS (Grand Sport) class entry. The fastest CTSCC lap of the day was posted by Billy Johnson, also in the No. 61, 104.339 mph (1:21.772) in the third session.

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Contact:

Herb Branham

(386) 310-6050

hbranham

Kansas Test Day 1.pdf

Matt Cleary
Sunday Group Management
mediawww.sundaymanagement.com
youtube.com/sundaymanagement
317.908.2975 (m)

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