NEWS FROM MOTORSPORTS 2005
PRESENTED BY SUNOCO
"The fan and racer mid-winter motorsports extravaganza"
MEDIA INFORMATION: Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc.
Click here for more information

09/18/06

ANOTHER HUGE CROWD ON HAND FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY MOTORSPORTS 2005 SHOW

FORT WASHINGTON, PA January 16, 2005 . . .Another huge crowd jammed the aisles of the 300,000 square foot Fort Washington, PA Expo Center for the 20th Anniversary of Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco.
Even on Sunday, when there was a concern that show attendance might suffer because of the Philadelphia Eagles playoff involvement (which they won against the Minnesota Vikings) at home, the crowd resembled the “Oklahoma Land Rush” when the doors opened.
“Friday was one of the best opening days we have ever enjoyed. It seems there are a lot of people that have turned Friday into Racer’s Day. Most of our vendors offering hardcore racing products and services told us it was an outstanding sales day,” said show organizer Len Sammons. “It could very well be an indication that 2005 is going to be a great season for our sport.”
Nextel Cup racers Jamie McMurray, Dave Blaney, Carl Edwards, Randy Lajoie and Kasey Kahne drew huge numbers of fans for FREE autographs with Kahne able to sign well over 1,000 autographs during his two hour stint. Fans were in line for Kahne, NASCAR Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year, at 6:30 a.m. Former Cup star Harry Gant had long lines at the Skoal display area as he signed hundreds of autographs.
“We had standing room only crowds for at least half of our FREE seminars. We can not remember seeing such interest in this part of the show,” was the comment from show manager Joe Pratt. “Racers were taking advantage of the opportunity to learn more about everything from sponsorship to race car setups. Nextel Cup crew chief Tom Baldwin’s Safety Seminar had a huge turnout. Baldwin had assistance from Randy Lajoie and Hans device developer Jim Downing.”
Fans filled the show aisles visit speedway and organization displays to gather schedules and plan their season of races for 2005. And collectible vendors were ecstatic about the activity at their exhibit areas.
Even former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier proved to be a popular attraction at the Andy Belmont Motorsports display. Belmont also used the occasion to announce a new sponsor in Bootie Beer.
TV personality and former Nextel Cup crew chief Jeff Hammond proved to be a popular attraction and was offering copies of his new book titled “Real Men Work in the Pits.”
The Michael Schumacher driven Ferrari Formula One also drew a great deal of attention from show attendees.
U.S.Tobacco’s Ms. Motorsports Contest had a very popular winner in Ashley Deihl, a 20 year old student at Washington & Jefferson University College, from Mifflintown, PA. Representing Port Royal Speedway Ms. Deihl caught the judge’s attention with the way she handled the difficult question regarding the difference between modifieds, late models and sprint cars.
Ashley, daughter of Joe Deihl who is a popular sprint car racer in Central Pennsylvania, finished second in the same contest last year. She also earned the Miss Congeniality and Sportswear awards.
Ms. Deihl received $1,500 and an all expense paid trip to the Knoxville, Iowa Sprint Car Nationals. The trip being awarded by Ralph Capitan of Knoxville Raceway. In addition Ashley received a beautiful jacket from Design 500, jewelry from Golden Pleasures of Bordentown, NJ and a series of personal appearances throughout 2005 represented Motorsports 2006.
First runner-up was Ms. Tracy Gesselman, she also earned Most Photogenic and Swimwear awards, and second runner-up honors went to Jo Marie Rankin who also earned the Sportswear award in the preliminaries. Jenna Neuner, representing Mudslinger, earned the Swimwear award in preliminaries.
A very popular attraction was the appearance of 12 of the 20 winners of the U.S.Smokeless Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Contest. Included were Tina Broderick (1989),Billie Jo Steiner (1990),Midi Miller (1991),Robin Johnson (1992),Robyn Smoker (1993), Tricia Brown (1995), Melissa Goodling (1996),Carrie Shuba (1997),Jennifer Olsen (1999), Mandy Fenstermacher (2001), Jennifer Weaver (2002) and Cara Foss (2004).
The Best Appearing Vintage Stock Car award went the Levance #10 stock car as part of the National Old Timers display. And Chip Groff earned Best Appearing Vintage Open Cockpit Award with his USAC Championship car which had been driven by Pancho Carter.
Bridgeport Speedway earned the Best Speedway/Club Display award with a display that included a rotating #85 Modified high above the show floor.
The Reading Historical Racers Association earned the Best Vintage Car Display with a wonderful display centered on the history of the Reading, PA Fairgrounds Speedway.
Phoenix Raceway in Phoenixville, PA earned the Best Quarter Midget/Kart Display honors and Stinger Chassis, the quarter midget builder, earned top Commercial Display honors.
The United States Auto Club Ford Focus exhibit took the Best Race Car Display award and there was a tie for the Best Open Cockpit Race Car Display between the Smokey Snellbaker Super Sportsman (part of the Lincoln Speedway/Silver Spring Speedways display) and the Lucas Wolfe 410 sprint car displayed in the show lobby.
Jim Sherer’s Bicknell Modified top Best Stock Car Display honors as part of the Hoffman Brothers exhibit area.
Sunday was Kid’s Day with Tyler Massie winning the Big Wheel feature for 3 and 4 year olds. Eric Gilberson was tops in the 5 and 6 year old division while Brandon Traino took the honors in the 7 to 9 division for the second year in a row. Eric Gilberson of Hainesport, NJ won the three lap Cash Dash which earned him four tickets for the June Nextel Cup race at Pocono Raceway.
Fourth grader Nick Barber of Willow Grove, PA, representing Cub Pack #554, won the Pinewood Derby main event.
More than 200 motorsports vehicles of all types were on display during the three day show with close to 600 exhibit areas offering just about everything imaginable in motorsports.
Plans for Motorsports 2006 will be announced shortly.

JUST A REMINDER….FREE SPONSORSHIP SEMINAR...

Well respected sponsorship guru Ernie Saxton will offer a BASIC SPONSORSHIP seminar at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco. The seminar covering the BASICS of finding sponsorship successfully will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 14th at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center. There is no charge for the seminar other the price of the show admission ticket.

Saxton will be giving our samples for a sponsorship brochure that his clients have used successfully over the years in attracting interest from potential sponsors.

Once the 45 minute seminar is complete Saxton will be available for questions and answers. If you like him to review your current sponsorship package bring it to the seminar with a self addressed stamped
envelope so it can be returned.

Saxton will also be giving out free copies of his Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News monthly newsletter and will offer a SHOW SPECIAL on a SPONSORSHIP BASICS package that includes the book, Winning Sponsorships (loads of information on securing sponsorship, contracts, contract letters and more), an actual generic sponsorship proposal (how we think it should be done) and a one year subscription to Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News. The package has a value of more than $300 and will sell at the show for just $139.95 plus $6.00 for postage and handling.

Saxton is giving 10% of the money generated by this special offer to the UNICEF Tsunami Relief Fund.

Come on out and see how sponsorship marketing should be done to be successful and bring those questions you always wanted to ask.

FREE EARNHARDT JR POSTER FOR FIRST 500 TO VISIT BUD LAND EACH DAY AT MOTORSPORTS 2005

FORT WASHINGTON, PA January 8, 2005 . . . If you are a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan this just may make your day. The first 500 people to visit Bud Land at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco will receive a beautiful Dale Earnhardt Jr. poster. And that will happen each day of the three day show running from 1 p.m. Friday, January 14th thru until 5 p.m. Sunday, January 16th at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center.
With more than 40,000 people expected to visit the Motorsports 2005 motorsports extravaganza it is suggested that Earnhardt Jr. fans be there early. Actually with all that there is to see and do at the show it is suggested that all attendees be there early so they are sure to see just about everything imaginable in motorsports that will be covering close to 300,000 square feet of the Expo Center. More than 250 motorsports vehicles will be on display and that will include the Budweiser No.8 Nextel Cup Chevy that is driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. In addition a new Kodak No. 77 Dodge Charger, new on the track in 2005, being driven by Travis Kvapil will be there. For Formula One fans a Michael Schumacher Ferrari will be part of the show.
Show attendees will be able, after purchasing their admission ticket, to have the opportunity to collect FREE autographs from NASCAR stars such as 2004 Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Dave Blaney (just recently signed to drive the Jack Daniels sponsored Chevrolet), Carl Edwards (running both the Nextel Cup and Busch Series full schedules in 2005), Randy Lajoie, and Tommy Baldwin.
International Speedway Corporation (operators of Daytona, Watkins Glen, Richmond International and other speedways) will have a very unique Disney themed race car on display. The car was just recently unveiled at Daytona USA, the hugely popular interactive amusement center at Daytona International Speedway. The booth will have Daytona 500 and other event tickets on sale.
The National Guard will have an interesting display with a cut-away and a complete car driven by Greg Biffle. For those who want to see the inner workings of a Nextel Cup car this would be a great display to visit.
MBNA offers the J.J. Yeley driven #18 NASCAR entry along with a huge photo of Jeff Gordon when he was a USAC sprint car racing star.
And if you are looking to learn more about how to be a success in motorsports there are more than 20 FREE seminars being presented that cover subjects such as sponsorship, taxes, legal advice, setting up your racing car, using the right shocks and more. If there was such a thing a show attendee could earn a degree in motorsports knowledge by attending a majority of the seminars.
With this being the 20th Anniversary of Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco the U.S.Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Contest will get even more attention with many of the past winners planning to be on hand. In fact fans will be able to purchase a special poster featuring just the past winners and have it autographed during the week. All money raised from the sale of the poster will go to the former winners.
Of course the Ms. Motorsports Contest is one of the most popular events at the show and this year will be no different. Standing room only crowds will be on hand for the finale on Saturday night which will also include appearances by the former winners.
Motorsports fans that also enjoy professional boxing will be anxious to meet former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier and his son Marvis. They will be signing autographs at the Andy Belmont Motorsports display starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday and they will be selling autograph Everlast boxing gloves while the supply last.
Many local auto racing personalities will be part of the show, some participating in speedway displays such as Grandview Speedway champion Jeff Strunk and sprint car ace Brian Leppo who will be appearing in the Thunder on the Hill display. United Racing Club Rookie of the Year Kyle Purks will be part of the Advance Auto Parts URC display at the show.
Sunday will be Kid’s Day with youngsters being invited to participate in Big Wheel Races (big wheels will be provided) and Pinewood Derby events.
More than 600 exhibit spaces will fill the hall with just about anything anyone can think of that is motorsports related.
Of particular interest to many show attendees will be the collectible vendor area where a load of new items will be found and there will probably be some great bargains on some of the older items.
And the old-timers have not been forgotten. Former NASCAR Winston Cup racer Harry Gant will be on hand to meet fans during the weekend at the Skoal display area. At least five old-timer organizations will have displays of restored vintage racing equipment and many drivers from yesteryear on hand.
Adult tickets for the show are priced at $12.00 or get a three day ticket for just $25.00. Kids, 6 through 12, are admitted for $4.00. Free parking is available.
Three day show, running January 14th through 16th, is set for the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center located just a short distance from Exit 339 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For show information telephone 609.888.3618 or visit www.aarn.com. After January 12th telephone 215.641.4500 Ext.51.

OLDTIMERS PLAYING A BIG PART IN 20TH ANNIVERSARY MOTORSPORTS 2005 SHOW

FORT WASHINGTON, PA January 6, 2005 . . . "Where has the time gone. It seems just like yesterday, maybe the day before, when we were just putting together the first show and now we are celebrating our 20th anniversary. Because of that we have a lot of things happening at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco that will involve the old-timers," said show organizer Len Sammons. "People coming out to the show will be able to see a lot of what is new in the sport and there will be lot of what is old in the sport and I think it will make for a very enjoyable show for the youngsters and oldsters."
No less than five different organizations involved in keeping past memories of the sport alive will be part of the three day Motorsports 2005 motorsports extravaganza taking place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, January 14th thru 16th.
The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society will have a huge display and will feature such past racing greats as Bobby Braxton, Freddy Adam, Russ Smith, Blaine Sadler, Glenn Fitzcharles and others signing autographs during the weekend. The Atlantic Coast Old-timers, Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, National Old-timers Auto Racing Club and Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club will also be an important part of the show with impressive displays and racers from the past on hand to talk with show attendees and sign autographs.
NASCAR Winston Cup legend Harry Gant, one of the most popular stock car racers ever to climb into a race car, will be on hand signing autographs at the Skoal display. Gant has been a popular attraction at the show several times.
For drag racing fans the AA/dragster driven by the legendary Don Garlits to the 1963 National Championship will be on display throughout the weekend. The car is presently owned by "Biddy" Winward of New Castle, Delaware.
SATURDAY NIGHT HEROES, racers who have entertained fans in the past, will be available for autographs from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 16th. A special collector card, available only at the show, will be signed by past greats such as Van May, Joe Severage, Tommy McAndrew, Phil Meisner, Ray Liss, Newt Hartman and Billy Hughes.
Stock Car Racing Hall of Famer Bill Wimble will be traveling up from his Florida home to sign replicas of the #33 stock car that he made so famous. Wimble will be at Dave’s Racing Collectibles display area throughout the weekend.
Of course the young racing talents can not be forgotten and show attendees will have the opportunity to collect autographs from such famous NASCAR talents as Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Dave Blaney, Carl Edwards, Randy Lajoie, Tommy Baldwin and others. Many local auto racing talents will be involved in the show also.
More than 250 motorsports vehicles will be on display and there will be more than 600 exhibit areas dedicated to just about anything imaginable in motorsports. Fans will be anxious to get the newest collectible items from the many vendors planning to be part of the show.
Again this year the US Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Contest will be a big attraction and many of the past winners of the contest will be on hand to participate in the 20th anniversary celebration.
More than 20 seminars, free to show attendees, covering a variety of subjects related to motorsports including sponsorship, insurance, taxes, etc. will presented.
Adult tickets are priced at $12.00 with a three day pass being offered for $25.00. Children 6 thru 12 pay $4.00. Under 6, accompanied by a paying adult, admitted FREE.
The show, opening at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 14th, will cover close to 300,000 square feet of the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center (all on one floor). There is free parking available. The Expo Center is located just a short distance from Exit 339 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For information telephone 609.888.3618. Starting January 12th use 215.641.4500 Ext. 51. Or you can go to www.aarn.com.

EDWARDS AND BLANEY ADDED TO STAR STUDDED MOTORSPORTS 2005 SHOW

FORT WASHINGTON, PA JANUARY 3, 2005 . . . The man noted car owner Jack Roush has tabbed to replace Nextel Cup superstar Mark Martin and the man tabbed by legendary car owner Richard Childress to fill the seat in his Jack Daniels #07 Chevy in Nextel Cup racing will be appearing at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco.
More than 40,000 people are expected to visit the three day show that opens on Friday, January 14th at 1 p.m. and continues until 5 p.m. Sunday, January 16th and fills close to 300,000 square feet of the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center with just about everything imaginable in motorsports.
Carl Edwards, winner of the Florida 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck race at Daytona International Speedway (where he got the attention of fans by doing a backflip during victory ceremonies) plus two other truck events in 2004, will make his first visit to the mid-winter motorsports happening. Edwards has now moved into the #99 Jack Roush Ford in Nextel Cup competition and has been tabbed as a replacement for Mark Martin who has announced he is retiring at the end of the 2005 season. Edwards will be signing autographs in the Chapman Auto Group display area on Saturday, January 15th, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Veteran Nextel Cup racer Dave Blaney will be making another visit to the show. Blaney has seen his Cup career take giant strides forward as he had some impressive outings in the #30 AOL sponsored Richard Childress owned Chevy in the second half of 2004. Those outings apparently earned Blaney a new contract and a ride in the Jack Daniels sponsored #07 Chevy owned by Childress for the 2005 season and beyond.
Blaney is always a popular attraction with fans at the "motorsports extravaganza" because of his past short track racing successes including champion on the World of Outlaws sprint circuit plus being involved in the operation of the popular Sharon Motor Speedway in Ohio.
Blaney will be signing autographs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Also appearing at the show will be popular NASCAR figures such as Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Hammond, Tommy Baldwin and Randy Lajoie.
Show attendees will be able to collect autographs from popular auto racers and motorsport personalities throughout the three day show and there is no additional charge for the autographs after the admission ticket is purchased.
More than 250 motorsports vehicles, representing all forms of motorsports competition, will be on display and there will be more than 600 exhibit areas offering just about everything available in motorsports……and even some items not related to motorsports.
A complete schedule of events, including more than 20 free seminars, for Motorsports 2005 is available at www.aarn.com or telephone 609.888.3618.After January 12th the information phone number will be 215.641.4500 Ext. 51.
Admission is $12.00 for adults (three day ticket is $25.00) and $4.00 for young people 6 thru 12. Under 6 are admitted free with an adult admission. There is free parking at the show site.
For information on discount show lodging opportunities telephone Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 or Plaza Travel at 215.322.6888.
The three day Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco show is presented at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center located just a short distance from Exit 339 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For those traveling West on the PA Turnpike and having EZPass there is an Exit 340.

DIRT MOTORSPORTS’ HARTSLIEF SET FOR APPEARANCE AT MOTORSPORTS 2005

FORT WASHINGTON, PA December 27, 2004 . . . Bobby Hartslief is probably piling up a huge amount of airline miles as he travels the country on business for DIRT Motorsports. And there has been a great deal of business for Hartslief to attend to.
The DIRT Motorsports organization, formerly Boundless Motorsports, has become quite a major player in the motorsports business.
Hartslief, will travel from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to appear on stage as part of the three day Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco Motorsports Extravaganza taking place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, January 14th through January 16th.
The Chief Operating Officer of DIRT Motorsports will give an overview and touch on their plans for 2005 and the future. Fans, racers and media in attendance will be invited to ask questions. Hartslief will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 14th.
In recent months the organization has added some speedways to their operations including Lernerville, PA Speedway which they purchased and Canandaigua,NY Speedway where they took over the lease to go along with Cayuga County Fair Speedway that was part of the original purchase of DIRT Motorsports. Rolling Wheels Speedway was another purchase by the group. The organization also owns the very popular World of Outlaws sprint car group and the World of Outlaws Late Model sanctioning body.
Just recently DIRT Motorsports has purchased the Stacker2 Xtreme Late Model Series, the UMP Late Model sanctioning organization and the Mid-American Racing Series (MARS) making them the primary sanctioning organization of late model stock car racing in the United States.
The company is claiming to be the largest and most recognized sanctioning body for sprint, late model and modified dirt track racing in the United States. An estimated 3.5 million fans attended World of Outlaws and DIRT Series sanctioned events during the 2004 season.
On the same day fans will have the opportunity to see the top class winners in Northeast auto racing accept their awards from Area Auto Racing News (one of the nation’s top trade publications covering motorsports). The winningest driver awards go to Brett Hearn (Dirt 358 Modifieds), Ted Christopher (Asphalt Modifieds), Jeremy Miller ( Late Models), Scott Haus (Dirt Late Models), TODD Hoddick (Asphalt Late Models),Tim Fuller (Dirt Modifieds) and Colby Womer (Micro Sprints). Top Northeast sprint winner Fred Rahmer will be racing in Australia and will not be able to attend the show.
And Jamie McMurray will be signing autographs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that same evening. McMurray is one of the top young talents on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit.
More than 250 motorsports vehicles, representing all divisions of competition will be on display throughout the 300,000 square feet of show space with more than 600 exhibit spaces offering just about everything imaginable in motorsports.
For more information on what will be offered at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco check in at www.aarn.com or telephone 609.888.3618.
The Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, site of the 20th annual show, is located just a short distance from Exit 339 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
There are still a few, very few, rooms available at the show hotel, the Holiday Inn of Fort Washington, PA, and other area hotels. For show rates telephone Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 or Plaza Travel at 215.322.6888.

MANY PAST WINNERS OF MS. MOTORSPORTS COMPETITION TO APPEAR THIS YEAR

FORT WASHINGTON, PA December 28, 2004 . . . The 20th anniversary of the Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco Motorsports Extravaganza is set for January 14th through 16th at the huge Fort Washington, PA Expo Center. Just about everything imaginable in motorsports will be featured in the show that will cover close to 300,000 square feet, all on one level.
During the 20 years of the show, some very lovely ladies have won the U.S. Tobacco Ms. Motorsports contest and many of them will be returning for the 20th anniversary celebration. Show organizer Len Sammons has heard from just about all the previous winners and he is quite excited about the prospect of having so many of the lovely ladies returning.
Tina Broderick, winner in 1989, will be participating as will Billie Jo Steiner (1990),Midi Miller (1991), Robin Johnson (1992), Robyn Smoker (1993),Tricia Brown (1995), Melissa Goodling (1996), Carrie Shuba (1997), Jennifer Olsen (1999), Mandy Fenstemacher (2001), Jennifer Weaver (2002) and Cara Foss (the current Ms Motorsports).
Britney Godwin, winner in 2003, has to pass on the opportunity to be part of the special event as she will be getting married that weekend and Chrissie Weiderhold, a past winner, is expecting the birth of a child around that time.
All these past winners will be part of the 2005 Ms. Motorsports Contest and will help crown the new Ms. Motorsports.
"It sort of makes me feel a lot older than I am. I have been the MC of the contest ever since it started. Each year I get out the tuxedo, actually there have been a few of them, and we work hard at making this a very special night for all the young ladies," said Ernie Saxton. "It will be an exciting night and I am looking forward to seeing a lot of the past winners. Each one of them has been special over the years."
During the three days of the show, there will be three different autograph sessions presented in BUD Land featuring the former winners signing a special collectors Budweiser poster that includes all the past winners of Ms. Motorsports competition that are participating in the 20th anniversary show. There will be a $10.00 charge for the poster with proceeds going to all the past winners that participate in the anniversary show.
The preliminaries for the U.S.Smokeless Tobacco Ms. Motorsports contest will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 15th with finals taking place at 7 p.m. And at 6:30 p.m. there will be a special video presentation and on stage interviews with the former winners of the competition.
More than 250 motorsports vehicles, representing all divisions of competition will be on display throughout the 300,000 square feet of show space with more than 600 exhibit spaces offering just about everything imaginable in motorsports.
For more information on what will be offered at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco check in at www.aarn.com or telephone 609.888.3618.
The Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, site of the 20th annual show, is located just a short distance from Exit 339 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
There are still a few, very few, rooms available at the show hotel, the Holiday Inn of Fort Washington, PA, and other area hotels. For show rates telephone Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 or Plaza Travel at 215.322.6888.

JEFF HAMMOND, WINNER OF THREE WINSTON CUP TITLES, SET FOR MOTORSPORTS 2005

FORT WASHINGTON, PA December 23, 2004 . . . Jeff Hammond, winner of 43 Cup races and three Winston Cup championships as a crew chief, will be appearing at the 20th anniversary Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco. The motorsports extravaganza is set to run from 1 p.m. on Friday, January 14th through 5p.m. on Saturday, January 16th at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center.
Hammond was involved with all three of Cale Yarborough’s championship winning seasons, and then took over as crew chief during what are often called the glory years of Winston Cup driver Darrell Waltrip.
Considered one of the all time great NASCAR crew chiefs Hammond surprised many when he decided, a few years back, to give up the competitive end of the sport to become an expert race analyst with Fox-TV during their coverage of NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series race events. In fact Hammond will be in the TV booth when the 2005 Daytona 500 kicks off the NASCAR season.
Hammond is also part of the weekly cable TV show, Totally NASCAR, which appears on Speed Channel. In addition he is a weekly guest on Fox Sports Radio Network’s show The Drive and is also on Gametime.
Recently Hammond and award winning author Geoff Norman completed a book titled REAL MEN WORK IN THE PITS. The book recalls Hammond’s thrilling moments in racing starting as tire changer and moving up to become a crew chief for some of the biggest names in the sport. The book will be unveiled at Motorsports 2005.
Hammond will be signing his book, copies will be available at the show, on Saturday, January 15th from 11:30 a.m. to1p.m.and again from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The popular TV personality, well known for his strong opinions about the current state of the sport and pulling no punches as he offers his insights, will probably be willing to express some opinions while signing autographs.
Hammond joins an impressive lineup of motorsports talent that will be appearing at the three day show. Included are NASCAR Nextel Cup stars Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Dave Blaney and Carl Edwards along with Kasey Kahne crew chief Tom Baldwin Jr.(presenting a safety seminar) and former Busch Series champion Randy Lajoie. Additional driver appearances are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the January 14th opener of the show.
More than 200 motorsports vehicles will be on display including Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari Formula One car and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Budweiser #8 Nextel Cup racecar.
More than 20 "free seminars" (after the purchase of an admission ticket) will be presented throughout the three day show.
Complete details on the show are available at www.aarn.com or telephone 609.888.3618. Adult tickets are priced at just $12 each day or $25 for a three day pass. Young people, 6 through 12, are admitted for just $4.00. And kids under 6 are admitted free when they are accompanied by a paying adult.
There is free parking available at the Fort Washington Expo Center and in surrounding areas.
Lodging at the show hotel, the Holiday Inn (Fort Washington, PA), is almost sold out. For rooms at the Holiday Inn or other lodging in the area telephone Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392.
The Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, site of the show, is located just a short distance from Exit 339 of the PA. Turnpike.

GETTING AN EDUCATION (FREE) AT MOTORSPORTS 2005 PRESENTED BY SUNOCO

FORT WASHINGTON, PA December 21, 2004 . . . You could probably walk away from Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco, the midwinter motorsports extravaganza, with an educational degree in motorsports. There will be close to two dozen seminars covering a variety of subjects relating to motorsports presented during the three day show which opens at 1 p.m. on January 14th and runs through Sunday, January 16th. More than 40,000 people are expected to fill the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center for the show.
The biggest seminar of the weekend will be the Tom Baldwin Safety Seminar presented on Saturday, January 15th at 2:30 p.m. Baldwin, crew chief for NASCAR Nextel Cup racer Kasey Kahne, lost his dad in a NASCAR Modified stock car racing accident midway through the 2004 season. He has some ideas on how all racers could work to make the sport safer. Randy Lajoie, a former NASCAR Busch Series champion and a builder of seats for race cars, will be part of the seminar as will Dr. John Melvin, NASCAR Safety Advisor) and John Downing (Creator of the HANS device). This seminar is expected to attract a huge crowd and will be held at the show stage area.
Important to racers is learning how to run their race team like a business. Ernie Saxton will show them how to seek sponsorship in a professional manner, Meri Van Blarcom-Gupko and James McCreedy, two lawyers, will discuss legal issues for race teams and speedways, while Dave Nale/Hammerhead Promotions will offer ideas on racing websites and team promotional programs and George Grasic along with Ann Donley will discuss auto racing and taxes.
Randy Williamson, representing Bicknell, will offer help to racers who setting up their modified chassis. Williamson points out that you do not have to be racing a Bicknell to learn something at his seminar.
Lee Stauffer, crew chief for the Apple Chevy #12 sprint car driven by Greg Hodnett the last few years, will give pointers on setting up a sprint car chassis. This was a very popular seminar at the last show.
Kevin Enders, one of the top engine builders in DIRT motorsports, will share his success secrets with seminar attendees.
Vince Valeriano (VRP Shocks) is back to share his ideas on making shocks work and John Satterfield (Dambest) will talk about carburetors, balancing fuel and air.
Walt Breeding, a well known figure in the industry, will present three separate seminars covering the new 600cc Micro Sprint rules and his sanctioning organization.
Jim Bernheisel, a noted racer and car builder, will be back with his chassis school for late model stock car racers.
And Darryl Dunmire (DBY) attracted a record crowd for his seminar on 270cc micro sprint motors at the last show. He will be looking to top that record at this the 20th anniversary show.
Add to this impressive list a variety of additional seminars and you have what could be considered a Motorsports College. And racers would have to spend a considerable amount of money to attend these seminars when presented separately. Here all the seminars are included in the price of an admission ticket.
A full schedule of seminars, times and locations can be found at aarn.com.
Attend as many as possible during the weekend and you just may qualify as a "professor of motorsports."
Of course there will be a lot more happening at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco with more than 200 motorsports vehicles, representing a wide variety of auto racing divisions, will be on display. More than 600 display spaces will be filled with just about everything motorsports.
The US Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Contest (featuring many of the past winners) will be a popular attraction at the show as will appearances by such standout racing stars as Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Carl Edwards, Dave Blaney, and a host of others. Autograph opportunities are free as part of the admission ticket price.
Motorsports 2005Presented by Sunoco tickets are priced at $12.00 for adults with a three day pass priced at just $25.00. Youngsters under 12 are admitted for just $4.00 and kids under 6 are admitted free with a paying adult. Advance tickets are available at 609.888.3618.
There are still a few discount lodging opportunities available for those planning to spend more than a day at the show. Telephone Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 or telephone Plaza Travel at 215.322.6888.
The Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, site of the show, is located just a short distance from Exit 339 of the PA. Turnpike.

FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMP JOE FRAZIER AND ARCA ACE ANDY BELMONT TO TEAM UP AT MOTORSPORTS 2005 PRESENTED BY SUNOCO SHOW

FORT WASHINGTON, PA December 13, 2004 . . . Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier will team up with ARCA RE/MAX racing star Andy Belmont at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco. Frazier, heavyweight champion from 1970 through 1973, will be appearing in the Andy Belmont Motorsports display on Saturday, January 15th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Frazier will be meeting fans and signing autographs.
Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco is a three day motorsports extravaganza featuring just about everything imaginable in motorsports and fills close to 300,000 square feet of the huge Fort Washington, PA Expo Center. The show, expected to attract more than 40,000 people, will open at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 14th and continue through until 5 p.m. Sunday, January 16th.
The popular midwinter motorsports happening already includes appearances by NASCAR Nextel Cup stars Kasey Kahne and Jamie McMurray along with many other well known names in the sport.
Frazier has taken quite an interest in auto racing and has traveled to a few events with the Andy Belmont Motorsports team. At Pocono Raceway, when the ARCA RE/MAX series appeared as part of the huge Nextel Cup weekend in July, Frazier created quite a stir as he visited with racers and crews. Smokin’ Joe accommodated every person seeking an autograph or to just shake the hand of the former champion.
Philadelphia based Frazier may best be remembered for his outstanding battle, perhaps the fight of the century in March, 1971, when he knocked Muhammad Ali down in the 15th round and then went on to win by a decision. It was the first time that two undefeated champions fought for the same title.
The 1964 Olympic heavyweight champion went on to become the world heavyweight champion and held the title until 1973. His professional boxing record included 32 wins, 17 by knockout, four losses and one draw.
"We are very excited about having Joe Frazier at our show. It is another first for the show as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Joe is going to be a very popular attraction at the show." said show organizer Len Sammons. "I have always been a fan of Joe Frazier and I know there are a lot of people in motorsports that will be anxious to meet the former champion. I know I am."
Show attendees will be able to visit hundreds of display areas and see up close more than 150 vehicles representing many different forms of motorsports competition. And there will be a variety of activities including a long list of informative seminars, big wheel competition for the kids, and the very popular U.S.Tobacco Ms. Motorsports contest.
Adult tickets are available at just $12.00 each with a three day pass being offered for just $25.00. Kids under 12 are admitted for just $4.00. For ticket and other show information telephone 609.888.3618 or visit www.aarn.com.
For those needing affordable first classing lodging during the show weekend telephone Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 or Plaza Travel at 215.322.6888.
The Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, home of Motorsports 2005, is located at Exit 339 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

"RACING FOR SMILES" WILL BENEFIT FROM AUCTION AT MOTORSPORTS 2005

FORT WASHINGTON, PA December 13, 2004 . . . When the annual Charity Auction is presented at the huge Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco show at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center January 14-16th, 2005 "Racing for Smiles" will benefit.
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in St. Mary, Ohio, the charity is specifically designed to make dreams come true for youngsters that are seriously ill, often suffering from life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The goal of the Pennsylvania Chapter of "Racing for Smiles" is to provide these young people with a day to remember at a speedway with all expenses paid. The children would be given the opportunity to meet drivers, receive gifts, autographs and have photos taken with their heroes.
Len Sammons, organizer of the mid-winter motorsports extravaganza that offers show visitors the opportunity to see just about everything imaginable in motorsports, was instrumental in having "Racing for Smiles" designated as the official charity at Motorsports 2005. When Jason Arthofer of SpeedBoys Performance Parts Center in Wind Gap, PA heard of the organization, he was quick to be in touch with Sammons and PA Chapter coordinator Sue Ziegler to see what could be done to have "Racing for Smiles" be a part of the show which attracts more than 40,000 people during its three day run.
Ron Hubscher, who had been involved with the Burn Foundation when they were running the charity auction at the show, has agreed to be part of the "Racing for Smiles" effort and will be working with his many contacts in NASCAR racing to obtain racing related items to be used in the auction.
"We need donations of racing items to be used in the auction. And we would love to have autographed items. We really need used helmets. The kids love them," said Zeigler. "I can remember we put a helmet on one youngster’s head and he refused to take it off. He spent the day getting autographs from racers on his helmet. It really adds to the special day for the kids when they can go home…..or back to the hospital after their track visit with a helmet. It keeps the memories alive."
Sue Zeigler, who runs a construction business in Collegeville, PA, has a daughter, Jackie, racing late model stock cars. She is planning to race at a number of Northeast speedways in 2005 as she follows in the footsteps of her dad, Zig Ziegler. Jackie will have her late model stock car on display at Motorsports 2005 and will be offering opportunities for photographs with her and the race car as part of the fundraising effort.
Zeigler is hoping to be able to have some of the "Racing for Smiles" children visit the show.
Any donations are welcome for the Charity Auction. They have been able to obtain some "vintage" sheet metal from NASCAR Busch, Craftsman Trucks and Nextel Cup race teams. For information on the "Racing for Smiles" charity and how you can be a part of this wonderful charity telephone Zeigler at 610.489.0323.Hubscher, who handled the Burn Foundation Auction for 12 years can be reached at 609.585.1244.
In the past the Charity Auction has allowed race fans to obtain some great collectable items and help a worthwhile charity at the same time and it is hoped the same will hold true at Motorsports 2005.
Len Sammons, show organizer, and Joe Pratt, show manager, continue to look for past winners of the annual U.S.Smokeless Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Pageant. As part of the special 20th anniversary Motorsports 2005 presented by Sunoco, Sammons and Pratt are inviting past winners to participate in the celebration. The pageant is always one of the highlights of the three day show.
The show, set to open at 1 p.m. on January 14th and closing at 5 p.m. on January 16th, will feature many opportunities for fans to collect autographs from their favorite national, regional and local motorsports stars. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the show.
The Northeast’s largest auto racing trade show will have more than 350 vendors offering aftermarket parts, safety equipment, car haulers, collectibles, and so much more. In addition many speedways and organizations will be on hand to give fans and racers the latest information on their 2005 season plans. Many fans use the information/schedules gathered at the show to plan their entire season.
And again this year there will be a large number of seminars/workshops featuring a variety of experts and admission is free for show attendees.
Those planning to spend the weekend at the show are advised to contact Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 to make room reservations. Arrangements have been made at several of the best hotels in the area to provide discount accommodations.
And those wishing to obtain more information the show should contact the show office at 609.888.3618 or visit the show website at www.aarn.com.
Motorsports 2005 presented by Sunoco takes place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center located just a very short distance from the Fort Washington exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

TOMMY BALDWIN HAS FOND MEMORIES OF HIS DAD AND WANTS TO KEEP THEM ALIVE WITH SAFETY SEMINAR AT MOTORSPORTS 2005

FORT WASHINGTON, PA December 6, 2004 . . . NASCAR Nextel Cup crew chief Tommy Baldwin has fond memories of his dad Tommy Baldwin Sr. The legendary NASCAR Whelen Engineering Modified tour racer was fatally injured during the running of a tour race at Thompson, CT Speedway in August. He wants to share his thoughts and memories of his dad and bring more attention to safety in the sport….especially when it comes to local short track racing. He has learned a few things that may have helped his dad possibly survive the accident and he wants to see if he can save some other drivers.
"If a race driver comes to a track and does not like the conditions he should just walk away," said Baldwin. "I want to bring awareness to local short track racers, promoters and officials about improving safety in the sport. I plan to do that with a seminar titled ‘Helping to Save Lives’ at Motorsports 2005."
Baldwin will have some "friends" along to assist him with the one hour seminar which will be followed by a question and answer session.
The seminar will start at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 15th as part of the three day Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco show. The show opens to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 14th and continues through until 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 16th. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the show.
The "friends" include former Busch Series champion Randy Lajoie who creates custom seats for racers. Lajoie will be talking about the importance of a good strong well secured seat.
Dr. Melvin, who continues to work with NASCAR to improve safety in the sport, will share his expertise as will John Downing, creator of the Hans device.
It is possible that other industry leaders will be involved in the seminar.
And when the seminar and question/answer session are completed both Baldwin and Lajoie will participate in an autograph session.
Baldwin, crew chief for NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Rookie of the Year Kasey Kahne, hopes that racers, promoters, officials, track safety workers and others involved in the sport will see the importance of this seminar. He wants to be sure that it is understood that the presentation is being designed for the local short track industry.
"NASCAR presents safety seminars for the Nextel Cup racers and the other top series racers twice a year so this seminar is not designed for them. We want to make the local short track racing industry aware that what happened to my dad can happen to them. I don’t care what organizations those attending the seminar represent I just want to get the message out to all racers," said young Baldwin.
"We want can car builders do? What can racers do? What can promoters do? What can we all do to make the sport safer? The seminar at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco will answer those questions."
"We are really excited to be able to offer this seminar," said show organizer Len Sammons. "We think every racer should be in the audience. Some of us have gotten complacent and it takes an accident like the one Tommy Baldwin Sr. was involved in to make us come back to reality and understand that this is a very dangerous sport we are involved in. Everyone in the short track industry should be planning to attend. Who knows if we will ever again be able to put these people together for a seminar."
Sammons also wanted to point out that because of the changes in the floor plan, designed to create a smoother flow of show traffic, there are a very limited number of exhibit spaces still available for the show. Interested parties should be in touch with show manager Joe Pratt at 609.888.3618.
Close to 300,000 square feet of the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center will be filled with just about everything imaginable in motorsports. More than 200 motorsports vehicles of all types will be on display and show attendees will be able to visit more than 600 exhibit displays that are part of the show.
Adult admission is $12.00 with children 12 and under admitted for just $4.00. Under six are admitted free of charge.
Additional information on the show, opening at 1 p.m. on January 14th and continuing through 5 p.m. January 16th, may be had by telephoning 609.888.3618 or visit the show website at www.aarn.com. 
The Fort Washington Expo Center, site of the show, is located just a short distance from the Pa. Turnpike entrance (Exit #339).
Show attendees in need of lodging for the show weekend should be in touch with Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392. She offers discount rates at some of the top local hotels.

TEN YEARS LATER JO RANKIN RETURNS FOR MS MOTORSPORTS PAGEANT

FORT WASHINGTON, PA November 26, 2004 . . . The last time Jo Rankin attended the giant mid-winter motorsports extravaganza known as Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco she was eight years old and was there to compete in the Li’l Miss Motorsports Pageant.
Since then the 18-year-old Western Pennsylvania beauty has won no less than 80 pageants and is finally old enough to do something she has wanted to do since she was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Li’l Miss Motorsports Pageant. She is going to compete in the U.S.Smokeless Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Pageant which is part of the three day Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco being presented at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center January 14 through 16th.
Jo is an accomplished violinist (having played for 15 years) and, in fact, gives lessons at McVay Music Center in Cranbury Township, PA. And she is taking vocal lessons.
Rankin, who makes her home in Butler, PA, comes from an ardent auto racing family. Both her mom and dad, Gary and Sheila Rankin, race the big 410 sprint cars at Western Pennsylvania speedways. Dad finished fifth in the final standings at Lernerville Speedway and mom was eight at Tri City Speedway. Jo served as Miss TriCity Speedway this past season.
Her grandfather, Carl Murdick, has been an outstanding performer in big block modified stock car racing at Lernerville, Mercer and TriCity Speedways along with the Bicknell Modified Tour. Uncle Dave Murdick has been a big block modified champion.
The senior high school student, with a 3.9 grade average, is studying to be a music teacher and already attends a community college where she has earned 18 college credits toward her studies starting next year at Clarion University.
Rankin is excited about returning to the midwinter motorsports happening and, perhaps, adding another pageant to her long list of successes. And just maybe, perhaps, she will bring the violin along to play and sing a few songs for show attendees.
Many of the past winners of the U.S.Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Pageant are expected to be in attendance as the show celebrates its 20th Anniversary. As part of the anniversary celebration event organizer Len Sammons is planning some special happenings.
There are still openings for ladies who would like to participate in the Ms. Motorsports Pageant. Information may be had be telephoning the show office at 609.888.3618.
The show, set to open at 1 p.m. on January 14th and closing at 5 p.m. on January 16th, will feature many opportunities for fans to collect autographs from their favorite national, regional and local motorsports stars. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the show.
The Northeast’s largest auto racing trade show will have more than 350 vendors offering aftermarket parts, safety equipment, car haulers, collectibles, and so much more. In addition many speedways and organizations will be on hand to give fans and racers the latest information on their 2005 season plans. Many fans use the information/schedules gathered at the show to plan their entire season.
And again this year there will be a large number of seminars/workshops featuring a variety of experts and admission is included in the price of the show ticket.
Those planning to spend the weekend at the show are advised to contact Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 to make room reservations. Arrangements have been made at several of the best hotels in the area to provide discount accommodations.
And those wishing to obtain more information the show should contact the show office at 609.888.3618 or visit the show website at www.aarn.com.
Motorsports 2005 presented by Sunoco takes place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center located just a very short distance from the Fort Washington exit (#339) of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

MEMORIES OF READING FAIRGROUNDS SHOULD BE A BIG HIT AT MOTORSPORTS 2005

FORT WASHINGTON, PA November 23, 2004. . . One of the most famous short track auto racing facilities in the history of the sport is the Reading, PA Fairgrounds Speedway. And Mike Grim and a number of others are working hard to keep the memories of that great racing facility alive with the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society.
Plans are being made to have many of the restored race cars and several of the veteran racers that competed at the Reading Fairgrounds be part of Motorsports 2005 Presented By Sunoco. The three day mid-winter motorsports happening, opening at 1 p.m. on January 14th and closing at 5 p.m. on January 16th, will feature just about everything imaginable in motorsports. The show, considered a motorsports extravaganza, will fill close to 300,000 square feet of the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center.
Mike Grim, a long time supporter of the sport, is president of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and is quite excited about the opportunity to make people aware of their organization at the show and to let people see some of the restored race cars and some of the veteran drivers from yesteryear.
Grim, owner of Mike Grim’s Truck Wreck Specialist in Reading, PA, has restored some vintage cars on his own. However his goal, along with others involved in the project, is to bring more attention to the "golden years" of racing at Reading and to be able to come up with support and funding to build a museum so that they can display the vintage cars and memorabilia from the many years the track was in operation.
The organization has built a rolling museum that includes photos, driver uniforms, trophies, and other items, even including a motor or two, so that fans have the opportunity to see and relive the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway.
The rolling museum is presented being updated with some new display materials being included and it will be part of a large display area at the Motorsports 2005 Presented By Sunoco show. Grim and his volunteer staff want to preserve and present the great Reading memories. At the show they will have famous vintage race cars such as the Gary Wolford flathead modified, Bobby Braxton’s round body modified, Russ Smith’s Gremlin, Dick Quallio’s Mustang and a Red Riegel sprint car. More vintage cars may be added for the show.
One of the most famous names in Reading Fairgrounds Speedway stock car racing was Freddy Adam and he will be at the show to meet fans throughout the three days along with Russ Smith, Gary Gollub, Glenn Fitzcharles, Blaine Sadler, Bobby Braxton and others. Fans of old time stock car racing will get a thrill out of meeting the many legendary drivers and young people will get to see, close up, just what racing was like back in the days of Reading Fairgrounds Speedway.
The organization recently participated in the 150 year anniversary of the Reading Fair and turned out to be the most popular attraction with a large 100’ x 60’ tent displaying vintage race cars and close to 50 race drivers on hand who had raced at the Berks County half-mile clay oval.
Mike Grim, who is proud of his work in putting together a replica of Red Lesher’s 101 modified and being involved in the rebuilding of the famed Bobby Braxton modified, gives a lot of the credit for the start of the organization to former racer Dizzy Dean and others who pushed him to get involved.
The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society offers a great deal of information on their website at www.rsca-history.org and those having interest in getting involved with the group or putting their support behind the group can obtain information on the website.
Grim, president of the group, pointed out that none of this would be possible without the support and hard work of Ken Johnson (Vice President), Barry Schultz (Treasurer) and Marie Yoder (Secretary). He also made mention of Lew Brubaker who is responsible for the website and provided some photography work to the organization.
The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society display area, along with other exhibits featuring memories of yesteryear in auto racing, could prove to be one of the most popular attractions during the weekend.
The show, set to open at 1 p.m. on January 14th and closing at 5 p.m. on January 16th, will feature many opportunities for fans to collect autographs from their favorite national, regional and local motorsports stars. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the show.
The Northeast’s largest auto racing trade show will have more than 350 vendors offering aftermarket parts, safety equipment, car haulers, collectibles, and so much more. In addition many speedways and organizations will be on hand to give fans and racers the latest information on their 2005 season plans. Many fans use the information/schedules gathered at the show to plan their entire season.
And again this year there will be a large number of seminars/workshops featuring a variety of experts and admission is free for show attendees.
Those planning to spend the weekend at the show are advised to contact Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 to make room reservations. Arrangements have been made at several of the best hotels in the area to provide discount accommodations.
And those wishing to obtain more information the show should contact the show office at 609.888.3618 or visit the show website at www.aarn.com.
Motorsports 2005 presented by Sunoco takes place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center located just a very short distance from the Fort Washington exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

KASEY KAHNE TO VISIT MOTORSPORTS 2005 PRESENTED BY SUNOCO TRADE SHOW

FORT WASHINGTON, PA November 15, 2004 . . . One of the most exciting and quickly becoming one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR stock car competition is Kasey Kahne. And the NASCAR Nextel Cup rookie, probably the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award winner, has agreed to make his first appearance at Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco. Kahne will be featured at the three day show, which opens on Friday, January 14th at 1 p.m. at the Fort Washington,PA Expo Center, on Sunday, January 16th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Kahne has earned 11 top five finishes in his rookie season of competition driving the #9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge owned by former New Jersey racer Ray Evernham who is now one of the top car owners on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit. Kahne has also earned four Bud Pole starting positions this season in Nextel Cup racers. He has led more than 692 laps (not including the Sunday race at Darlington Raceway) during this season.
The Rookie of the Year award winner will be announced shortly after the final race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Nextel Cup racers this Sunday, November 21. Kahne, who has been a serious factor in many Cup events this season is expected to be in the battle for the victory on Sunday afternoon as the first Nextel Cup champion is decided.
In addition Kahne has been a winner in NASCAR Busch Series competition and this past Saturday night he climbed into a NASCAR Craftsman Truck and rode to victory in the Darlington 200 in his very first outing in a truck. The 24-year-old racer, he calls Enumclaw, Washington home, is a graduate of United States Auto Club Sprint, Midget and Silver Crown Series competition. In 2000 he was the USAC National Midget Series champion and earned Rookie of the Year honors in Silver Crown competition.
For the ladies attending the three day Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco show Kahne is single.
Kahne will be joining an impressive list of racers and personalities making appearances at the show which is expected to attract more than 40,000 people.
The rookie NASCAR Nextel Cup racer will be signing autographs, free with the purchase of an admission ticket, and talking racing with the many fans who will be wanting to meet the talented racer.
Close to 300,000 square feet of the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center will be filled with just about everything imaginable in motorsports. More than 200 motorsports vehicles of all types will be on display and show attendees will be able to visit more than 600 exhibit displays that are part of the show.
Additional information on the show, opening at 1 p.m. on January 14th and continuing through 5 p.m. January 16th, may be had by telephoning 609.888.3618 or visit the show website at www.aarn.com.
The Fort Washington Expo Center, site of the show, is located just a short distance from the Pa. Turnpike entrance.
Show attendees in need of lodging for the show weekend should be in touch with Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392. She offers discount rates at some of the top local hotels.

MORE THAN 40,000 REASONS TO BE PART OF MOTORSPORTS 2005 PRESENTED BY SUNOCO

FORT WASHINGTON, PA November 11, 2004 . . . When the 20th anniversary Motorsports 2005 Presented By Sunoco mid-winter motorsports extravaganza is presented at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, January 14-16th, there will be more than 40,000 reasons for exhibitors to be involved.
What is the attraction? What brings so many people out on some very cold days (normally) in January? The answer could be, for the 40,000 or more people who turn out each year, the chance to meet and collect autographs from some of the best known names in motorsports. Or the answer could be that there are more than 200 motorsports vehicles, representing many different segments of sports, on display. Then again it could be the more than 600 exhibit booths that offer just about everything imaginable in motorsports. There are many reasons why the show is so popular.
Dave Adams, a successful modified stock car owner (attracting dozens of sponsors when many racers can not find one) and now general manager of Bridgeport, NJ Speedway has several thoughts on why so many people attend the mid-winter motorsports happening but he prefers to talk about why he has been part of the show for so many years.
"The exposure that tracks, race teams, and organizations can get by being part of the Motorsports 2005 show is tremendous," said Adams. "In the span of three show days we get to place our race schedule for the new season in the hands of thousands of fans. And our people have the opportunity to talk with many of our racers, fans and the media. We welcome everyone to visit our booth to give us their thoughts, suggestions and opinions."
And Adams pointed out that the show is great for their sponsors and race team sponsors. They all get the opportunity for exposure to the thousands of people visiting the show and it also gives them (the sponsors) the chance for additional exposure to a new audience, people who may not have visited Bridgeport Speedway.
Sponsors get the opportunity for exposure to potential new customers and we get the opportunity to, hopefully, do all we can to attract new fans and, perhaps, some new racers to our speedway.
There are a number of show participants that have been part of the 19 year history of the show and will be returning for the 20th anniversary show, January 14-16th, such as the very popular Pocono Raceway, home of two NASCAR Nextel Cup races each season. Pocono Raceway will again have a display that attendees can visit as soon as they come through the main entrance.
In addition to Bridgeport Speedway and Pocono Raceway there will be a number of speedways and organizations participating in the show. All of them have more than 40,000 reasons to be there.
Attendees to the show will also have the opportunity to participate in a long list of FREE seminars that are being planned during the three day show. And one of the most popular events of the weekend will again be the U.S.Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Pageant. With this show being the 20th annual many past winners of the contest are expected to be part of the activities and again many lovely ladies will be trying to capture the title as Ms. Motorsports 2005.
The show, set to open at 1 p.m. on January 14th, will take place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center located just a short distance from the PA. Turnpike. The show continues through 5 p.m. on January 16th.
For information on discount lodging rates and to make reservations telephone Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392. No reservations can be made directly with the official show hotel, the Holiday Inn of Fort Washington, PA.
The official website for show information is located at www.aarn.com or telephone 609.888.3618.

SCHUMACHER FERRARI FORMULA CAR AT MOTORSPORTS 2005 MID-WINTER SHOW

FORT WASHINGTON, PA October 30, 2004 . . . When the 20th Anniversary Motorsports 2005 presented by Sunoco show is presented January 14th through 16th at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center attendees will get an up close look at an exciting new attraction.
For the first time, as part of the Bridgestone/Firestone display area, fans will be able to see a Michael Schumacher Ferrari Formula 1 car. And for those who are not aware Schumacher is the most successful Formula 1 racer in the history of the sport with five world titles and dozens of Formula 1 victories during his brilliant career.
And show attendees will have the opportunity to see more than 200 race cars, all types, all sizes and all shapes, on display as part of the huge show that fills close to 300,000 square feet of show space at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center.
More exciting news is the fact that the entire layout of the show has been changed so that 20th edition of the show will have a new look and it will be easier for show attendees to get around and see the more than 600 exhibit booths, offering just about everything imaginable in motorsports, that fill show.
Len Sammons, show organizer, and Joe Pratt, show manager, continue to look for past winners of the annual U.S.Smokeless Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Pageant. As part of the special 20th anniversary Motorsports 2005 presented by Sunoco, Sammons and Pratt are inviting past winners to participate in the celebration. The pageant is always one of the highlights of the three day show.
The show, set to open at 1 p.m. on January 14th and closing at 5 p.m. on January 16th, will feature many opportunities for fans to collect autographs from their favorite national, regional and local motorsports stars. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the show.
The Northeast’s largest auto racing trade show will have more than 350 vendors offering aftermarket parts, safety equipment, car haulers, collectibles, and so much more. In addition many speedways and organizations will be on hand to give fans and racers the latest information on their 2005 season plans. Many fans use the information/schedules gathered at the show to plan their entire season.
And again this year there will be a large number of seminars/workshops featuring a variety of experts and admission is free for show attendees.
Those planning to spend the weekend at the show are advised to contact Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.2392 to make room reservations. Arrangements have been made at several of the best hotels in the area to provide discount accommodations.
And those wishing to obtain more information the show should contact the show office at 609.888.3618 or visit the show website at www.aarn.com.
Motorsports 2005 presented by Sunoco takes place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center located just a very short distance from the Fort Washington exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE SPORT HAVE BEEN THERE, WHO WILL VISIT IN 2005

FORT WASHINGTON, PA October 9, 2004 . . . .. Motorsports 2005 Presented By Sunoco will mark the 20th Anniversary of the annual auto racing trade show, the Mid-Winter Motorsports Happening, that is set to take place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, Friday, January 14th through Sunday, January 16th.
 Over the years event organizer Len Sammons has managed to attract many of the best known names in the sport. Mario Andretti has visited with fans during the three day show as have four time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon along with one of the most popular figures in NASCAR racing Dale Earnhardt, Jr. And Tony Stewart, often considered NASCAR’s bad boy, has been to the show a couple of times. 2004 Nextel Cup champion Matt Kenseth thrilled fans at the 19th annual show. "The King", Richard Petty, has been there a few times. Drag racing’s most popular driver, John Force, visited a few years back. The list of show visitors would make a Who’s Who of Motorsports.
 And on the local level fans are able to meet many of the favorites who ply their trade at the area speedways. Fans attending never know just who they may bump into while wandering through the show that fills more than 275,000 square feet of the Fort Washington Expo Center.
 Sammons is planning a lot of special events as part of the big 20th Anniversary Motorsports 2005 so it will be anyone’s guess as to what well known drivers and personalities will be visiting the show.
 An event sure to get even more attention this time is the annual U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Pageant. Sammons has been busy trying to locate past winners and inviting them to participate in the 20th Anniversary Celebration. Past winners of the contest ,that have not been contacted, should be in touch with the show office at 609.888.3618.
 As in past years more than 150 vehicles, representing just about every form of motorsports, will be on display.
 And at least 600 exhibitor spaces will be filled with everything imaginable in auto racing including speed equipment suppliers, engine builders, safety equipment suppliers, novelty and collectible items plus much more.
 Those planning to attend the show are reminded that this year’s show will feature an all new show layout making it easier to get around to see all the show and again the show, all 270,000 square feet, is located on one floor.
 The "fan and racer motorsports extravaganza" annually attracts more than 40,000 people with many speedways introducing their schedule of events for the new season at the show. And many speedways and organizations have some of their top racers on hand, with race car displays, to meet the fans and help them plan their season. "The show is a very important part of the overall marketing plan of many area speedways and organizations," said show manager Joe Pratt. "And the show does give fans a chance to meet many of their favorite racers and it gives racers a chance to see what is new in the sport for the future."
 With this being the 20th anniversary show a lot more attention will be centered on the vintage race car displays that fill the show and most likely a lot of the "stars of past years" will be attendance for this special event.
 Of course, as in the past, show attendees will be able to collect FREE autographs (once they have purchased their admission ticket), participate in a variety of FREE seminars, attend FREE stage shows and hear and see FREE interviews with top racers and well known personalities in the sport.
 Complete information on the show, with regulate updates, is available at AARN.COM or telephone 609.888.3618.
 The three day Motorsports 2005 Presented By Sunoco show will open at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 14th and continue through 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 16th. The show will take place at the huge Fort Washington, PA Expo Center located just a short distance from Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 309 in Ambler, PA.

MOTORSPORTS 2005 PRESENTED BY SUNOCO IS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
LOOKING FOR ALL PAST MS MOTORSPORTS WINNERS

FORT WASHINGTON, PA August 28, 2004 . . . Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco, the mid-winter motorsports happening for fans and racers, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary when the show is presented at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center, January 14th through 16th.
And the show will have a new look. Show organizer Len Sammons and show manager Joe Pratt have been working the Expo Center staff and have created a complete new layout for the show. "We have created a show layout that will make it much easier to get around the show floor and be able to see all the attractions with a minimum of congestion," said Sammons. "Show attendees, those who have been to previous shows, will not recognize the place. And we have a lot of special promotions being planned as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event."
Part of the anniversary celebration will be appearances by former winners of the very popular Ms. Motorsports contest. Sammons is making an effort to locate all the winners and invite them to be part of special activities that will surround the 2005 Ms. Motorsports competition. Former winners are asked to contact the show office at 609.888.3618. "The appearance of former winners will bring back some great show memories. Many of the ladies have gone on to exciting careers and it will be great to see and hear from many of them," said Pratt. U.S.Tobacco, a long time supporter of the show, has announced that they will continue as the primary sponsor of the Ms. Motorsports Contest.
Chapman Auto Group, gaining fame recently with Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones, will return with another large display area of cars and trucks with auto racing vehicles intermingled. Chapman (C&C Ford) has been a long time supporter of the show.
Returning for a second year is Toyota, a big hit at the January,2004 show, with an all new display that should gain the attention of all show attendees.
More than 600 exhibit spaces are expected to be filled with everything imaginable in the motorsports industry. The show covers close to 300,000 square feet of the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center.
Exhibit space is filling quickly. 2004 exhibitors were given first opportunity to renew their locations and now the remaining space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those wishing to obtain a show brochure or make arrangements for exhibit space should be in touch with Joe Pratt at 609.888.3618 or email him at motorsportsinfo@aarn.com.
The 20th anniversary show offers a wide variety of promotional opportunities and that means there are great marketing opportunities for businesses wishing to reap the rewards of being involved with the successful show and the more than 40,000 people who will attend during the three day show. Sponsorship and marketing opportunities are available by contacting Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc. at 215.752.7797 or email Esaxton144@aol.com. There are marketing and sponsorship programs available for just about every budget.
Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco will take place at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center and opens at 1 p.m. on January 14th continuing through 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 16th. For show information telephone 609.888.3618 or visit www.aarn.com.

20TH ANNIVERSARY MOTORSPORTS SHOW SET FOR JANUARY, 2005

FORT WASHINGTON, PA March 26, 2004 . . . Plans for Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco, the fan and racer mid-winter motorsports extravaganza, are already well underway. The three day show that annually brings more than 40,000 people to the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center will take place January 14th through 16th, 2005.

“This will be our 20th anniversary show and we have some exciting ideas for the 2005 show. We have already put together a new layout for the show, a new look, that will make it even easier for attendees to get around the show. And we are planning some exciting fan promotions and looking at bringing back some of the people and attractions that have proven popular in past years,” said event organizer Len Sammons. “We want to make the 20th anniversary show something that everyone will remember.”

Motorsports 2005 Presented by Sunoco will cover close to 300,000 square feet of the Fort Washington Expo Center and will offer just about everything imaginable in motorsports.

“It seems like we just closed the door on the 2004 show and we already have exhibitors signing up for the 2005 show. Exhibitors were really excited about the amount of business and interest that was generated at the January show. Some of our exhibitors reported that the show was a record setter for them,” said show manager Joe Pratt. “We have some exciting plans already in place for the show.”

2004 exhibitors are reminded that they have until April 30th to reserve their space for the 2005 show. And new exhibitors are asked to be in touch with Joe Pratt to make sure they are on the waiting list when all unclaimed exhibit space is made available.

“Our 2004 exhibitors get first bid on locations similar to what they had with the old floor plan but if we don’t hear from them by April 30th the space is made available to others,” said Pratt. “And it is important to note that this year the show has a complete new layout so we need to hear from exhibitors so we can discuss their booth location for the 2005 show and avoid any confusion.”

New show brochures are in the mail to the 2004 exhibitors. For those planning to participate in the show that have not received a brochure a copy can be had by telephoning Pratt at 609.888.3618.

And there are marketing opportunities available that match every budget. Information on sponsoring the show and/or show events can be had by contacting Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc. at 215.752.7797 or email Esaxton144@aol.com.

THOUSANDS JAM ANOTHER MOTORSPORTS 2004, ANOTHER BIG SUCCESS

FORT WASHINGTON, PA January 18, 2004 . . . Despite bitter cold weather, snow and sleet for two of the three day Motorsports 2004 Presented by Sunoco show thousands of people again filled the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center to see several of the top names in motorsports and visit more than 400 display areas containing just about anything imaginable in the sport. More than 150 motorsports vehicles were on display.
As is usual, this was the 19th edition of the hugely successful motorsports fan and racer extravaganza, Saturday saw the aisles jammed with overflow crowds.
"We were really pleased with the turnout. And despite the weather situation on Friday and Sunday, we still have some big crowds visiting the show. We are already putting out plans in place for the 20th Anniversary Edition of the show January 14-16th in 2005. And we will have some special events to celebrate our first 20 years," said show organizer Len Sammons.
Autograph seekers were able to fill many pages of their autograph books as Nextel Cup champion Matt Kenseth, two time Cup champion Terry Labonte, former Cup champion and stock car racing legend Bobby Allison, USAC Triple Crown champion J.J. Yeley, 1985 Firecracker 400 winner Greg Sacks, Nextel Cup veterans Dave Blaney and Kenny Wallace,  the Original Skoal Bandit Harry Gant, NASCAR Busch Series standout Tim Fedewa, legenday NASCAR Cup car owner Junie Donlavey, sprint car stars Tyler Walker, Fred Rahmer and Greg Hodnett plus a host of others were on hand.
Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey attracted a long line of autograph seekers as did the Phillie Phanatic and some professional wrestlers visiting the Stacker2 display area.
The coveted U.S.Smokeless Tobacco Ms. Motorsports crown was earned by Ms. Cara Foss, a Drexel University Pre-Law student, from Cherry Hill, NJ. Foss, well known to area racing fans as Miss URC plus being a competitor in the Ms Motorsports pageant in the past, represented Bear Pit Carts and Albreada Waste. The 23-year-old, five foot four inch, beauty will represent Motorsports 2004 Presented by Sunoco by making a variety of personal appearances that build interest in and lead up to Motorsports 2005.
Ms. Foss received $1500 cash for her winning efforts along with a wristwatch from Golden Pleasures Jewelry of Bordentown, NJ. Design 500 presented a custom jacket and Bally Health Clubs presented a one year membership.
Cara was also selected as "Best in Sportswear" which earned her a bracelet from Golden Pleasures.
Alyssa Sharman of Sinking Spring, PA earned first runner-up honors which gave her $500 and Golden Pleasures jewelry. Ashley Diehl, an English major at Washington & Jefferson College, took second runner-up honors and earned $300 plus a wristwatch from Golden Pleasures and a membership in the Bally Health Club.
Other award winners were:
Ms Congeniality - Gwen Boyer
Most Photogenic - Jamie Leigh Toth
Best in Swimwear (finals) - Valeri Carpender
Best in Sportswear (preliminaries) - Lisa Marie McCaffery
Best in Swimwear (preliminaries) - Kim Ricciardi
Some action packed Big Wheel competition, 63 competitors, saw Brandon Traino of Cherry Hill, NJ win four tickets to the Pocono 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup race on June 13th as he was overall best in competition. Feature wins went to Tyler Wylezik of West Lawn, PA in 3-4 year old action, Austin Steigerwalt of Slatington, PA won the 5-6 year old feature and Traino was tops in the feature for 7-9 year olds.
Special show awards were presented by Len Sammons Productions to:
Kevin Nouse, Zanes Highlands Sprint Car, for Best Open Cockpit Race Car display.
The Mongtomery County Quarter Midget Association of Phoenixville, PA top honors for having the Best Quarter Midget Club display.
The award for Best Speedway/Best Club display went to Wall Township, NJ Speedway.
Rick Laubach's #93 Modified earned Best Appearing Stock Car honors.
The Best Restored Vintage Open Cockpit car went to the Potomac Open Wheel Vintage Racing Club with the #83 McNamara Special.
And it was the Rene Charland #888 winning the Best Restored Vintage Stock Car honors.
The Best of Show award for the best race car display went to Dave Adams and his Hooters/Brian's Harley Davidson display while the Best Commercial Display award went to Jay Dee Supply.
Fans and exhibitors interested in the special 20th Anniversary Show being planned for January, 2005 at the Fort Washington Expo Center should telephone 609.888.3618.

Copyright © 1998-2005 by South Jersey Dirt Racing/ToddJ All Rights Reserved.  Born on date April 21, 1998