Category: Other Series Racing

[media-credit name=”indianapolismotorspeedway.com” align=”alignright” width=”295″][/media-credit]Bronze Badges available, Indiana communities join ‘Back Home Again in Indiana’ contest

INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, April 27, 2012 – Race fans can purchase Bronze Badge credentials for the 96th Indianapolis 500 now at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Credential Office.

Each Bronze Badge is only $100 and grants gate admission and Gasoline Alley garage access fromOpening Day, Saturday, May 12 through Saturday, May 26. The badge is not valid on Race Day, Sunday, May 27.

The Bronze Badge provides garage access and a great value, a $40 savings over regular gate admission.

Bronze Badges are non-transferable, and individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase and use the pass. The Credential Office is located on the first floor of the IMS Administration Building at the corner of 16th Street and Georgetown Road in Indianapolis.

The Bronze Badge continues to be one of the most sought collectible pieces of racing memorabilia. This year’s badge represents the iconic IMS Pagoda control tower and the event logo for the 96th Indianapolis 500.

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24 Hoosier communities enter ‘Back Home’ contest: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s “Back Home Again in Indiana” Community Outreach Program will return again this spring following last year’s successful inaugural campaign spanning the Hoosier state.

Indiana communities that have entered this year’s “Back Home Again in Indiana” contest are: Albion, Amo, Angola, Batesville, Bethany, Bloomfield, Brownsburg, Brownstown, Connersville, Elwood, Fishers, Flower, Frankfort, Greenfield, Greensburg, Lake Station, Milan, New Haven, Rensselaer, Speedway, Stilesville, Sunman, Veedersburg and Waterloo. IMS will announce the 10 finalist communities Monday, May 14.

Each participating community will receive benefits from IMS, including prizes awarded for the betterment of the community and tickets to many of the activities surrounding the 2012 Indianapolis 500. The winning municipality will be awarded $20,000 from IMS for community improvements and will be recognized on a special trophy commemorating the event. Second and third-place communities each will receive $2,500.

Participating communities in the program celebrate the Month of May in many ways, including holding parades and decorating main streets, city centers and town squares in an Indianapolis 500 theme selected by residents. The program re-establishes a statewide outreach initiative started by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony Hulman shortly after World War II.

The winning community in 2011, as judged by a celebrity panel including Indianapolis 500 drivers and Hoosier celebrities, was Brownstown, which received a $25,000 grant to be used on a local project. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus made the grant presentation in Brownstown during a celebration featuring the Borg-Warner Trophy presented each year to the winner of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

For more information on the 2012 IMS “Back Home Again in Indiana” program, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/backhomeagaininindiana.

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IMS Legends Club available: A great addition to Legends Day Honoring Roger Penske Presented by Shell is the IMS Legends Club available to those looking for a premium, yet affordable, guest experience on Legends Day, Saturday, May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The climate-controlled Legends Club is located in the center of activity in the Pagoda Plaza. It will be fully catered with food and a complimentary bar, and decorated to provide a tasteful and exciting atmosphere.

For only $200, Legends Club members will receive access to the club, one convenient parking pass per party, a reserved section in the grandstand for the Public Drivers’ Meeting, closed-circuit television, an event program, lanyard and Penske-autographed poster.

As an added bonus, the first 100 fans to register for the Legends Club will have access to a private autograph session with Penske.

For more information or to purchase Legends Club packages, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/LegendsClub or call (800) 822-INDY.

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2012 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com , by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2012 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

[media-credit name=”ARCA Racing Network” align=”alignright” width=”180″][/media-credit]SALEM, Indiana (April 27, 2012) – – The third race of the 60^th anniversary season for the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) treks to the daunting Salem (Ind.) Speedway for Sunday afternoon’s running of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200.

The upswing to short track racing is that it allows the “underdogs” to sneak in and permanently leave a dent in the minds of its competitors of their ability to compete and have a chance to pull off the David vs. Goliath. The Mooresville, North Carolina-based team wouldn’t mind if they stunned the garage with such a performance this weekend.

A team built on integrity of true grass roots racing; C2M will field two entries this weekend at Salem Speedway for Nick Tucker and Rookie of the Year candidate Larry Barford Jr.

Last week, the team announced that crew chief Nick Tucker will emerge from a brief hiatus and take to the track for the first time since 2008. Tucker, also a former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pilot will drive the team’s No. 40 Ron Paul 2012 Dodge Charger.

Tucker is no stranger to Salem’s intimidating presence but the 26-year old is eager to deliver a good run for the full-time team. In his two previous starts at the Southern Indiana race track, Tucker has delivered a best outing of seventh after starting eighth in the No. 67 Prototype Racing Dodge Charger in 2007. Earlier in the year, he finished a commendable 16^th after starting 12^th.

Barford Jr. turns to Salem for redemption this weekend. Last month, he just by mere tenths of a second missed competing in the Mobile ARCA 200 at Mobile (Ala.) International Speedway. While the Denton, Maryland native took sitting on the sidelines in stride, the driver of the No. 04 First (1^st) Mariner Bank / Trauma Doc Dodge Charger has undergone massive testing within the last month to adequately prep him for his short track debut in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

“We’re confident in the abilities of both of our drivers,” said Carter-2-Motorsports team principal Roger Carter II. “It’s exciting to see Nick back in a car. He drove for us in 2007 and did a fantastic job. We know he’s up for the challenge this weekend, but feel he can easily get the job done on Sunday afternoon. Everyone on the team is also extremely pleased with the progression of Larry (Barford Jr.) I’ve seen some drivers take a tumble to the ground after missing a race, but we saw even more determination from Larry. He did a great job from the start of practice all the way up to qualifying; he was the fastest of our bunch. It was just a tough field to make. But since then, he’s really turned up the wick and while Salem is an awfully brutal track for any rookie to take on, I think his desire and drive will pay off this weekend. I think having Nick as a teammate from a driver spectrum will also pay off as a benefit to him too.”

Tucker who’s served as crew chief on the No. 04 entry for the first two races commented on returning to the ARCA circuit this weekend.

“I can’t wait to buckle into the No. 40 Ron Paul 2012 Dodge Charger,” offered Tucker. “Our small team has been digging deep to build two really strong cars for this weekend at Salem. I know it’s not going to be an easy field to make on time – or to race with because of the competition, but I think you’re going to see some good stuff from the C2M team this weekend.”

Barford Jr. offered his sentiments on tackling the high banks of Salem Speedway.

“I’ve been quite informed about what to expect this weekend,” he said with a smile. “I’ve done some personal research myself. It looks like a fun place to drive, but easily can be distracting. I just have to stay focused and in-tune with our No. 04 First (1^st) Mariner Bank / Trauma Doc Dodge Charger. I plan to confer with Nick (Tucker) as much as possible, so I can learn. That’s what this weekend is all about. Mobile was a tough experience, but just part of the (learning) curve. I want to continue to thank all of our sponsors for their support and the team for their faith in me as a driver. I’m devoted to improving our Daytona finish (28^th) and I feel we should be able to easily devour that with a little luck on Sunday.”

The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 (200 laps / 111 miles) is the third of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 91^stARCA race held at Salem Speedway is a two day show. Practice begins Saturday, April 28 with a forty-five minute session planned from 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Final practice also consisting of forty-five minutes begins at 1:15 p.m. and will conclude at 2:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. An on-track autograph session has been etched in on race day on Sunday, April 29 set to launch at 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The event will take the green flag shortly after 2:15 p.m. The race will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.

The official website of Carter-2-Motorsports is in the process of a complete makeover for the official kickoff of the new season, but for the latest on the team, drivers and sponsors, please log onto RogerCarter2Racing.com.

For more on Ron Paul and his mission to “Restore America Now”; please log onto ronpaul2012.com.

[media-credit name=”ARCA Racing Network” align=”alignright” width=”180″][/media-credit]Concord, NC (April 27, 2012) — It’s safe to say none of Nelson Canache’s former driving experience has prepared him for his next challenge.

Former Venezuelan driving champion Canache is days away from experiencing the famed, super-fast Salem Speedway which has been a stubborn staple on the ARCA schedule since 1955. Known for its unforgiving ½ mile high-banks Canache will have to quickly adapt to this new style of racing in just his third ARCA series start.

“I don’t think I can compare Salem to any other track I’ve race before. It’s super-fast and turns three and four remind me of a rollercoaster”, Canache said with a smirk. I spend a lot of time watching dartfish and talking with my teammates trying to gain every advantage I could fine. The car was set up perfect, I just need to race some laps.”

Sunday’s ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 provides Canache another opportunity to showcase his talent. The Caracas, Venezuelan native is already starting to make a name for himself with impressive starts at Daytona and Mobile.

Canache will be sporting his white and blue No.35 Venturini – Venezuelan Tourism Chevrolet.

On-track activity begins with two 45-minute practices at noon and 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, and continues with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell at 3:30 p.m

The 200-lap, 111-mile Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 will begin at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 29. Live timing and scoring of all events will be presented by ARCA Nation at ARCARacing.com.

Official: www.NelsonCanache.com  |  Twitter @NelsonCanache  |  Facebook: Nelson Canache

ABOUT VENTURINI MOTORSPORTS
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. The 2012 season marks the teams 30th Anniversary of competition in the ARCA Series. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports.

Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Steve Arpin, Brian Scott, Max Gresham, Miguel Paludo, Josh Richards, Ryan Blaney, and Scott Lagasse, Jr.

Official: www.VenturiniMotorsports.com  |  Twitter @VenturiniMotor  |  Facebook: Venturini Motorsports

[media-credit name=”IZOD IndyCar Series” align=”alignright” width=”287″][/media-credit]Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1.      Teams move forward after turbo decision

2.      Busy Barrichello feels at home entering fourth race:

3.      Coastal Contacts backs Pagenaud’s car in Brazil

4.      Viso entertains Herbalife Family Foundation children

1. Teams move forward after turbo decision: Crews for Honda IZOD IndyCar Series teams began fulfilling the work order that they’ve been awaiting: Go ahead and make the alteration to the BorgWarner turbocharger for on-track activity April 28.

Twelve hours earlier, a three-person panel denied a protest filed April 18 and upheld INDYCAR’s decision to approve use of a 0.74 A/R compressor cover for the single turbocharger. The hearing of the protest in Indianapolis was conducted by a panel consisting of Hans Peter Kollmeier, Jack Snyder and Jim Voyles.

Reigning series champion Dario Franchitti is “interested in seeing what change that will make.”

“Hopefully this will get us a little bit closer (to Chevrolet) in the engine department,” said Franchitti, who’s aiming to rebound from three uncharacteristic results outside the top five.

Per Rule 13.3.2 of the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook, the decision may be appealed by 5 p.m. (EDT) of the second business day following the release of the decision, which in this case would be April 30. It appears GM will not appeal.

“Chevrolet believed the modification was contrary to the applicable series rules, and asked INDYCAR to thoroughly review the issue so that the rules were applied fairly,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “We respect the diligence of the panel appointed to hear the protest and examine the situation. While we are disappointed with (the) decision, we are prepared to continue to compete at the highest level in the IZOD IndyCar Series.”

INDYCAR had allowed the change before practice at Long Beach, but the directive was stayed when Chevrolet teams protested.

“INDYCAR committed well in advance of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season to structure engine regulations that would ensure parity in turbocharger performance for both single and twin turbo configurations, and this commitment played a significant role in our decision to adopt a single turbocharger configuration for the new HI12RT Honda Indy V-6,” Honda Performance Development vice president Steve Eriksen said.

“The new compressor cover helps to offset the performance disadvantage of the current IndyCar single turbo hardware as measured by INDYCAR’s turbo supplier. This correction was designed and provided by the turbo supplier under the direction of INDYCAR and was approved prior to the 2012 season.

“We look forward to deploying the new compressor cover to optimize performance of the Honda Indy V-6, as we continue to do battle with our worthy adversaries from Lotus and General Motors.”

Two practice sessions totaling 90 minutes April 28 precede the three rounds of qualifications for the 75-lap Itaipava São Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle on April 29.

2. Busy Barrichello feels at home entering fourth race: Rubens Barrichello appears comfortable on stage, answering questions from mainly Brazilian media alongside compatriots Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves and Ana Beatriz.

Really, why shouldn’t he comfortable? He’s competing in his hometown for the first time in the IZOD IndyCar Series on a street circuit that will be packed April 29 with spectators chanting his name and waving flags. He’s been in the country for the past 10 days, getting more TV time than President Dilma Rousseff while working off a 30-plus-page document of his appearance schedule. He’s loved (most of) it.

“It is the best week of the year for me and the one that time flies by so fast, so I have to make sure I enjoy every single moment,” he said. “I am so happy that IndyCar races in Brazil and what I have been telling people is that we changed addresses … the fans that used to come to Interlagos to watch me (in Formula One for almost two decades) now they will come to Anhembi.

“There was such a great energy with me racing here in the past and I want the same thing at the Sambodromo. On the track side I was able to drive on the simulator and learn what is left and what is right. Now we go to the real track and learn from there. I can’t wait to get the car out on the track.”

That will come April 28 as practice and qualifications land on the same day. Barrichello is among five drivers in the 26-car field not to have previously competed on the 2.536-mile, 11-turn circuit.

He’s not promising a victory, but “what I can guarantee is that I’ll be giving my best this weekend.”

No one would expect anything less, and Barrichello has been surprisingly strong with back-to-back top-10 finishes despite learning the new Dallara chassis/Chevrolet engine package and all the racetracks in short order. He’s ninth in the championship standings.

“(Not knowing the street/road courses) has given me the most difficulties so far,” said Barrichello, who will be working with a new engineer, Eddie Jones, this weekend. “That’s going to be the case again here. The only advantage I’ll have here is mental, the advantage of being at home, of wanting to perform well to the fans.”

3. Coastal Contacts backs Pagenaud’s car in Brazil: Canadian-based Coastal Contacts Inc., (www.Coastal.com) announced a partnership with Sam Schmidt Motorsports to become the primary sponsor for the team’s entry for the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle.

The No. 77 Coastal.com/Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports Dallara/Honda/Firestone car will be driven by Frenchman Simon Pagenaud, who is also leading the Rookie of the Year standings.

“The partnership with Coastal Contacts is a perfect match with many of the things we strive to accomplish on the race team,” said SSM owner Sam Schmidt. “Roger Hardy has built a formidable retail business by ensuring a laser-focus approach to the business and some of the fastest delivery times in the industry, the same things we look to accomplish everyday on the race track. In addition, the charitable aspects he’s instilled in the company by donating eyeglasses to disadvantaged people around the globe through the Change the View Project really means a great deal.”

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Coastal Contacts Inc. is the global leader in online direct-to-consumer retail of eyeglasses and optical products. Founded in 2000 by current CEO Roger Hardy, Coastal Contacts Inc. designs, produces and distributes the largest selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses on the Internet. The Company has also been outfitting consumers around the globe in free eyeglasses with their First Pair Free campaign.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to align with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, one of the premier teams in racing, and appreciate the work done by Front Row Marketing Services in developing this opportunity,” said Hardy. “Our focus in the Brazilian marketplace is to create significant awareness for our Coastal.com brand, and our relationship with Sam Schmidt Motorsports provides a global stage for us to showcase the connection between speed of service and clear vision, two key elements of our brand experience.”

4. Viso entertains Herbalife Family Foundation children: E.J. Viso braced himself in mock surprise as a group of youngsters bounded into the KV Racing Technology garage area at the Anhembi circuit.

The mid-afternoon meet and greet with local children from Associação Beneficiente Betsaida – a Casa Herbalife program sponsored by the Herbalife Family Foundation – included lighthearted rapport with the Venezuelan driver of the No. 5 CITGO|PDVSA KV Racing Technology car, a tour and, of course, autographs.

The Herbalife Family Foundation seeks to improve children’s lives around the world by helping organizations provide healthy nutrition to at-risk children. Associação Beneficiente Betsaida, a safe haven where underserved youth are empowered to take ownership and direction of their lives, is among four Casa Herbalife programs in Brazil.

“Not only do I believe they have the best nutrition products, they focus their energy on helping young kids around the world,” said Viso, who’s been using the company’s performance nutrition products for 13 years. “It’s great to share some time with these kids, show them around and see them smile.”

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The next IZOD IndyCar Series race is the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle on April 29 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be televised by NBC Sports Network at 11 a.m. (ET) and broadcast by the IMS Radio Network on SiriusXM (XM 94 and Sirius 212), and affiliates.

[media-credit name=”IZOD IndyCar Series” align=”alignright” width=”287″][/media-credit]Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1. Castroneves aims for win in Sao Paulo

2. Servia to carry WIX Filters livery in Brazil

3. Rahal bus trips helps bring fans to Milwaukee IndyFest

1. Castroneves aims for win in Sao Paulo: Helio Castroneves apologized for his tardiness to the appointment. He was waiting on a bus in his hometown.

The Team Penske driver joined Ribeirão Preto Mayor Dárcy Vera in donating a bus for transporting children to playgrounds around the city.

“One was in October last year, and because this project was a success we decided to carry on,” said Castroneves of the city in the northwest quadrant of the state of São Paulo. “The area there in my hometown has very underprivileged kids so we decided to donate this bus together with a company so that it can go and help those kids.”

Paulistas will be rooting for Castroneves as he enters the third Itaipava São Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle in second place in the IZOD IndyCar Series championship standings to teammate Will Power. The Team Penske drivers have shared the limelight in Victory Circle through the first three races of the season.

“The team has certainly been doing a phenomenal job starting obviously three races of the season and able to capture three wins,” he said. “Certainly I feel great. I feel very good about the season, especially after what we had last year.”

In 10 full-time seasons, Castroneves has finished no lower than sixth in the championship nine times. Last year’s 11th place – which included ending his streak of at least one victory and pole start – was the exception.

The 2012 season in the new No. 3 Chevrolet-powered Dallara started with the stirring victory on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., and the pole a week later at Barber Motorsports Park. He’s tied with Rodger Ward for 13th on the all-time Indy car wins list (26) and is fifth in earned poles (37).

On the streets of Long Beach, Calif., on April 15, Castroneves started 18th (incurred the 10-grid position penalty for Chevrolet changing out engines on its 11 cars) and advanced to 13^th place.

“Unfortunately, last race we had a little bit of issues with traffic and incidents, but we want to continue carrying this good momentum with the team, especially here in Brazil,” said Castroneves, who will drive the yellow No. 3 Penske Logistics car this weekend. “There is a lot of hype and there is a lot of excitement for this race.”

Momentum flowing through a positive result on the temporary street circuit this weekend and into the Month of May would be a boost in Castroneves’ drive to earn his first series title. Of course, he’s aiming for the trifecta.

“I dream big, and my dream is to capture all of them,” he said. “If you’ve got to choose one, I always dream about Indy and even now so close to doing something very amazing. No question Indy would be an incredible achievement.

“For me, it’s go out there to do my best and try to capture all my goals, and the goal is to win. There are a lot of people against that goal, and that’s what we face every weekend trying to beat everyone. That’s the beauty of the sport.

“So I’m really excited to start the season the way we started so that we can achieve all the goals.”

2. Servia, Franchitti carry new liveries in Brazil: Oriol Servia will carry the WIX Filters livery for this weekend’s Itaipava São Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle. WIX, whose filtration products have become a staple in auto racing, has been an associate partner on Lotus DRR’s entries since the 2011 season and served as primary sponsor of Paul Tracy’s DRR entry in the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500.

“Our international races are great for our partners and with WIX’s international presence in the marketplace it’s nice for them to take advantage of events like these,” said Robbie Buhl, Lotus DRR co-owner.

Dario Franchitti will carry a Lexar Media livery on his No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda in Sao Paulo as part of a two-race sponsorship deal.

The No.10 Lexar Honda will also run at the Baltimore Grand Prix.

“The Lexar brand, Chip Ganassi Racing, and its all-star driver, Dario Franchitti, are similar in that our names are synonymous with superior performance, high speeds, and reliability,” Saul Matthews, worldwide marketing director, Lexar Media. “We are excited to join forces with this team and to watch Dario drive his way to a winning season.”

3. Rahal bus trips helps bring fans to Milwaukee IndyFest: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal is offering race fans two tour bus packages from Indianapolis to the Milwaukee IndyFest on June 15 and 16 at the Milwaukee Mile.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to make this bus trip happen with the Andretti promotions folks,” Rahal said. “I hope the fans embrace this great opportunity for a unique experience both on the buses and at the track. I absolutely love racing at Milwaukee, it is one of Americas greatest racetracks, and the fans will not be disappointed one bit.”

Each package includes transportation from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the Milwaukee IndyFest, a reserved seat for Saturday’s 225-lap race, a paddock pass to access the garage area and more. The packages can be purchased from the Milwaukee IndyFest website at www.MilwaukeeIndyFest.com or the Wisconsin State Fair Park box office at 414-266-7100.

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[media-credit name=”IZOD IndyCar Series” align=”alignright” width=”287″][/media-credit]INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, April 26, 2012) – Today, following a hearing on the issues, a three-person panel denied a protest filed April 18 and upheld INDYCAR’s decision to approve use of a 0.74 A/R compressor cover for the single turbocharger.

The hearing of the protest was conducted by a panel consisting of Hans Peter Kollmeier, Jack Snyder and Jim Voyles.

Per Rule 13.3.2 of the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook, the decision may be appealed by 5 p.m. (EDT) of the second business day following the release of the decision.

[media-credit name=”arcaracing.com” align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit](RED BANK, N.J.) – Officials from Ansell Protective Products, the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, and Chicagoland Speedway have announced that Ansell and its new ActivArmr® product line will sponsor the Ansell ActivArmr® 150 at the 1.5-mile oval on Saturday, July 21.
Ansell, the worldwide leader in protective handwear, sponsored ARCA Racing Series events at Chicagoland in 2009 and 2010, and returns to the track after one year as a race title sponsor at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.

“It’s great to welcome Ansell to our terrific lineup of entitlement partners for the 2012 season,” said Scott Paddock, president of Chicagoland Speedway. “Ansell has a long-standing reputation for providing its clients with quality, reliable products to succeed in safer and more productive work environments. We look forward to working with them during the upcoming season to both highlight the Ansell brand and bring our fans action-packed racing during the Ansell ActivArmr® 150 race in July.”

The race is scheduled as the 12th of 20 in the ARCA Racing Series season, and will play a key role in determining the contenders for the championship in ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season.

Professional construction workers told Ansell what they needed, and Ansell delivers with ActivArmr® Jobsite Gear. The ActivArmr® Jobsite Gear gloves are tailored to the specific needs of each trade and provide an optimal balance of protection, dexterity, and comfort never before seen in a construction glove.

“Ansell is excited to be back at Chicagoland Speedway to sponsor the Ansell ActivArmr® 150,” said Steve York, director of channel and vertical development for Ansell. “The Chicagoland area is Menards’ largest market, and it affords us the opportunity to meet with our customers and also introduce Ansell products to a wide range of new users. Our plan for this year’s race is to further expand the ActivArmr® brand and drive excitement around our experiential display that will educate the race fans on the hand protection options available from Ansell.”

Ansell continues its position as the Official Safety Glove of the ARCA Racing Series, enhanced by a special award sponsorship for all 20 ARCA Racing Series races: The Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell.

Ansell’s motorsports involvement began in January 2009, when Ansell and Menards teamed with nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel. The marketing program is anchored by a business-to-business relationship between Ansell, the world’s largest manufacturer of protective gloves and clothing, and Menards, the nation’s third largest home improvement retailer. The sponsorship launched the Ansell line of hand protection products and made the product available for purchase in over 250 Menards stores in 2010.

Today, the relationship continues in stores and on the track, as Kimmel aims for his 10th ARCA championship and 75th ARCA victory in his first year with ThorSport Racing.

Practice for the Ansell ActivArmr® 150 is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. on Friday, July 20, with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell following at 10 a.m. the next day. The Ansell ActivArmr® 150 will take the green flag at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, starting a doubleheader with that evening’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event. Live television coverage of the Ansell ActivArmr® 150 will air on SPEED. All times are Central.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 28 states since its inception. The series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course in its most recent season. This year, the series visited Alabama’s Mobile International Speedway for the first time. In June, the first event at Minnesota’s Elko Speedway will give ARCA a race in a 29th state.

Founded by John and Mildred Marcum in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is recognized among the leading sanctioning bodies in the country. Closing in on completing its sixth decade after hundreds of thousands of miles of racing, ARCA administers over 100 race events each season in three professional touring series and local weekly events.