[Kevin Montgomery]

A Party in the Pits!

Kevin Montgomery Tucson, Arizona (April 8th, 2010) – The concept of a party in the pits may not sound all that intriguing but yet it is sought after at many local dirt tracks across the country. While many drivers sit and ponder set ups or last weeks race, it is often that these conversations relegate themselves to a late night happening in the pits at race tracks across the country.

It was at one of these infamous gatherings that a light bulb illuminated and someone pondered the idea to invite the fans down from the grandstands to meet and hang out with the drivers and teams. It was later that night and likely after a few more mind enhancers that the idea of the Sunoco Fuels Autograph Challenge came to be.

In 2009, these ideas were combined and someone’s vision became a reality. Who would have thought that this grand scheme would turn out the way it did with hundreds of race fans meeting their favorite drivers as they gathered in the pits at USA Raceway. Fans drivers and crews mingled as the crew from Big Un’s Southwest cooked a feast for everyone.

While the people gathered, mixed and mingled the Sunoco Fuel Autograph Challenge was in full bloom as hundreds of people took their Sunoco shirts and maneuvered through the pit area seeking Autographs from any and all drivers. It was a young Austin Banghart that emerged from this contest with every driver’s signature that raced that night. Banghart set the bar high as the Inaugural Sunoco Fuel Autograph Challenge Champion.

As the 2010 season shifts into a higher gear it is with great anticipation that USA Raceway announces the 2nd edition of the “Party in the Pits”. The party is back and will be bigger and better than ever! Fans, family and racers are all invited to be part of the 2nd Annual “Party in the Pits” as we celebrate a rare double header of racing action with ASCS Non Wing Sprint Cars, and The Barnett Harley Davidson UMP West Modifieds.

The first one hundred fans to USA Raceway on April 17th will receive a free shirt and will automatically be eligible for a free trip to Legoland California. The person that gets the most autographs from racers in competition on April 17th will be the winner of the Sunoco Fuel Autograph Challenge. Contestants must return with their autographed shirts on April 24th for judging and the winner will be rewarded with the grand prize trip to Legoland California. ($500 Value)

Joining the Sprint Cars and Modifieds on the April 17th card will be a full field of SCRA Factory Stocks and Southwest Modlites. General admission tickets will go on sale at 4pm for only $15, racing will begin promptly at 6:45pm.

Season and Suite Access Passes will allow race fans to get all the action at an unheard of low cost. Season Passes are on sale for only $249 and $199 for Seniors, Students and Military thus dropping admission prices to under $9 per event. Suite Access Passes will allow race fans the opportunity to enjoy the races from USA Raceway’s VIP Suite. Enjoy the races in luxury! Suite Access Passes are now on sale for only $399

There will be an opportunity for race fans to get a preview of the Sunoco Fuel Autograph Challenge racers at an open practice slated for April 16th. The festivities will kick off at 6:00pm with grandstand admission free for all those who want a sneak preview

The 2010 USA Raceway Schedule can be previewed online at www.usaraceway.net/schedule.php

Discounted season passes are available by calling the USA Raceway office at 520-574-8515. 2010 Season Ticket Packages can be viewed on line at www.usaraceway.net/tickets.php

USA Raceway is located east of Tucson off I-10 exit 265, then 1.6 miles south on Craycroft Road, which turns into Los Reales. For more information please, contact the track at 520-574-8515 or additional information regarding USA Raceway can be found at www.usaraceway.net

[dirtnonwingfan]

What we have here, ladies and gentlemen, is an honest-to-goodness promoter. Kevin obviously realizes that you need to be innovative in the contest for entertainment dollars. He is what we have far too few of, race promoters, as opposed to race operators. Last weekend we saw the worst at Eldora, this is an example of what can be done. I encourage every track to start thinking of ways to promote sprint car racing.

Although the autograph session at Terre Haute fell through, there are lots of retired drivers who could be honored at Indiana tracks. Indiana has a rich tradition of great sprint car drivers. Each track could help us remember those who thrilled us in past years. Many tracks have memorial races. Why not remember more than one driver at those special races? Set up an autograph session for past drivers at the track. Mention them over the PA system. Give their families free tickets, have a BarBQue, whatever. Just do something.

[Kevin Montgomery]

We tried this last year and it was a great night....round 2 should be bigger and better