Coastal 181 Announces Classic Racing Book on Promoter Ed Otto

Newburyport, MA — Motorsports publisher Coastal 181 has announced the upcoming release of ED OTTO, NASCAR’s Silent Partner, a gripping new biography of Ed Otto, one of America’s greatest all-time motorsports promoters. The book will be launched formally as part of the 50th Daytona International Speedweeks celebration.

Few fans of racing today may know the name Ed Otto. However, it is safe to say that the sport would be very different now if not for the cigar-smoking super-promoter from New Jersey. Deeply involved in the formative seasons of NASCAR 50 years ago, Otto was a dynamo of a man. He offered up hundreds of shows at facilities across North America, a feat that would seem impossible before the advent of email and cell phones, let alone the national highway system. He was unendingly creative, establishing a list of firsts that has never been equaled. Among them were the first use of TV to broadcast races; the organization of the inaugural NASCAR races in California, at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan, and at Chicago’s Soldier Field; as well as the NASCAR events at Watkins Glen. He was first to use airplanes to transport drivers from one event to another; he ran motorcycle races in Yankee Stadium and the Winter Nationals drag races in Florida with Wally Parks. As NASCAR’s 40% silent partner, it was his charge to take the fledging association out of the South to a national audience.

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Mod Nats Kicks Off 58th Speedbowl Season

Waterford, CT — The 11th annual Budweiser Modified Nationals featuring the SK-150 will kick off Waterford Speed bowl’s 58th consecutive season April 12-13. A record 10 divisions fill the busy two-day agenda that is preceded by a practice weekend April 5-6.

Sunday’s lucrative “150,” is the oldest of the SK special events. Speedbowl regular Jeff Pearl will be looking for a second straight “150” prize while Rob Janovic Jr. will begin defense of the ’07 SK championship. Frank Ruocco, the ’06 winner, Kenny Horton, Ron Yuhas Jr., Jeff Malave and Rob Summers have all filed entries.

In addition to the Speedbowl’s SK, Late Model, Sportsman, Mini Stock and Legends, the Nationals will host the Northeastern Midget Association, the Pro4 Modifieds, AllStar Race Trucks, Allison Legacy Cars and NEMA’s new “Lites” division.

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Jeff Pearl Seeks SK-150 Repeat

Waterford, CTWithout hesitation, Jeff Pearl says last year’s SK-150 was the biggest of his 29 career victories at Waterford Speedbowl. He now hopes to tell you what two straight feels like.

The “150” highlights the Speedbowl’s season opening, 11th annual, 10-division Budweiser Modified Nationals April 12-13. It is the oldest and still the most prestigious extra-distance, extra-money SK event.

Winning will be no easy chore. This year’s entry list includes Rob Summers, Kenny Horton, 2006 winner Frank Ruocco, Doug Coby and Jeff Malave in addition to “home bodies” like defending champ Rob Janovic Jr. six-time king Dennis Gada and Dennis Charette.

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Dart Machine Sponsors Steel Head Engine Bonus Program

Canaan, NH — The True Value Modified Racing Series announced today that DART Machine will become the official sponsor of the 2008 Steel Head Bonus Program. The bonus program will reward the two highest finishing competitors will a steel head motor, as well as a commitment to the series year end point fund.

“It’s a real honor to have a company like DART take an interest in our series, we look forward to a long term relationship with them” said True Value Series President Jack Bateman. “We believe that our steel head program offers our competitors an option that is affordable and competitive on the race track. As DART becomes the Official Head of the True Value Modified Racing Series, we welcome the oppor-tunity to promote a great product through our series.”

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