Airborne Added To Modified Racing Series Schedule
Keene, NH — Modified Racing Series president Jack Bateman disclosed Sunday, Airborne Speedway, Plattsburgh, NY., has been added to the 2010 schedule creating an exciting two day event on Memorial Day weekend, traditionally a big motorsports celebration across the country. Additionally, Bateman announced one more race is expected to be added to the schedule in two weeks. That event will take place September 10, at a track to be named. The two new additions will bring the total to 20 races for the new campaign.
The announcement was made at the first winter meeting for competitors and officials at the Keene Country Club, Keene, NH.
The Airborne date, Saturday, May 29, 2010, will be the first of two race events on the holiday weekend. The series is also scheduled at Thunder Road International Speedbowl, Barre, VT., on Sunday May 30. The Plattsburg race will be the MRS first ever appearance there, and the second race scheduled in the State of New York next season. Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Malta, NY, will host the modified tour in April, 2010.
“We’ve been working on Airborne for three years now, it’s nice that we were able to put it together,” said Bateman. “We could not have done it without the cooperation of Thunder Road and Tom Curley. I am pleased with the support they have given us for this special two-day event.” the series founder added. Bateman is enthusiastic for the new season. “We could have had more shows, four or five other tracks wanted races, but you have to draw the line.” The schedule is receiving a lot of interest from both fans and competitors.
Mark J. Hann, president and CEO of Victory Motorsports Marketing Services LLC, addressed those in attendance explaining his new position with the series. Hann,who came on board during the 2009 season, told the gathering he is presently seeking a title sponsor for the 2010 season.
Hann along with Bateman and race director John Hoyt, recently attended the International Motorsports Industry Show, Indianapolis, IN., gaining a lot of exposure for the series. Hann told the audience that many racing industry manufacturers were fully aware of the MRS and what the series has accomplished. Many indicated they would like to become involved.
Hann explained a total of 24 companies will be involved with the series next year. Those businesses will provide support programs including product, point fund, and banquet contingencies, for the series racers.
Bateman feels the time spent at Indianapolis was beneficial in many ways. “I was amazed how receptive these companies were to our series. The key is we established a lot of new contacts and opened some doors.”
Race director Hoyt echoed Bateman’s comments. “The pulse these companies have on our series is impressive. These are quality names that will have a snowball effect. We are not just looking at next year, we are looking beyond.” he said.
Bateman also told the gathering that a “spec” gas will be provided by series sponsor, New England Race Fuels and Sunoco Race Fuels. Bateman added, “It is something we feel a need to go too for a number of reasons and certainly cost in the biggest concern.” Bateman furthered, “Sunoco will provide a fuel truck at each race event and will also again be involved in our contingency program. John Holland has been a strong supporter of this series and we are grateful for his support.”
MRS officials will schedule another meeting for competitors in late February.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./Modified Racing Series PR