|
July 7, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Brad Doty Classic presented by Farm/Autolite Ready To Rock
By Doc Lehman
Lima, OH --- For Sprint Car race fans having the World of Outlaws Sprint Car superstars competing in a race is the pinnacle of their racing experience but for the 19th Annual Brad Doty Classic presented by Fram Autolite the entertainment factor just rose another notch with the addition of NASCAR star Kasey Kahne who will not only be in attendance for the prestigious race on Wednesday July 11 at Limaland Motorsports Park in Lima, OH but will also be racing as well as Kahne, a former Sprint Car racer, looks for his career first World of Outlaws Sprint Car sanctioned victory.
The NASCAR star has his own Sprint Car team with driver Joey Saldana who won the event in 2006 and will be on hand to defend his title. Last year Saldana turned in a dominating performance en route to capturing his first win in the storied event at Limaland Motorsports Park in the World of Outlaws' first visit to the track since 1979.
Doty, a former driver who won 11 World of Outlaws A-Feature events during his Hall of Fame career, will again be promoting the event this season in addition to his current role as the color commentator for the 12 World of Outlaws events television broadcasts for ESPN2 and Speed channel.
"Promoting is still new to me and I learn more and more each day," explained Doty. "Having been a driver helps, because I can relate to what the drivers need and I make sure to keep that in mind when organizing the event. Also, from my television work, up in the booth, I am able to fully see and realize how important the promoter's are, which I never realized when I was driving."
Nonetheless, Doty is anxious and excited about the upcoming race. "It's a huge week for Sprint Car fans coming to western Ohio," commented Doty. "I think this one will be big. We have been affected by weather before but we do have Thursday for a rain date if we need it. Obviously I'm optimistic to be involved in this thing."
Between Doty's stellar Sprint Car career and his long standing in television broadcasting, it was inquired if he is finally get used to the promoter's game. "I don't know if you ever get used to it," responded Doty. "Some people say don't worry about the weather, you can't control that and I'm totally the opposite. I don't worry about the things we can't control, it's the uncertainty of the weather. That's the killer when it comes to promoters, especially if it's raining everywhere but at the track. But I'm not losing any sleep over it. I'm ready and I think it will be good."
One reason Doty is at ease is the professionalism exhibited by the staff and management of Limaland Motorsports Park. Doty is excited to work again with the folks at the track in conjunction with The University of Northwestern Ohio who owns and operates the track.
"Our goal with the event is to take care of the fans," said Doty. "We want them to see a good show, and a well run show. When the show ends early, that gives the fans more time to go down to the pit area and visit with the drivers at the end of the night."
"Dr. Jeff Jarvis, the president of Limaland Motorsports Park and the University of Northwestern Ohio and Bobby Fricke, the general manager of Limaland, are helping to promote this race and the facility is second to none. An of course you have Gene Frankart doing the track prep. I have had people who have nothing invested in the track tell me that the track has been super all year long."
Doty also acknowledged the contribution of the race's title sponsor, Fram/Autolite. "Fram/Autolite is the presenting sponsor and they are really excited," said Doty. "They have a lot of employees coming and management. I'm excited about them being a part of this thing. In this sport, everything helps in terms of sponsorship. It is great to have a corporation like that on board."
The 2007 racing season will mark the 10th year that The University of Northwestern Ohio has owned and operated Limaland Motorsports Park, which is in its 72nd year of hosting racing. This will mark the sixth visit by the World of Outlaws to what is one of the most highly regarded tracks on the schedule. In the previous five events at the ΒΌ-mile, three different drivers have visited the winner's circle.
"It's a lot more work than most people realize," shared Doty of his experience with promoting the event. "You are constantly thinking of ways to do thing better. You always want to put on the best show possible for the fans."
You can count on it.
The day of the race pit gates will open at 2:00 PM, spectator gates open at 4:00 PM with hot laps and qualifying at 6:30 PM and racing at 7:30 PM. There will be a special World of Outlaws autograph session at 4:30 PM. Thursday July 12 will serve as a rain date.
Ticket prices are: Pit Side Reserved Seating (includes pit pass) $40.00; Spectator Reserved Seating $32.00; Spectator Adult General Admission $27.00; Spectator Young Adult General Admission (11-15) $15.00; Spectator Children General Admission (10 and under) Free - (In the reserved seating sections, every spectator must purchase a reserved seat ticket regardless of age.) Get tickets by calling 419-998-3199 or visit: www.limaland.com
-Prepared by Lehman Motorsports Services
|
