Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP) and the World Racing Group (OTCBB:DMSP) announced today the 2008 title sponsor agreement for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series™. The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series™ will celebrate its 30th Anniversary in 2008 with more than 85 event nights in the US and Canada beginning with the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park on February 8th and culminating in November in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the 2008 World of Outlaws™ World Finals at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
In addition to the title sponsorship announced today, Advance Auto Parts will be the 2008 Official Auto Parts Store for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series™ while continuing its role as title sponsor of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series.
“Over the past 10 years with the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series we have become big believers in dirt track racing,” said Sam Hampton, Advance Auto Parts Director of Marketing. “We’ve watched World of Outlaws racing as fans, we know the rich 30-year history of the series and look forward to introducing Sprint and Late Model fans to Advance Auto Parts on a national basis. We’ve always looked forward to Modified action at the Florida DIRTcar Nationals and couldn’t think of a better place to kickoff our sponsorships of all three of dirt racing’s premier divisions in 2008.”
In 2007 the World of Outlaws™ brand of no holds barred racing action made its return to major national cable television with programming on SPEED reaching 74 million homes and ESPN2 reaching 92 million homes. The millions of fans tuning in at home paired with sold out crowds throughout the country marked a renaissance for the World of Outlaws™ in 2007 and the 2008 title sponsorship announced today continues the momentum that has attracted Quaker State, SuperClean, Mahindra Tractors, Crane Cams, Qwik Liner and Americas Best Value Inn amongst others as Official Partners.
“This is a big day for the World of Outlaws™ and the sport of dirt track auto racing as Advance Auto Parts is making a major statement and confirming today what the leaders in our sport have known, that dirt racing is a great place for major brands to invest their advertising dollars,” said World Racing Group Chief Marketing Officer Ben Geisler. “We’ve seen Advance Auto Parts’ marketing efforts in action with the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series in the Northeast and are truly excited for the Sprint and Late Model fans, drivers and promoters across the country who will be very pleased with Advance Auto Parts as a partner who will work with us to exemplify what makes dirt track racing and the World of Outlaws™ truly unique.”
Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is the second-largest retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, based on store count and sales. As of October 6, 2007, the company operated 3,228 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.
The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series™ begins its 30th Anniversary celebration season on February 8th during the Florida DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park. The series features more than 20 full-time national competitors in 850-horsepower winged sprint cars, including 2001 champion Danny Lasoski, 20-time champion Steve Kinser and 2006 and 2007 two-time defending champion and Tony Stewart Racing driver Donny Schatz.
For the latest news about the 2008 Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series™, visit WorldofOutlaws.com.
About DIRT MotorSports, Inc., d/b/a World Racing Group
Based in Concord, N.C., World Racing Group (WRG) is a national sanctioning body, real-estate operator, and sports entertainment company serving the dirt racing industry. WRG sanctions sprint car racing under the World of Outlaws(R) banner, late model racing under the World of Outlaws Late Model Series(SM), big block modified racing under the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series(TM) banner and sanctions more than 4,000-races a year under the DIRTcar(TM) Racing banner. In addition, WRG owns and operates seven speedways. WRG races can be heard online at DIRTVision.com(R). To learn more about World Racing Group, visit worldracinggroup.com.
Contacts:
Chris Dolack, VP
Media/PR, 704-795-7223;
cdolack@dirtcar.com
