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LUCAS OIL ENTERS INTO MARKETING PARTNERSHIP FOR USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES

JUNE 26, 2008 --- Lucas Oil Products, through its extensive motorsports advertising program which includes the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour on the Versus Channel, will offer unprecedented exposure and marketing opportunities for participants in the 2008 USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series.

The Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series embodies the very roots of traditional “grass-roots” American open-wheel competition and in four short years the series has produced memorable events and fierce competition for championships. More than 30 drivers have graced victory lane ceremonies and back-to-back feature victories are rare.

The Lucas Oil brand, which dates back to 1989, has found a niche in American motorsports and its aggressive marketing strategy has commanded attention nationwide. The company has long been directly involved in the industry through multiple vehicle sponsorhips and racing event promotions at all levels. Seeing a need for better lubricants in this industry, the Lucas people went to work, the end result being a line of high performance engine oils and gear oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. Lucas racing products have proven themselves on USAC, NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, PPL, and USHRA tracks across the country.

As title sponsor of the USAC/CRA series, Lucas Oil becomes part of a rich heritage of American motorsports which dates back to just after the Second World War. Champions of the CRA series (before being renamed USAC/CRA in 2004) included Indianapolis 500 winner Troy Ruttman and other California racing legends like Bubby Jones, Ron Shuman, Dean Thompson and Jimmy Oskie.

“We are extremely fortunate to be affiliated with companies like Lucas Oil,” said USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller. “We feel our marketing targets are similar and look forward to enhancing our relationship through a cooperative effort which will undoubtedly benefit our participant members and race fans.”

In addition to the couple of TV appearances on the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour on Versus, can't help but wonder what the "unprecedented exposure and marketing opportunities for participants" will be. I looked at the USAC and Lucas Oil web sites and didn't even find this press release (as of 9:45am pst). I will give the benefit of the doubt and take it that they haven't posted yet.

There isn't a mention of point fund $$$ or any type of financial gain in this release. Since there aren't any other companies stepping up at this time, if the Lucas Oil sponsorship is in the form of the TV races only, I can see why USAC would still put the 'title sponsorship' tag on the series. It just sounds better to have a sponsors name attached than none at all.

If you read this release carefully, it really did't provide any specific details. Maybe we will hear something more definite soon?

John -

When I read the release, I thought the same thing..... other than a few compressed TV appearances, what does this really mean to the teams? No mention of race awards, point fund additions, or anything that spells $$$. Maybe USAC got the money and is keeping it in Indy......But then, maybe I'm just a bit cynical and skeptical.....

Chuck.....

What the Heck is the Versus channel??? what provider??? what channel # for South Orange County??? Unprecedented ???? How will anyone know if we dont know what channel... Dont get me wrong If there was a pay channel like HBO or showtime, Or even better is max at night.. lol.. I would subscribe, have cox cable in south oc I went to the website and its not listed??? That sucks... I want it.....

The Grunk!!!!

The Versus network is the old Outdoor Life Channel. (not to be confused with the Outdoor Channel) it's in a lot of household actually. I believe they are the official network of the NHL.

Type in your zip code and see if you get it. http://www.versus.com/

Jeff Kristensen
www.racewayvideo.com 

I am on Direct TV and I get Versus. They carry boxing and The Tour de France also.

I didn't see anything about T.V.

Right, they have broadcast CRA/USAC races in the past but they didn't actually say they would again. It kind of read like a Lucas Oil commercial to me.

Kenny

On Direct TV it is channel 603 and it used to be the OLN network. They have a show called the Motorsports Hour which shows some form of racing every week. They range from IHBA Drag Boat Racing to Mini Bike Grand Prix. The guide is terrible because you have no clue as to what they are going to show on any of the telecasts and whether or not it is going to be a repeat so I just TIVO all of them.

Television exposure alone is worth a lot to any potential sponsor so that is a positive in itself.

Joe

PS. Since someone mentioned the Tour Day France (GO Bob Roll, a.k.a. Bobke!) One of my friends made the Olympic team. He races on the Velodrome (bicycle Oval Track) in sprint races. His name is Michael Blatchford so look for him on the Olympic Telecasts! For those of you in the South Bay there is an awesome World Class Velodrome in Domingez Hills next to the soccer stadium if you ever want to watch some awesome races on an off weekend!

I would like to see them put something in writing as to what they are going to do to help the racers out, With previouse experiance itprobably won't happen that way. They (USAC) will just tell what wonderful things they are planning to do for us, then it never happens. Same old BS. but lets give Kevin Miller the benefit of the doubt and see what he does. In the meintime, Victorville July 5th!!!

Kevin Miller acts like he did something big. It the same as last year just with Kevin signing his name to contract. Another attempt by Kevin Miller to blow smoke and make you believe he really care what happen with CRA.

Ziggy and Luvracing

Why negative comments when you haven't even heard the details, yet?

Are there any details?

Hey, I said to give him the benefit of the doubt. Thats about as positive as I'm going to be until I see something in writing!!

Not being a racer, I can understand how an owner or driver might feel about USAC under the previous regime. I would like to wait and see what the new President Kevin Miller can do to help out the west coast. I know for a fact that he and Steve Howard and USAC Western V.P. Tommy Hunt were largely responsible for saving the historic two-day CRA race @ Calistoga and if you have not read the recent post about that race it appears to be shaping up very well (please read the post). The fair board up there was ready to cancel, or did cancel it until Miller and several sprint car enthusiasts from all parts of California became involved. Also, if you haven't been to USAC's new and updated website, last night they had the Richmond race streaming live. A first for them and I am hoping for something special for Indiana's Speed Week. So I think he is attempting to move forward for the racers and the fans.

"When the green flag drops the bullshit stops" - The 
Great GP

RADROBINLB