Fanfare abounds for Tribute to Al Hinds race PR1

PRESS RELEASE, PLACERVILLE SPEEDWAY, PLACERVILLE, CA
FROM THE OFFICE OF HANDY RACING PROMOTIONS INC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MONDAY, JULY 27, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: BILL SULLIVAN: sullivanimages@sbcglobal.net
 
 

 
Family Chevrolet gears up for gigantic Tribute to Al Hinds car show and BBQ
 
More than 20 drivers to appear, live music will highlight Saturday afternoon event
 
Media release from Handy Racing Promotions, Inc.
 
SHINGLE SPRINGS, CA – This Saturday the racing community will gather at Placerville Speedway to honor the late Al Hinds with the sixth annual “Family Chevrolet Tribute to Al Hinds.�??  Mr. Hinds was the early promoter of Placerville Speedway and is best known for bringing the business community together with the sport of auto racing in a quiet rural community known as “Old Hangtown.�??
            During the later years of his life, Hinds was an avid motor builder, spectator and a mentor to many in the auto racing industry, from young drivers on the track to speedway personnel that took his words of wisdom wisely every time he spoke.
            After his passing in 2004, Family Chevrolet of Shingle Springs came together with Placerville Speedway to create an event that would honor Hinds’ legacy for years to come; hence the first tribute race of its time was born at Placerville Speedway.
            This year, the auto dealership that has been a part of El Dorado County for 28 years is continuing their support of this great event in even bigger fashion then before. This Saturday, Family Chevrolet will host the second annual “Tribute to Al Hinds Sprint Car Show and Barbecue�?? at their dealership located at 4050 Motherlode Drive in Shingle Springs. This event will take place from 11a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. and will be bigger and better then ever with more cars, free food for fans and race teams and nearly 20 different sprint cars and drivers on hand, the entire dealership lot is expected to be packed with sprint cars to allow fans to get an up close look at these machines, meet the drivers, get autographs and more. Some 200 tickets to Saturday’s race will be given away throughout the day as well.
            In addition to the show, a free barbecue will take place, sponsored by Handy Racing Promotions and Placerville Speedway. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs and will be prepared by the dealership staff and volunteers, providing a fun filled afternoon that will allow the general public to network with several drivers from the competitive Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series. This event is slated to be the largest public display of race cars ever in El Dorado County.
            The free fun doesn’t stop there; live music has been added to the venue this year. Ron Pestana and the Pit Crew have been contracted by the dealership to play live for the event. Pestana is known in the racing industry for his unique “Raceday Rock�?? style. Pestana has done uncountable custom sound tracks for race tracks throughout California and Canada, including Placerville Speedway as well as various movie tracks. The bay area rock band will play throughout the day at the dealership and is also presenting an encore performance in the midway at the track early in the evening.
            “This annual race is always very special to us. From the beginning Family Chevrolet was instrumental in making it a success,�?? explained Bill Sullivan, Communications Director for Placerville Speedway. “In 2004 Tony Montalbano stepped up and brought his auto dealership to the table to sponsor the event just days after we learned the sad news that Al Hinds had passed away.�??
            Originally scheduled in May of this year and then falling victim to rain, the 2009 version of this great day of racing in El Dorado County was somewhat in doubt when it was announced that General Motors would be closing thousands of dealerships throughout the country. However, several weeks ago Montalbano made a bold statement to the local racing community when he announced this event would continue even stronger then before.
            “We are in times when the auto industry as a whole is struggling to survive, and it is far from being over,�?? added Sullivan. “The enthusiasm of Tony Montalbano and his entire staff is contagious and it’s refreshing. Even if you have never been to a race, come out and check it out, meet the drivers. In end you will likely want to see a race and you just might find free tickets in your hand.�??
            Since the first year, Family Chevrolet has been the title sponsor of the Tribute to Al Hinds, posting a $1000 bonus which brings the win up to $3000. While many may view the sponsorship as an advertising opportunity, for Montalbano and the dealership it has nothing to do with that. It’s about recognizing a great pioneer of our community and to insure his legacy is never forgotten. 
            Some  20 drivers are expected to be on hand at Family Chevrolet August 1 including  former Al Hinds Tribute winners  Andy Forsberg and Kyle Hirst along with Jimmy Trulli, Scott Russell, Camron Mendes,C.J. Humphreys, James Sweeney, Scott Kinney, Dave Shanks, Justin Johnson, Brett Rollag,Chad Compton, Kenny Allen, Sean Becker, Colby Wiesz, Billy Strange Jr., Kenny Allen, Greg DeCaires, Charlie Cagle, Justyn Cox, Richard Brace Jr. and many more.
            The  festivities will begin at 11 a.m. at Family Chevrolet and will conclude at 3 p.m. Families and children are encouraged to come out and meet the drivers, sit in their cars and get an autograph and refreshments while enjoying the live music and socializing. For any further information on this event or the Tribute to Al Hinds race visit www.placervillespeedway.com.