Amerisuites Sponsors American Sprint Racing for 1999 Trans-Am Series
19 February 1999
AMERISUITES TO SPONSOR AMERICAN SPIRIT RACING IN 1999 TRANS-AM SERIES Fairfield, N.J. – February 9, 1999 – AmeriSuites, America's affordable all-suite hotel chain, has announced its sponsorship of American Spirit Racing in the1999 BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series. The team will sport the familiar red, white and blue livery on the number 12 Ford Mustang with driver Michael Lewis at the wheel. "I am very proud that our team has been chosen to represent AmeriSuites in the world of motorsports. AmeriSuites is well-respected in the lodging industry and we plan on driving AmeriSuites into the winner's circle in 1999," stated American Spirit Racing President Jon Lewis. "The team has been testing throughout the winter and we have already made some significant advancements." "Given the ever-increasing popularity of racing, we believe our American Spirit Racing sponsorship will prove to be an excellent brand extender for AmeriSuites," noted AmeriSuites Brand Manager John Leavitt. "The awareness we expect to generate will expose the AmeriSuites name to millions of potential guests." Michael Lewis will perform the driving duties for the team. With a pole position in Cleveland and several top three finishes in 1998, Mr. Lewis is positioned to be a strong contender for the 1999 Championship. "I am very excited about this year's Trans-Am season," said Michael Lewis. "I have been preparing for 1999 since I signed on with American Spirit Racing last October, and I look forward to placing the number 12 AmeriSuites Ford Mustang in front of the pack." The decision to enter the Trans-Am, America's longest-running road racing series, was an easy one for American Spirit Racing. Jon Lewis explains, "Trans-Am has experienced a significant growth over the past few years, and with BFGoodrich Tires' marketing strength, the series will provide a highly visible marketing medium for brand awareness, which is vital to the success of our program." The AmeriSuites-backed team will feature numerous promotional programs as part of the 1999 agenda, including an "In-Car Video Exhibit" for fans to experience at Trans-Am events; extensive use of in-car cameras, and special media/press programs. More information will be forthcoming prior to the April season opener at Long Beach, Calif. The Trans-Am series will consist of 13-14 racing events throughout the country during the year. AmeriSuites properties provide comfortable accommodations with separate living and sleeping areas and a wide array of amenities. Each guest suite features a living room with sleeper sofa, 26" remote stereo TV, video cassette player, well-lighted work desk, two phones with voice mail messaging, an iron and ironing board, hairdryers, kitchen/wet bar area with refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and free coffee. Other amenities include complimentary bountiful breakfast buffets, laundry facilities, fitness center, meeting space, and heated indoor or outdoor pools. Reservations can be made through AmeriSuites' toll-free central reservation system, 1-800-833-1516. Information can also be accessed via the Internet at www.amerisuites.com. AmeriSuites® is a trademarked proprietary brand of Prime Hospitality Corp. , headquartered in Fairfield, N.J. Prime currently owns, manages and/or franchises 190 hotels throughout the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands under its proprietary trade names AmeriSuites®, Wellesley Inns® and HomeGate Studios and Suites®, and under franchise agreements with national hotel chains. There are presently 92 AmeriSuites properties located in 31 states, with primary concentration in key markets such as Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Miami, Dallas and Nashville. American Spirit Racing, Inc., headquartered in Cape Coral, Florida, has managed professional motor sports, marketing and racing programs since 1987.