Fiesta Mart and Lowe’s to sponsor a celebration that will include acclaimed musical act Los Super Reyes
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January. 30, 2008) The Grand Prix of Houston will open with a bang this year when the three-day festival kicks off on April 25 with “Fiesta Friday Presented by Lowe’s”, a celebration of racing and music spotlighting Houston’s vibrant Hispanic community. The event will feature a concert by Los Super Reyes, one of the hottest names in Latin music, and will be sponsored by Fiesta Mart and Lowe’s.
“We are very excited to be introducing Fiesta Friday Presented by Lowe’s to the Grand Prix of Houston,” said Michael T. Lanigan, owner/chairman of the Grand Prix. “With the open-wheel racing tradition in Central and South America and the many popular Latin drivers, the Hispanic community is an important market for us. We also believe that Los Super Reyes is a band that will be entertaining not only for the Hispanic community, but for all of our fans.”
After a day of racing and opening acts featuring top local talent, headlining act Los Super Reyes will bring their energetic sounds to the main stage at JAGFlo Speedway at Reliant Park. Led by veteran composer/producer and keyboardist Cruz Martinez, Los Super Reyes consists largely of former members of the legendary Kumbia Kings, who became international stars after forming in 1999. Martinez and other bandmates first cut their teeth as band members for Selena, the vocalist widely credited with popularizing Tejano music throughout North America. Once that musical pursuit was put to an end by Selena's untimely death, Martinez and A.B. Quintanilla put their heads together to blend popular urban styles with their native Mexican music, creating Los Kumbia Kings. Martinez’ newest creation Los Super Reyes is continuing to perfect the Kumbia Kings’ irresistible blend of traditional Mexican cumbia sounds with urban hip-hop and dance. The 12-member group has enjoyed major chart success with their 2007 recording industry debut “El Regreso de Los Reyes”, and maintains a busy performance schedule in support of the album.
The Los Super Reyes concert and Fiesta Friday are made possible by the support of the two major sponsors, Fiesta Mart and Lowe’s, which are providing not only corporate sponsorship but also key promotional support.
“We are proud to announce Fiesta and Lowe’s as the primary sponsors for Fiesta Friday Presented by Lowe’s at the Grand Prix of Houston,” said Michael Heckman, Director of Corporate Sales for the Grand Prix. “Fiesta and Lowe’s are trusted brands that are true leaders in marketing to the Hispanic community, so they are perfect partners for us in this effort.”
Fiesta will serve as the event’s title sponsor and will activate the sponsorship in their thirty-two Houston-area locations. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase two-for-one Fiesta Friday tickets at any Houston-area Fiesta Ticketmaster location.
“Fiesta is excited that it is Grand Prix time once again and what a great event for this city,” said Keith Jacobsen, Fiesta’s Director of Advertising and Marketing. “Fiesta is very proud to be a partner of the Friday evening festivities and we are looking forward to a great event. This has the opportunity to bring race fans and music fans together for one great evening.”
Presenting Sponsor Lowe’s will also provide valuable promotional support by leveraging their relationship with Lowe’s Fernandez Racing and driver/owner Adrian Fernandez, one of the most popular Mexican racecar drivers.
“Music and racing are two things our Hispanic customers are passionate about,” said Bob Gfeller, Lowe’s senior vice president of marketing and advertising. “Fiesta Friday brings both together in a family-friendly venue, where we can both communicate with consumers and celebrate the Hispanic heritage in Houston.”
To promote Fiesta Friday, the Grand Prix has partnered with Univision, the leading Spanish-language media company in the Houston market. Univision will advertise the event across many of their radio and television properties and will provide promotional support across all platforms. Univision radio station KLTN “Esterio Latino” will be the anchor station for the promotional efforts, with popular morning show personality Raul Brindis serving as spokesperson for Fiesta Friday and the Grand Prix’s Spanish-language advertising efforts.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
Toyo Picks Top World Challenge Fan Focus Model of 2007
TOPEKA, KANSAS (January 4, 2008) Nearly 30 young women were chosen from hundreds to be Fan Focus models during the 2007 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge season in a promotion supported by Modified Mag and Toyo Tires. After narrowing the field down to the top ten, Toyo Tires has chosen Yvette Meza, of Fontana, Calif., as the winner of the 2007 SPEED World Challenge Fan Focus model search contest.
Meza was one of three models selected to participate in the SPEED GT event at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Her look, professionalism and personality won over fans, teams and staff. In addition to a flash-animated online portfolio and website from ModelsDesired.com, Meza received the opportunity to interview with Toyo Tires and be evaluated for a modeling contract.
"The 2007 World Challenge model search was a huge success,” Toyo Tires Manager of Events and Motorsports Stan Chen said. “We had another stellar group of beautiful women compete for the title and we look forward to picking the next winner in 2008."
Joining Meza in the top ten were Andrea Poulos and Tana Gabrielle from Round Four at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Jessyca Phichit and Seanna Mitchell from Round Two at Long Beach, Briana Dixon (Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course), Christa Bartol (Toronto), Jessica Deppe (Watkins Glen), Molly Powers (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca), and Sarah Ward (Road Atlanta). All models in the top ten will receive an online portfolio from ModelsDesired.com.
Meza was one of three models selected to participate in the SPEED GT event at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Her look, professionalism and personality won over fans, teams and staff. In addition to a flash-animated online portfolio and website from ModelsDesired.com, Meza received the opportunity to interview with Toyo Tires and be evaluated for a modeling contract.
"The 2007 World Challenge model search was a huge success,” Toyo Tires Manager of Events and Motorsports Stan Chen said. “We had another stellar group of beautiful women compete for the title and we look forward to picking the next winner in 2008."
Joining Meza in the top ten were Andrea Poulos and Tana Gabrielle from Round Four at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Jessyca Phichit and Seanna Mitchell from Round Two at Long Beach, Briana Dixon (Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course), Christa Bartol (Toronto), Jessica Deppe (Watkins Glen), Molly Powers (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca), and Sarah Ward (Road Atlanta). All models in the top ten will receive an online portfolio from ModelsDesired.com.
The Resolute Drivers of SPEED World Challenge
TOPEKA, KANSAS (January 4, 2008) A new year has arrived and so has a new season of SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge. For some, new teams and cars bring fresh opportunities, for others, the return to a regular ride means a chance to capitalize on lessons learned in 2007. It seemed only appropriate to poll some World Challenge personalities on their 2008 New Year’s resolutions.
After a 2007 full of remarkable highs and lows, Eric Curran had several resolutions for the 2008 racing season.
“My New Year’s resolution is to win a championship in World Challenge GT in 2008,” Curran said. “Not to have a season full of burning my eyebrows at Sebring, burning a plug wire at Watkins, burning a motor up at Miller, smashing the car at Charlotte, stop and go at Toronto, and destroying the car at Atlanta.
Competing in both the GT and Touring Car classes last year, James Sofronas had twice as many opportunities as Curran for lady luck to turn the other cheek, but he remains a big supporter of the series.
“My wish for 2008 is that World Challenge continues to grow and become the best racing series in North America for years to come,” Sofronas said. “I also wish for better luck in 2008 as I was knocked out of quite a few races in 2007.”
Sofronas’ plan for improved success in 2008 is the oldest resolution in the book.
“I am going to be more fit for this upcoming season!”
Andy Pilgrim may also be on the road to a healthier 2008 with resolutions to travel less and eat more sushi, but what about on track?
“Jump no more starts, which I'm too embarrassed to expand on.” Pilgrim said. “I might also say have more fun, but I already have more fun than anyone has a right to.”
Speaking of fun, it sounds like Nick Esayian might be resolving to have less fun in 2008.
“My New Years resolution is to get some new friends in the paddock.” Esayian said. “PD, Nathan, Pierre, Eric Curran, Kuno, Galati, and Deuce ‘Brandon’ Davis have been terrible influences on my on and off track behavior over the last few years. Hedonistic eating, swilling fine wine, uncontrolled gambling, people showing up at my home at all hours of the night, running over deer in Watkins Glen, and gallivanting around the country on PD’s private jet takes a toll on a wholesome family guy like myself. I just couldn’t take it anymore, so I have now distanced myself from that motley crew and joined forces with a more wholesome posse: Clay and Thomas over at BimmerWorld. For the most part they are clean cut guys, but every so often I am amazed and disturbed by their behavior as well. We will see how it goes in 2008, but I predict personal weight loss, better on track performance, and less interaction with the local law enforcement agencies. I have been a victim of circumstance long enough and it’s time for a change.”
World Challenge’s own lawman, GT Technical Director Aaron Coalwell makes the same resolutions ever year.
“We’ve been lucky in World Challenge, because we rarely have any serious injuries, even though motorsports is very dangerous for all involved,” Coalwell said. “Every year I resolve to make World Challenge as safe as any competitive racing series can be.
“We’re also lucky to have so many talented people in the series, but it can make it difficult for the technical staff to hold its own against the creativity of the teams, so I also resolve to not let our teams make me look like the village idiot. Some years I am more successful than others.”
Although he swears he never makes New Year’s resolutions, the events of 2007 led Charles Espenlaub to an important one for 2008, one he already seems tempted to break.
“Try and get more press for winning races instead of drinking a beer,” Espenlaub said. “Even if it was a really good beer, a really, really good beer.”
After a 2007 full of remarkable highs and lows, Eric Curran had several resolutions for the 2008 racing season.
“My New Year’s resolution is to win a championship in World Challenge GT in 2008,” Curran said. “Not to have a season full of burning my eyebrows at Sebring, burning a plug wire at Watkins, burning a motor up at Miller, smashing the car at Charlotte, stop and go at Toronto, and destroying the car at Atlanta.
Competing in both the GT and Touring Car classes last year, James Sofronas had twice as many opportunities as Curran for lady luck to turn the other cheek, but he remains a big supporter of the series.
“My wish for 2008 is that World Challenge continues to grow and become the best racing series in North America for years to come,” Sofronas said. “I also wish for better luck in 2008 as I was knocked out of quite a few races in 2007.”
Sofronas’ plan for improved success in 2008 is the oldest resolution in the book.
“I am going to be more fit for this upcoming season!”
Andy Pilgrim may also be on the road to a healthier 2008 with resolutions to travel less and eat more sushi, but what about on track?
“Jump no more starts, which I'm too embarrassed to expand on.” Pilgrim said. “I might also say have more fun, but I already have more fun than anyone has a right to.”
Speaking of fun, it sounds like Nick Esayian might be resolving to have less fun in 2008.
“My New Years resolution is to get some new friends in the paddock.” Esayian said. “PD, Nathan, Pierre, Eric Curran, Kuno, Galati, and Deuce ‘Brandon’ Davis have been terrible influences on my on and off track behavior over the last few years. Hedonistic eating, swilling fine wine, uncontrolled gambling, people showing up at my home at all hours of the night, running over deer in Watkins Glen, and gallivanting around the country on PD’s private jet takes a toll on a wholesome family guy like myself. I just couldn’t take it anymore, so I have now distanced myself from that motley crew and joined forces with a more wholesome posse: Clay and Thomas over at BimmerWorld. For the most part they are clean cut guys, but every so often I am amazed and disturbed by their behavior as well. We will see how it goes in 2008, but I predict personal weight loss, better on track performance, and less interaction with the local law enforcement agencies. I have been a victim of circumstance long enough and it’s time for a change.”
World Challenge’s own lawman, GT Technical Director Aaron Coalwell makes the same resolutions ever year.
“We’ve been lucky in World Challenge, because we rarely have any serious injuries, even though motorsports is very dangerous for all involved,” Coalwell said. “Every year I resolve to make World Challenge as safe as any competitive racing series can be.
“We’re also lucky to have so many talented people in the series, but it can make it difficult for the technical staff to hold its own against the creativity of the teams, so I also resolve to not let our teams make me look like the village idiot. Some years I am more successful than others.”
Although he swears he never makes New Year’s resolutions, the events of 2007 led Charles Espenlaub to an important one for 2008, one he already seems tempted to break.
“Try and get more press for winning races instead of drinking a beer,” Espenlaub said. “Even if it was a really good beer, a really, really good beer.”
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