Marketing yourself in racing; Become the 'Opportunity' Part I

by: Adam Ross

Opportunity is knocking somewhere. If you’re listening for it you’re on the wrong side of the door.
By nature most people want opportunity to knock. Who doesn’t? But if you put in the effort to make yourself and your racing endeavour the appealing entity it should be then you can become the opportunity for somebody and their business or organization.
I plan to write a series of blogs to share my experiences in the racing business. In many regions of North America motorsports at the grassroots level struggles to get the attention it deserves. In some areas racing is featured at nearly every level of the media. People aren’t that different across our land. If we put in reasonable effort to promote ourselves and our sport we can make a difference. We can each help the industry succeed, and in turn we help ourselves.
You’re likely familiar with the expression ‘opportunity doesn’t knock twice’. The truth is opportunity rarely knocks even once.
Racers and promoters often tell the same story when talking about sponsorship and advertising. They’ll work hard to promote their sponsors with websites, press releases, newsletters, car appearances, new professional car designs and the list goes on. In most cases they never get the chance because they’re never given the opportunity.
Step one towards improving your overall racing experience is to change your mindset. Rather than wait for opportunity to appear you need to become that opportunity. We all know people who are successful in racing - whether a driver or a track promoter or even someone operating a racing business. Why does one succeed while others struggle? While there’s no single answer to all of racing’s challenges there are recurring themes.
From here forward I’ll refer to the racer, promoter, or racing business person as the ‘Opportunity’. If we stop waiting for someone to recognize us for the greatness that we are and start to position ourselves the way we want to be, we then can become the Opportunity.
About Adam Ross
I plan to write blogs to include my experiences and some of the things we teach through RACE 101. To give some background I have been involved in motorsports my entire life. My parents met at a speedway, and I’ve had the racing bug as long as I can remember.
After a brief racing career consisting of kart racing and open wheel modifieds I turned my attention to motorsports public relations, writing, announcing, broadcasting, and marketing. My educational background is public relations, but like many in the motorsports industry I’ve received much of my education on the job.
I co-founded the motorsports educational program RACE 101 (an acronym for Research, Analyze, Consult, Educate, 1 on 1), and I instruct in the program with Tony Blanchard and AnnaMarie Strawhand. I’ve announced the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series since its inception in 2007, and I’m proud to also work as a play-by-play voice on many of its television broadcasts. I am co-owner of an online magazine Dirt Track Digest where I provide editorial content and race coverage, and I’m a proud partner of Motorsports Consultant Services.
If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to adamrossenterprises@gmail.com. For more information on any of the items I discuss please visit www.race101.net, www.dirttrackdigest.com, or www.motorsportsconsultantservices.com.

RACE 101 faculty faces difficult decision choosing next ‘Premier Driver’; Numerous students deserving of vacant position

December 16th, 2011, DENVER, NC - RACE 101’s next ‘Premier Driver’ will be announced during the annual RACE 101 graduation ceremony in Feburary. The ceremony will fill the spot left vacant since RACE 101 released current Premier Driver Trevor Edwards today.

“Choosing the right Premier Driver is a challenging task,” said RACE 101 founder and instructor, Tony Blanchard. “When you go to the races it’s easy to determine a winner. We use far more than results to determine our Premier Driver.”

RACE 101 was founded in 2009 by Blanchard along with seasoned public relations and marketing specialist AnnaMarie Strawhand and motorsports commentator and public relations specialist Adam Ross. An acronym for Research, Analyze, Consult, and Educate, 1 on 1 – the program was designed to offer aspiring racers the education they need to advance their careers.

“Racing has evolved to the point where a driver has to be their own best salesperson, spokesperson, and ambassador,” said AnnaMarie. “The days of a driver just getting behind the wheel are over.”
 

Our students have worked hard this year and applied what they have learned to their own racing careers.

RACE 101’s inaugural class graduated at the end of 2010. The class knew that one driver would be named Premier Driver, and that student would drive the RACE 101 Howe super late model in selected races the following year. The competition motivated students to execute the skills they learned through attending classes at RACE 101’s Denver, North Carolina, headquarters, and through online webinars throughout the year.

“Earning the Premier Driver title is definitely motivational for the students,” said Ross. “But I think often times they put too much emphasis on the title when they should be celebrating their achievements. “Only one student will get that title, but we’ve already seen that our graduates accomplish great things with or without our race car.”
 

Graduates from the 2010 class have made significant waves in their respected areas. Florida’s Michael Cenzi entered the program with no concrete racing plans in 2010. The family owned a late model, but the series he hoped to compete in struggled to form a schedule. Cenzi focused on a safe-driving campaign that drew the support of the American Automobile Association among other businesses. He campaigns throughout Florida educating young people on not texting while driving.

RACE 101 Alumni driver, Amanda Ferguson, speaks to this year's class at our open house in November.

Amanda Ferguson left sprint car racing for super late models, and the young Florida racer also makes frequent public appearances to promote herself and her sponsors. Virginia native and RACE 101 graduate Clifton Savage won the program’s public relations award in 2010. The youngster organized and executed a successful charity race while attending RACE 101, and the second annual event in 2011 was even more successful.

The RACE 101/Howe Super Late Model Debuted this past spring at the PASS 150 event at North Wilkesboro Speedway with driver Trevor Sanborn. The car was fast right out of the box, and Sanborn offered good feedback on the car that helped all season.

 “The RACE 101 car is important because even though we teach principles that apply to any division and any driver we still need to perform on the track as well,” said Blanchard. “We took our car to North Wilkesboro with Trevor Sanborn as the driver this spring, and I think we turned some heads when we were fastest in practice.

“We need to combine the success of our students in the program with success on the track. That’s why we’re making a few adjustments for 2012.”

Sanborn relocating to North Carolina to work full-time in RACE 101 shop:

2011 RACE 101 Student, Trevor Sanborn has opted out of the Premier Driver contention. He has come on board with RACE 101 as an instructor, mechanic and R&D driver for RACE 101 owner Tony Blanchard. Here he is shown working with one of Tony Blanchard's younger drivers as an assistant driving coach a few weeks ago.

Trevor Sanborn earned a scholarship to the 2011 RACE 101 program. The 23-year-old Maine native arrived with impressive credentials. He has won numerous super late model races including PASS events, but he knew there was still plenty to learn.

Sanborn and Blanchard recently agreed that Sanborn should remove himself from contention for the ‘Premier Driver’ title. In January he will move to North Carolina to work full-time in Blanchard’s shop helping with the RACE 101 car and with Blanchard’s numerous clients.
Sanborn will serve as a mentor and driving coach in 2012. He will also compete in Blanchard’s super late model and serve as test driver.
“Trevor’s ability behind the wheel will be an asset to my business,” said Blanchard. “Not only will he be a huge help to our next Premier Driver, but he will also help us maintain our race cars. The competition will have to watch out.”

The RACE 101 house car competed just a few times this year. Edwards drove at Winchester Speedway, South Boston Speedway, and most recently at Hickory Motor Speedway where he enjoyed his best finish of 10th place.
Edwards was released as RACE 101 Premier Driver this week after a series of decisions the faculty agreed were unbecoming of RACE 101’s core values. The role will remain vacant until the February graduation ceremony.

Students in contention for the title include: Daniel Alvarez, Chappells, South Carolina; Brandon Atkins, Statesville, North Carolina; Sulo Burbank, Gorham, Maine; Sarah Cornett-Ching, Summerland, British Columbia; Mike Mahaney, King Ferry, New York; Bryce Malcolm, Simpsonville, South Carolina; Anthony Perez, Suffolk, Virginia; Shayne Pierce, Welland, Ontario; Derek Robbie, Bellinngham, Massachusetts; Tommy Stilphen, Kennebunk, Maine; Jerry Tunney, Clark’s Summit, Pennsylvania; and Luke Whitteker, Iroquois, Ontario.
 

To learn more about RACE 101 and the students competing to become the next Premier Driver, visit www.race101.net. For interviews, please contact race101pr@gmail.com.
 

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VIDEO - RACE 101 DOCUMENTARY - BUILDING A BETTER DRIVER

Documentary video about the RACE 101 Program. Learn more about our current class of up and coming race drivers, what they have learned to better their own racing programs this year on both the mechanical and marketing side. Meet the faculty and see our alumni racing student success stories. Now accepting applications for our 2012 racing scholarship program - apply online: www.race101.net

Premier Driver Prediction Poll Closed

We were experiencing technical difficulties with the poll so we chose to close it this morning. We want to thank you all for voting and the students who worked very hard to gain votes - you really impressed us.  At the end, Daniel Alvarez, Luke Whitteker and Sarah Cornett-Ching were all running within a few votes of each other!

Here was the final poll tally as of this morning:

Daniel Alvarez- 166 (20%)

Brandon Atkinson - 7 (0%)

Sulo Burbank - 85 (10%)

Sarah Cornett-Ching - 168 (20%)

Amanda Lynch- 1 (0%)

Mike Mahaney - 5 (0%)

Bryce Malcolm - 111 (13%)

Anthony Perez - 49 (5%)

Shayne Pierce - 6 (0%)

Derek Robbie- 21 (2%)

Trevor Sanborn-  27 (3%)

Tommy Stilphen - 0 (0%)

Jerry Tunney - 6 (0%)

Bryan Ward- 1 (0%)

Luke Whitteker -167 (20%)

Premier Driver Prediction Poll Update

UPDATE: The poll is set to only allow ONE vote per PERSON. Not one vote per day. We apologize for any confusion.  Our students are doing a GREAT job garnering votes for themselves so keep checking back to see who is in the lead!

DISCLAIMER: This POLL does not have any bearing on who will be chosen as the 2012 Premier Driver. This is for the drivers/students to use their promotional skills to garner votes for themselves and for RACE 101 to get a feel for what drivers/students are most interactive and in touch with their fan base.

Thanks for participating in our poll!

~*~SARAH CORNETT-CHING~*~

I am writing this blog to convince all you voters coming to this page that I am the driver you should vote for!

This year I have put together a strong season from marketing to charity work to on track performances. With my first win in a Limited Late Model and two podium finishes I proved myself a competitor every race day. I also made my debut in the Nascar Canadian Tire Series and ran in the top ten until a flat tire relegated me to 14th.

Vote for Sarah Cornett-Ching!

**LUKE WHITTEKER** RACE101

Luke Whitteker & RACE101 Students "Race" to the Polls

I'm sure you've heard already that RACE101 has set up a polling block on the right of the RACE101 blogger homepage. Here you will find all the students who received scholarships to the 1 year program held in Denver, North Carolina. The poll was put in place to see how loyal each racer's fan base is. This poll does not decide the winner of the Premier Driver award but merely measures the strength of the relationship between fan and driver. This is a great opportunity to show you support for your favorite driver and give them a boost of confidence that they can carry into their next season of racing and beyond. I am very grateful for all of the support I have received so far from my fans and I hope I can continue to build stronger relationships and continue to impress!

My time at RACE101 has been an amazing learning experience. I have learned many great marketing tips and gained self confidence that has helped me exceed my expectations for myself. I have learned how to think outside the box and how to be more patient with myself. I owe a lot of my success to my mentors at RACE101 for giving me the tools to improve myself as an individual and as a race car driver. I recommend the RACE101 program to any young racer looking to take their careers to the next level.

Take our online POLL: Who do you predict will be named the 2012 RACE 101 Premier Driver?

IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS A POLL ONLY - NOT A CONTEST. WE ARE ONLY USING THIS TO SEE WHAT FANS HAVE BEEN KEEPING TRACK OF EACH STUDENT/DRIVER'S PROGRESS IN OUR PROGRAM. IT HAS NO BEARING ON WHO WILL BE CHOSEN AS PREMIER DRIVER.  SCROLL OVER TO THE SIDEBAR ON THIS PAGE TO TAKE POLL.  ONE VOTE PER PERSON. POLL OPEN UNTIL JANUARY 1ST.

To learn more about each driver currently in our program please see the 2011 class roster:


http://www.race101.net/roster2011.html

The RACE 101 Premier Driver is a student chosen from each yearly graduating class by the RACE 101 faculty. This student must have fully completed the program and worked hard to complete all assignments and attend all classes throughout the year. This student must show improvement in a variety of skills and have implemented these skills on all levels of our curriculum. He or she must be a leader, mentor and positive representative for the program and fellow students. The Premier Driver will be named at the Official Graduation and Award Ceremony in January. The Premier Driver is awarded the opportunity to drive in selected events in the RACE 101/Howe Super Late Model House Car, and officially represent and make appearances on behalf of RACE 101, and our program sponsors and partners.

Please feel free to comment below on any student/driver in our program and why you feel that they would make a good candidate for the 2012 RACE 101 Premier Driver.

Our Students are down to the final homestretch - who will earn the Premier Driver Title and Drive the RACE 101 House Car in 2012?

School is out for RACE 101 Class of 2011;
Final project will determine RACE 101’s next Premier Driver

November 10, 2011, DENVER, NC - RACE 101 held its final classroom sessions of 2011 last weekend in Denver, North Carolina. The battle to earn Premier Driver for 2012 is intense with just weeks until graduation.
“In racing you’re generally measured by your results on the race track,” said program founder Tony Blanchard. “We look for much more from our Premier Driver. We will choose a driver who is balanced with technical, marketing, and media skills, but most importantly we will choose a driver who exemplifies the core values of RACE 101.”
The students were overwhelmed with studies of chassis dynamics, geometry, and impromptu interviews at RACE 101 headquarters. The group also enjoyed a review of goals surpassed during the year.
“The upcoming Premier Driver is going to have a great deal of responsibility,” said instructor Anna Marie Strawhand. “We’ve discovered that our students learn a lot from each other, and it has been exciting to see relationships develop.
“Our Premier Driver will need to manage his or her own career while serving as a role model for current, former, and future students.”
The Premier Driver will also have the opportunity to test and race the RACE 101 Howe house car with McGunegill horsepower in 2012.

RACE 101 Ambassador program introduced
Faculty also introduced the RACE 101 Ambassador program which will keep graduated students actively involved for years to come.
 “We have been honored by our students from 2010 who want to stay involved with the program mentoring current students and speaking to current and potential students,” said instructor Adam Ross. “We’re proud of every graduate of the program, but we’ve recognized an opportunity for certain graduates to stay involved. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that we’ve touched lives.”
RACE 101’s Premier Driver will be introduced during the graduation ceremony in January of 2012, but not before students complete their final assignment which embodies all of what they have learned during the program.
For more information on RACE 101, visit www.race101.net . Each student has a blog along with their own profile page. For interview requests, please contact pr101@race101.net .

My third Race 101 Class

As the season ended, I started to eye my trip down to Race 101. This time when I'm there I will be testing the Race 101 presented by Howe motorsports super late model, at hickory speedway. Along with test the super late model, i will have class for three days with Tony B, Anna Marie, and Adam. Being away from everyone for so long I’m very excited to go back and see my classmates. Another exciting part is the Race100 just expanded the shop, and got more technology. I can’t wait to use the new tools and learn even more! Also when were down there I’ll be attending the dirt nationals at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which is really excited The World of Outlaw are awesome.
Stay tuned and be sure to check www.DerekRobbie.com to hear all about my trip.

Cornett-Ching Wraps Up the 2011 Season

After the 2011 season and two banquets Sarah's trophy shelf is overflowing with awards, she collected Most Improved Driver in both the ARCA West Ok Tire Series and the West Coast Sportsman Series where she finished 8th and 4th overall respectively. Sarah would not have had the amazing season she did without her sponsors, and she would like to thank, Snap-On Tools, Aarons, Racecom, ANJ Automotive, Lordco and Serious Performance.

As for next year Sarah is working towards putting together a marketing program to run a limited season in the Nascar Canadian Tire Series and a run for the championship in the ARCA West Ok Tire Series.

Sarah would also like to thank everyone who helped make this year possible including:

My dad, Jason Anderson, Roy Clissold, Mike Ernst, Cory McGivern, Becky Mytting, Stef Fratino, Korbin Thomas, Kendall Thomas, Earl Thomas, Doug Waller, and everyone else who supported us this season.

Return to RACE101

This up coming weekend I will be headed back to Denver, North Carolina to attend RACE101 classes that I had earned scholarship to in January of this year. I will hopping in the RACE101 house car to do a few tests laps at famed Hickory Motor Speedway and get some training from RACE101 mentor and owner Tony Blanchard. My knowledge will be put to the test after many online webinars that took place throughout the racing season where we were given weekly assignments and research to complete. My marketing efforts will being closely analyzed and critiqued by marketing "Masters" and RACE101 mentors Adam Ross and Annamarie Strawhand. Also there will be Tony Stevens the reporter/tech savvy/jokester, making sure we are always on our toes with surprise interviews and hard to answer interview questions. I am excited to get back to class see all my fellow students/friends and racers and get the low down on the 2011 racing season. I will be making regular posts on Facebook and Twitter over the weekend so stay connected!

http://www.facebook.com/lukewhittekermotorsports

https://twitter.com/#!/lukewhitteker

RACE 101 students nearing the finish line; House car competes at Hickory and 2012 Premier Driver announcement around the corner

October 26^th, 2011, DENVER, NC - Success is measured in various ways. With 2011 coming to an end RACE 101 students past and present have surpassed many goals. 

While on-track results speak volumes RACE 101’s curriculum involves much more than competitiveness.

“Every one of our students comes with a different goal,” said RACE 101 Founder and head instructor Tony Blanchard. “We work with them to relate what we teach with how it can help them in the present.

“In many cases our students need sponsorship to continue racing at their current level, and in other cases they’re trying to advance through the ranks. Some of our students are happy where they are, and they want to learn everything they can to improve their situation. We pride ourselves in catering to each student’s individual needs.”

At the end of the program each year a Premier Driver is chosen to compete in the RACE 101 presented by Howe Racing Products super late model with McGunegill horsepower under the hood.

This weekend at Hickory Motor Speedway RACE 101’s premier driver from the class of 2010 Trevor Edwards will compete. Program founder Tony Blanchard spent a couple days last week testing. The first day was with current student from Maine Trevor Sanborn. The second day was with less-experienced Edwards.

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2011 RACE 101 Premier Driver, Trevor Edwards with the RACE 101/Howe Super Late Model

“The test day was amazing,” said Edwards. “The car feels awesome. I needed more work than the car, but I think we’ll be in great shape for the Hickory race.”

Edwards was chosen as premier driver for his outstanding efforts while in the RACE 101 program both on track and off track. He balanced competitiveness on the track with the necessary time focusing on sponsorship and promotional work to impress RACE 101 faculty. His reward is the opportunity to race the RACE 101 super late model with Tony Blanchard as crew chief. 

RACE 101 is now taking applications from race drivers for our 2012 Racing Scholarship Program. Learn more and apply at www.race101.net

Scholarship applications are open for the RACE 101 class of 2012, and the battle is on with this year’s group to be named premier driver for the current class. The program has seen great success in its second year. The proof is evident scanning through the current RACE 101 roster.

 Brandon Atkinson recently made his asphalt stock car debut. The impressive 15-year-old relocated from Virginia to Statesville, North Carolina, where he could chase his racing dream. Atkinson has seen success racing dirt cars, but the choice to launch a pavement career in one of Hickory Motor Speedway’s toughest classes was a difficult one. Atkinson had a great fourth place result in the prestigious Dwight Huffman Memorial 100-lap event for limited late models at Hickory recently.

Brandon Atkinson prepares to make his late model and pavement racing debut at Hickory Motor Speedway. The 15 year old impressed with a 4th place finish the first time out.

“I was confident we could have a strong finish if I kept my nose clean and stayed patient,” said Atkinson. “We only qualified 13^th, but I knew the car was better than that. I’m excited about the strong run.”

On the same weekend thousands of miles away Sarah Cornett-Ching attended the ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series banquet. The charismatic British Columbia racer was awarded Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Driver Awards to go with her eighth place in the points standings. The stellar ARCA result was accompanied by her debut in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driving the ‘Cruisin for a Cause’-sponsored Jason White entry.

 Canadian racer Sarah Cornett -Ching with her awards from the 2011 ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series Banquet. Sarah was able to use many facets from the RACE 101 program to advance different areas of her career.

“This was a great way to end our season,” said  Cornett-Ching. “If you told me last winter I would have raced in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this year and won all these awards I’m not sure I would have believed it. I’m already overwhelmed making plans for 2012.”

One of RACE 101’s youngest students is Derek Robbie from Bellingham, Massachusetts. Robbie’s two open-wheel modified wins are impressive this season, but even more impressive is the extensive promotional schedule run by the 13-year-old. Robbie contacted his local Chamber of Commerce and opened numerous doors through charitable appearances and promotional events. The youngster plans to expand on that in 2012.

Derek Robbie combined his cross country running skills with a charity promotion that included appearing with his race car.  Derek has also been able to improve his press release writing skills working with RACE 101 instructors and has created a solid media and blog following for his racing.

“I can’t believe how much I learned this year,” said Robbie. “RACE 101 has shown me that there’s opportunities available to all of us. We just need to open the right doors.”

New England provided a great deal of talented young racers to RACE 101. Veteran Super Late Model racer Trevor Sanborn came to increase his understanding of the race cars he’s seen great success with while teenagers Tommy Stilphen and Sulo Burbank are newcomers to full-sized race cars in the northeast.

Sanborn recently enjoyed his test day with Blanchard in the RACE 101 house car.

“The goal was to get a good feel for the race car,” said Sanborn. “Every time Tony touched the car we got faster.

“At the start of the day we were hitting the rev limiter going into the corner. By the end of the day I was on the rev limiter at the start finish line. We did that just by adjusting shocks.”

Sanborn is among RACE 101’s more decorated drivers, but he fits right in with the rest of the class.

Trevor Sanborn in victory lane with his own Howe 101 chassis this spring at Beech Ridge Speedway. Trevor used what he learned about race car set-ups and applied it to his own program. He also wanted to better on his in-car communication skills and was able to do that working one on one with RACE 101's Tony Blanchard.

“The way we’ve developed our program it applies to an experienced racer as much as it does a rookie,” said Blanchard. “We teach theories and principles of racing that are relevant on dirt or asphalt and regardless of the division.

“The public relations and media relations side of the course is applicable to all forms of racing of any type. We’re confident that our curriculum stacks up to any in the market.”

Burbank’s season went better than he anticipated. The Maine teenager won Rookie of the Year in his family’s Super Late Model at Canaan Fair Speedway, and in the ‘Six Pack Series’ he is third in standing just 5 points out of first. 

Sulo Burbank worked hard on the track this year and also worked on promoting his team sponsors, seen here in his hometown Memorial Day Parade. Sulo is one of our younger students, but presents himself in a very professional manner.

“I came into this season hoping to win Rookie of the Year,” said Burbank. “We did that, and I was a competitive top five car every week. I have a full season under my belt now, and I’m looking forward to next year.”

While New England provided strong students, South Carolina also had its share. Daniel Alvarez, Amanda Lynch and Bryce Malcolm all attended RACE 101 this year from South Carolina.

Lynch suffered problems early in the season, and her race team is regrouping and looking towards the future.

Thompson Debut

For the last race of the season I would find myself at the famous 5/8 mile oval, Thompson speedway. The track I grew up around, and dreamed to be racing at one day. During the 2011 World Series of racing weekend I would achieve this goal.
The weekend got a damper start, when Friday's activities would be cancelled due to rain. This meant I would have no heat race, and limited practice to be ready for the race. On Saturday morning, before practice I would get coaching from Dan Meservey once again, to help me learn the track before I turned my first laps. I felt confident when I hit the track. The first 6 laps of practice went as planned. I was turning laps and getting use to the track. Going down the back stretch on lap 7 I felt the car to shudder. I quickly tried to figure the problem out but I was unable to and the car would just shut off. I had to be pushed back to the pits and hope we could find the issue.
After going thru the engine we discovered the distributor cap went bad. We switched it out with a spare and the car started but was not right. Next we would find out the distributor was bad. Now the next task was to find a distributor. Eventually we found a mini stock driver who wrecked his car and took his engine out to put into another car. We asked to borrow their spare and they let us use the distributor for the reminder of the race day.
Due to the distributor issue I would miss all the practice laps available and would have to jump right into the feature. This wasn't anything new to me. I had to make my Monadnock debut with 0 laps on the track as well. To be ready I would watch the rest of the races on the track and get focused. To be smart I would start last place in 17th for the race.
On the start I would not hold back and climb up into the 15th spot. I quickly started to try to maneuver my way around the 14th and 13th place cars driving up beside them several times. It wasn't till around half way till I would pick up 14th position. Right after I made the pass the caution came out for a spun car. I would have to give up 14th and slide back into 15th. Right on the start I would hold my position and started to make my move to get around the 75 and 86 cars. Coming out of turn 2 on lap 14 the 75 and 86 got together spinning into the infield. This would bring out another the caution.
I would restart in 13th place. On the start I would lose a position to one of my mentors, Mark Giordano. I quickly tried to get back around him. I had a few chances but I was never successful. In the end I would have to settle for 11th place. I guess the teacher didn't teach me everything.

RACE 101 Alumni Student Clifton Savage Expands 2nd Annual Charity Event - To Be Held This Monday in Virginia Beach, VA

October 21st, 2011

Newport News, Virginia -- Clifton Savage is gearing up for a weekend full of racing. It is the final race of the 2011 season and with Clifton sitting tied for 5th in points you would think he is more focused on what will happen on track this weekend. But that is not the case, for Clifton he is thinking about how many people he can talk to and how he can get to come out to support his charity race this coming Monday, October 24th, 2011.

After a successful inaugural event last year, Clifton is hosting his 2nd annual Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters Charity Go Kart Event at the American Indoor Karting of Virginia Beach. Having raised $1,782 in last years event, Clifton has really wanted to blow up the event and make it huge this year, and huge it has become! With a second race added to the night with events starting at 5pm the American Indoor Karting facility right across from Lynnhaven Mall will be jam-packed with over 100 local and even national racers from all styles of racing.

This event is holding 2 races each consisting of 10 teams of 5 drivers per team all running together for 100 minutes per race. The adrenaline and excitement will once again be captured by the local Langley Speedway photography crew of PYP and videography by TM Racing Videos. On the night of October 24th, the Virginia Beach facility will be packed with drivers, family and fans all watching the event and even the racing talk show, LetsTalkRacing.tv will be airing a special shoot that night where we will be having guests racers jump on throughout the night of the event as well as some special guests from NASCAR teams.

If you are in the area of Virginia Beach on the night of October 24th, come check us out from 5-9pm for an exciting night of go kart racing and raising money for a great cause! Check us out at http://www.cliftonsavagemotorsports.com/chkd100 or http://www.facebook.com/chkd100

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Dav Weekend at seekonk speedway

This past weekend I raced at Seekonk Speedway for the DAV weekend. The plan of the night was to re-learn the car with the new clip and stay out of trouble. We went into the first practice going to feel the car out and making sure nothing would fall off. As i got more into the run I kept picking it up to full power. Right before the end I got on the throttle hard. Car was tight out due to lack of stagger but it felt awesome to go hard after not racing for 5 weeks.



We made changes to grow the stagger in the rear and went to get ready for the 2nd practice. Due to time constraints we would only get one practice which was upsetting but we moved on and got ready for the heat race.



In the heat race I started 6th. On the start I fell back to 7th and gave myself some room away from the field to feel out my car. I passed the 86 car and started to bring the field back in. With 4 to go we would have a caution for the 86 stopping on the track with engine problems. On the start I missed up the shift but regained myself and caught up to the field again. I wasn't pushing the car hard so i stayed in 6th place to keep my nose clean.



For the feature I would start last, in 14th place. On the start I once again kept a little distance from the field. After an easy lap 1 I started to pick it up. I got by the 32 car and started to go for the 75 car and my first limited win. On lap 5 we would see our first caution for a spin. I restarted 11th. This time I stayed up close to the field but kept an eye out just in case a wreck started. I would get passed by the 5 car but fell into line and started running laps.



Around lap 6 would see a battle between me and the 75 car starting. Gaining every bit I could I got by the 75 car at lap 12 to claim the 10th position. From there, I started to run down more and more cars. 2 cars would drop off the pace and leave the track.



At lap 17 we would have our second and final caution for a broken car on the front stretch. I would restart in the 7th position. On the start I spun the tires but didn't lose any ground. It would take me a lap and half to clear the 75 again but after that I had no troubles and brought the car home in one piece and in 7th position.



With that finish I would get my first pro 4 mod limited division win and grab 2nd in the limited points. I would also move to 9th in the overall points standings. With my first limited win I have to thank my dad for all he did to get my car back on track from the last time we were at Seekonk and wrecked. Next week we will be at Thompson. Stay tuned for more exciting news.

Cold Hard Facts Of "Driver Development": It Takes MONEY to MAKE IT

As a motorsports marketing professional and instructor, I know that finding funding is the biggest issue at hand for young and up and coming racing talent today. I experience this daily. I firmly believe, and it has been proven time and time again, that if a driver is as good at marketing and getting his own backing as he is driving he or she will succeed. Young drivers must educate themselves on how to go out and raise the money and get the backing. It can be done. Many racers hire sales/marketing people to find sponsors for them, but few find success that way. Ultimately DRIVERS need to know how to sell themselves or they will not be able to advance their careers. ALL RACE DRIVERS need to invest the time into making the calls and sending out the emails just as much as they do driving. I have drivers/students signing sponsors as we speak, even in this economy. You are your best salesperson. Sponsors want to meet the driver, they want the driver to be their celebrity spokesperson. They want a return on their investment too, once they spend the money. Drivers must learn how to attract, land, and manage sponsors. It is more of a necessity today more than ever.

The RACE 101 program offers one-on-one marketing, sponsorship and PR consulting with our experienced instructors. We work with our students individually to make sure they are properly selling themselves and their racing programs, We teach them the basics to the advanced as needed - give them the tools and confidence to go out and sign their own sponsors.

Are you an up and coming talented race driver hoping and dreaming to get noticed by a big team or a NASCAR driver development program? Well you can get noticed but the bottom line is this - bring a BIG CHECK or you are back to the weekly home track racing off your own paycheck or mom and dad's. Do you know how to go out and get financial backing and make the proper connections to advance your career? Our RACE 101 students and alumni do. Don't get left behind. Educate yourself.  Sales and Marketing - it's a skill all race drivers must learn and apply to succeed. We spend equal time on our marketing curriculum as we do the mechanical and driving side of our program. That is how important it is.

We are very proud of our RACE 101 2010 Student Alumni Driver, Michael Cenzi. He was able to take what he learned at RACE 101 regarding marketing, sales and PR and landed a solid multi-year sponsorship program with Triple A (AAA). Michael serves as AAA's  spokesman and even filmed a PSA (public service announcement) for a Don't Text and Drive Campaign. Michael races late models in Florida, and is planning a move to NC with his 2012 program.

Check out this recent article on NASCAR.com "Finances change the focus of driver development -Future may have more to do with what's in the wallet than who's behind the wheel" http://www.nascar.com/news/110929/inside-nascar-driver-development/index.html - I speak the truth here and NASCAR confirms what I have have been trying to tell racers for years.

Unfortunately, in this day and age of the sport of auto racing it takes alot more than talent to make it to the top as a driver. Sad, but true. The cold hard facts are that you also need money (lots of it) and connections to get there. Our students learn how to properly make those connections and effectively raise funds and sponsorship for their own racing programs and beyond. At Race 101 we believe if you have both the driving skills and the marketing skills to get your own backing you can create your own success as a driver. The proof is in our students, and alumni who have already been successful at this. If you want to learn how to better your career, apply for a RACE 101 scholarship. Only YOU can change your future. To apply for a RACE 101 scholarship or to schedule an online marketing class - go to www.race101.net

I feel confident that when each of our students graduates from our program each year, we have taught and guided them based on our years of experience to go out on their own and land sponsorship. This is something that each one of our students must apply and work hard at. Nobody said it was easy - but if you have the knowledge, tools, you are open to learning, changing with the times and willing to step away from the car and pick up the phone you can make your own dreams a reality.

Questions? I am here to help. Email me at: race101pr@gmail.com

- Annamarie (Annamarie Malfitana-Strawhand, RACE 101 Co-Founder and Director of Marketing/PR/Web and Instructor)

Another Strong Podium Finish for Cornett-Ching

West Coast Sportsman Series Finale

Sarah went into the night sitting fourth in points unable to gain any positions due to the mathematical possibility, but had high hopes to come home with a strong finish. She did just that at Motoplex Speedway after getting out front early and pulling out to a straightaway lead.

"Our car started out really fast and I wasn't pushing it very hard to stay out front, I was thinking we would be able to save the car and pick it up towards the end. Unfortunately after a competitor blew a motor the track was covered in speedy dry and I had three consecutive outside row starts, we roasted the RR tire off the car trying to keep up and then had to battle to our 3rd place finish."

Sarah and her family celebrating in Victory Lane

The #99 team couldn't be more pleased with the season they had in 2011, racing at 5 new tracks and trying new setups in the race car they still proved to be a strong competitor. With the last three races at their home track in Vernon, BC they were able to put an exclamation point on the season with a win and strong podium runs. Going into next year Sarah has big plans and hopes to win over the fans wherever she races.

Suiting up for the ride-along

"I grew so much as a driver this year with a car that was able to run up front it gave me the opportunity to push myself and get the finishes we were looking for. Going into next year, I hope to secure a marketing partner for the Nascar Canadian Tire Series but if we race in the Arca Series again I know we will be a threat for the Championship." Said the ambitious driver.

At intermission Sarah took a lucky fan for a ride-along

Sarah is looking forward to her next trip down to North Carolina in November where the Race 101 class will clip and setup the front end of a Howe chassis.








Follow the team at www.SCCracing.com

and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sccracing
Or Follow on Twitter:
@scornettching

Cornett-Ching Claims Top Five

2011 Arca Ok Tire Championship Night
Sarah went into the night 11th in the points standings and knew a strong finish would be necessary to close out the season on a high note. She would leave no doubt in anyone's minds running in the top 3 all night and finishing 4th. This would push Cornett-Ching up to 8th overall in the Arca Series standings for 2011.

In afternoon practice the #99 Snap-on Tools car would post the 3rd quickest time and move from the back of the heat race up to 5th. Cornett-Ching knew she had a car to beat in the main event and planned to keep it up front.

Sarah would run the majority of the race in 2nd position but lose some ground on a restart, despite her efforts to clinch the 3rd position at the checkers she would bring the car home in fourth.

"Right from the start of the day I was confident and I knew we had a car to beat for the feature race. I'm glad we were able to have such a strong run to finish the season off strong."

There is one race left on the schedule for the #99 team in the West Coast Sportsman Series were Sarah sits 4th in points and has one win. On September 24 at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, BC Sarah will have her sights set on her second victory of the season.

Follow what the team is up to on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sccracing
Or on her website: www.SCCracing.com

Cornett-Ching has Dominating Run Dashed

The second day of the Hot August Nights mini series at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, BC started well for the #99 of Sarah Cornett-Ching posting the fastest speed in first practice and qualifying 4th. The team worked hard all day dialing in the car with a few struggles in the heat race the but car came to life in the main event.

Sarah worked through traffic quickly and was leading by lap 4, from there the #99 Snap-On Tools car stretched it's lead over the field until the mandatory pit stop on lap 25. With one of the quickest stops Sarah regained the lead after the field cycled through.

Cornett-Ching was leading by half a lap and feeling good about the car when it started smoking which would eventually lead to a mechanical black flag on lap 45. Sarah had to relinquish her lead and head behind the wall for repairs.

Emerging from pit road after replacing the tail shaft seal on the transmission 10 laps down didn't slow down the talented young driver as she worked her way back through the field to the 2nd spot. With a restart within 10 laps to the end she was put behind the lead lap cars although she felt she had a car to beat the eventual winner to the checkers.
With such a strong car going into the final Arca race of the year the #99 team is confident and ready to put the #99 Snap-On Tools Aarons car on the podium.

Leading the race with some fans cheering us on

Check out what the team is up to at www.SCCracing.com or on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/sccracing

My second start at Monadnock Speedway.

Going in to my second Monadnock Speedway start luck was not on my side. Having 3 dnfs in the last 3 races was not what i wanted in my rookie season.

In the first practice i used it as a shack down since we had the car apart from the last race where we were in a wreck. After the first practice we checked the car over and sow nothing was wrong with the car. I got the okay to go out in the second and third practice hard. We fiured out the car was very loose on the exit, so we added some wedge across the back of the car. I procuded to use the 3rd and final practice as a scuff session for my new tires. The car was fast on new tires.

In the heat race i started 4th. On the start i slide the nose alittle but got control and didnt loose any positions. I stayed there for the next 8 laps still learning the track. I was pressured alittle from the 75 but never got passed. The was a touch tight but we decided to keep the car the same as it will be good for the feature.

In the feature I started 11th out of 14 cars. As the green flag came out i settled in to 11th place and stayed there for the first 6 laps till the caution came out. I restarted 10th. I didnt stay there long as i got passed and settled into 11th place. I gained a position under green as the 16 went off the track. with 10 to go i got passed for 11th where i stayed for the rest of the race. I tried to chase the 75 down for 10 but was not able to catch him. The car was very loose off the corner, which made me learn throttle control. Later to be found out the loose off the corner was a bent rear end we suffered from the wreck 2 weeks ago. Ill be back under way in 2 weeks at seekonk speedway.

Cornett-Ching wins with last lap pass;

Penticton racer scores impressive career-first at Motoplex Speedway

17^th, 2011, PENTICTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Sarah Cornett-Ching earned her first career late model victory in dramatic fashion on Saturday at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, British Columbia. The 20-year-old Penticton racer edged her #99 Snap-On Tools-sponsored car past race leader Mark Berrieau on the final turn of the final lap to steal the win.

“I don’t think I could have imagined a finish much more exciting than that,” said an exuberant Cornett-Ching after the race. “The crew worked hard all day long to get the car faster, and it felt great for the feature. This is awesome.”

Cornett-Ching was among the fastest throughout the day’s practice and qualifying, but the team spent plenty of time chasing mechanical issues. The Snap-on Tools crew fixed a vibration in the car and also addressed vapour locking in the fuel system caused by extreme heat during qualifying. Added to her mechanical issues was a neck injury suffered at work during the week. Despite the issues she still qualified fourth fastest.

“With the neck injury and our challenges through the day I hardly had victory lane in my sights,” said Cornett-Ching. “I actually had my dad bring his driving suit in case I didn’t feel well enough to race. I’m glad I stayed in the car

With the 100 lap Hot August Nights feature race underway each car was required to make a pit stop for a right rear tire. Sarah entered the pits for service in fourth place on lap 27 and rejoined the race as the leader with a 13 second lead. Her lead evaporated when the caution flew and the field bunched up for the restart.

“My crew on pit road was outstanding,” she recalled. “They made no mistakes and we gained valuable track position. The caution came out taking away our 13 second lead, but we made the right changes on pit road and were able to keep my car in the top 3 all night.”

A late-race caution set the stage for an exciting finish. With five laps left on the restart Cornett-Ching lined up on the outside of race leader Berrieau. When the green flag flew she battled door to door with the veteran for the top spot. On the final lap she seized opportunity.

“I could see that Mark was sliding up the track,” said Cornett Ching. “I rolled out of the throttle a little early heading into turn three, and I was able to drive under Mark and beat him to the finish.

“It was an amazing feeling to race with one of the best drivers in the province to the checkered flag, and to beat him at the line was icing on the cake. This win is important to give my crew and myself the extra confidence we need going into the second Hot August Nights race on August 27^th.”

Cornett-Ching sits second in points just 12 points behind points leader Berrieau. The race on the 27th will decide who takes home the Hot August Nights title. For more information on Sarah Cornett-Ching and her racing team, visit www.SCCRacing.com.

Off weekend

August 1, 2011 - On my off weekend I went to Little T speedway to help a friend of mine, Richie Morocco, race his quarter midget. On this weekend Richie was racing both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. He was also only driving 1 car instead of his normal 2.

On Saturday when I was waiting for Richie's race I got involved with a rookie name Derek Gluchacki. Later to find out I would also assist with him for the weekend. During Derek's race I noticed that he drove a really good line and was smooth. Talking to his dad Joe (also a rookie handler), I informed him we did not need to change the setup much to make the car better for Derek. The next morning I went and found Derek's father to help him work on Derek's car, because Richie was all set for the day's time trials. For time trials I decided to keep Derek's car the same, which was a great move. Derek got fast time. Then we moved to Richie's time trial. Richie also got fast time in his division, Senior Honda.

After the great time trial efforts, we moved on to the heat races. Derek and Richie both had to start in the back in there heat races. It didn't stop either of them. With the slight change I made to Derek's car before the heat race to loosen it up little it was great. He came from last to first and never looked back. In Richie's heat race he had a battle to the checker flag. Richie only had 5 laps to come from the back because the race was shortened because of a exceeding time limit placed on the race. That didn't slow riche down from winning it though. After winning the heat races I decided to keep Derek's car the same for the feature and after talking it over with Richie's dad we did the same to Richie's car because it was so fast.

The first feature was Derek's. Derek started right where he did in the heat race. Coming thru the field from last and leading the race. With 3 to go Derek was involved in a wreck with a lap car, with bad judgment on Derek's part. Derek actually got his spot back but could not hold it due to bent front end. It was all good. Now we are on to Richie's feature. Richie started in last and slowly moved up the field. On a restart with 5 to go Richie's muffler feel off but he stayed on the track. On the last lap he made a pass for the win but the yellow was displayed sending it back to a green white checkered. This was a good thing for Richie because without his muffler it's a disqualification. We brought Richie into the pits and put a new muffler on and ended up 7th in the race. Even thou we didn't win the feature races we made big strides on making Richie's car better, and helping Derek's dad Joe get a better feel on how to change the car. I also had a bunch of fun and that's what it was all about when I go back to the track I started.

Next week I will finally be back racing again at Waterford Speedbowl. I have a bunch of friend in the area coming to see me race. Hopefully I will have good news next time.