Second Annual 'Salute To Motorsports' Slated for November 30th

Published on November 9, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, Maine - It is that time of year when the racing season winds down, the hockey season fires up, and the Portland Pirates bring the two together. The Pirates are pleased to announce VIP Discount Auto Centers and Wright Express as the sponsors of the second annual "Salute to Motorsports", Saturday, November 30th at the Cumberland County Civic Center. This year, Winston Cup driver and Maine native Ricky Craven will be on board with other guests, including the 2002 NASCAR Busch North Champion Andy Santerre of Cherryfield, Maine.

The evening is guaranteed to be action-packed as the Pirates face-off with the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7:05. Fans can enter the civic center as early as 5:00 p.m. to view racecars, gather autographs, enter contests, and purchase officially licensed NASCAR merchandise and other memorabilia. During the first period in-game promotion, four lucky kids will have the chance to show their skill racing against NASCAR Winston Cup Driver Ricky Craven, as they battle a course on the ice with remote control cars donated by Toys R Us of South Portland.

Wright Express, a fleet fueling and service company of South Portland is the presenting sponsor of the event and will be giving away tickets to the 2003 Daytona 500. "We have many employees and customers that enjoy both racing and hockey. Being part of the evening seemed to be a great fit for us. We are looking forward to participating." said Jessica Roy, Manager of Corporate Communications for Wright Express. Other prizes include a professional driving experience sponsored by Mark Ebert of Racing Reality, an aluminum jack donated by the Pro All Star Series, tickets to racing events all over the state, and other, NASCAR Racing memorabilia. There is something for everyone!

John Quirk of VIP Discount Auto Center says, "We are happy to have the opportunity to support the Portland Pirates and Maine's racing community. The event is a great occasion for us to capitalize on our new relationship with Ricky Craven, while simultaneously promoting VIP and Speed Lane, our NASCAR tire changing experience, which is our big push for this year. Should be a great evening, we are all looking forward to being there."

"We're looking forward to building on the great success of last year's 'Salute to Motorsports'," said Brian Petrovek, Pirates' CEO. "In fact, we think we'll have an even better night this year. All of our sponsors, VIP Discount Auto Centers, Wright Express, Press Herald, WTHT have been extremely supportive in making this a great evening for families and fans of both hockey and racing."

Good seats are still available for this and all Pirates home games. Tickets range in price from $18 - $8 and may be purchased at the Civic Center box office Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or up until game time. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the box office at 775-3458 or by calling Ticketmaster at 775-3331.

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