Solid Seventh Place Finish for Alliance in Chicago

JOLIET, IL (August 28, 2010)- Good race teams face adversity head on and make every attempt to conquer it. In this weekend's Chicagoland 100 event, Alliance Motorsports proved that they could overcome many obstacles and put together a very respectable 7th place finish Saturday afternoon at Chicagoland Speedway.

Four days before the team loaded up and headed for Chicago, the team learned that driver Shane Hmiel was not going to be available to run in the event due to an injury that was undetected up until his physical that was conducted by the Indy Racing League's medical staff. "We are really disappointed that we couldn't get Shane in the car this weekend, but we hope that he mends well and can get him in the seat by Homestead," said team co-owner Tyce Carlson. "We know he can gas it and we look forward to him joining us soon."

After consulting with the sponsors, the team then had to make a swift decision and extended an offer to Arie Luyendyk Jr. to drive the car in Chicago. Luyendyk Jr., who carries extensive experience and success in the Firestone Indy Lights Series , is also the 2008 winner of the event. "Because of the short timeframe and not having a chance to test prior to the event, we needed someone that could get up to speed quickly," said Alliance Motorsports co-owner Chris Williams. Williams went on to say, "Arie Jr. was the perfect candidate, and we appreciate his participation."

The event weekend certainly didn't get started off on the right foot. During the first practice session on Friday, a part failure caused a section of the bodywork to pull free from the car, which made Luyendyk Jr. feel like he was pulling a parachute. After the session, the team fixed the problem, and had high hopes for the second and final practice session on Saturday morning. In the final practice, Luyendyk Jr. made a handful of laps, but felt that he was down on power. Timing and scoring reports showed that he was well off the pace, so the team brought the car back and began the process of an engine change. The team worked feverishly to get the car ready in time to get it in line for qualifying. With minutes to spare, The Alliance Motorsports crew rolled the car into line and was ready to qualify. "We don't expect to go out and lay down a quick time in qualifying," said Brad Brewer, Crew Chief on the #24 Rotondo Weirich Dallara. "We'll use these few laps to ensure proper installation of the new motor and will prepare for the race."

Luyendyk Jr. started the race in 14th position, and went right to work at the drop of the green flag. At the end of lap 1, Arie climbed up three positions, and by lap 6, he made his way to the 7th position. Arie continued to pursue the lead pack, and worked his way up to 5th place by lap 30. On a restart after a late race caution period, league officials felt that Luyendyk Jr jumped the restart, and ordered him to relinquish his position, which led to loosing two spots in the running order. At the completion of lap 67, Arie Luyendyk Jr. brought the #24 Rotondo Weirich car home in 7th place.

"This weekend has been a reflection of what our year has been like," said Jeff Matthews, co-owner of Alliance Motorsports. "We've been thrown curve balls all year, but none of us have jumped out of the batters box. We fought hard this weekend and we are proud of Arie Jr. for a great race and are very proud of our guys."

Alliance Motorsports would like to thank Rotondo Weirich, AgriGold, Genuity SmartStax™, Automotive Marketing Group, and everyone else that made this weekend a success.

The team heads back to Brownsburg and will continue working on funding for the final two races on the Firestone Indy Lights schedule.

Alliance Signs Standout Shane Hmiel for Chicagoland 100

BROWNSBURG, IN (August 4, 2010) – Alliance Motorsports, the Brownsburg, Indiana based Firestone Indy Lights team announced today the signing of Shane Hmiel to pilot the #24 Rotondo Weirich/Three Wide Life entry for the upcoming Chicagoland 100 event held at the Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday, August 28. Hmiel, hailing from Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, will make his debut in the Firestone Indy Lights Series for Alliance Motorsports, which is in its third year of competition in the series.  

Hmiel may be new to the series, but he is no stranger to the racing world. In four years of NASCAR competition, he competed in twenty-nine Camping World Truck Series races (with a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway), eighty-three Nationwide Series races (twenty-three top ten finishes), and seven Sprint Cup races. Most recently, Hmiel has been competing in all three major open wheel categories in the United States Auto Club. In 2009, Shane scored his first USAC National Sprint Car Series win at Iowa Speedway, collected USAC’s “Most Improved Driver” award, and won the 2009 “Rookie of the Year” honor at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals. This year, Hmiel has scored one win in the MOPAR Midget National Series (Hickory Motor Speedway), two wins in the AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship (O’Reilly Raceway Park), and one win in the Silver Crown Series (Indiana State Fairgrounds).

“I am super excited to race for the guys at Alliance Motorsports, and I can’t wait to run a rear engine car in such a great series,” exclaimed Hmiel. “I am surrounded by some great people at Alliance, and hopefully we can do well enough to excite our current sponsors, as well as attract future sponsors so that we can chase the championship next year.”   

Team Co-owner Jeff Matthews expressed his thoughts on the signing of Hmiel. “This is such a fantastic opportunity for us to be affiliated with someone as talented as Shane, and we look forward to building our relationship with him, along with the great people at Rotondo Weirich and Three Wide Life.” Matthews went on to say, “At a high level of success, Shane has proven to be an exciting and versatile driver, and for us to be able to be associated with him in this phase of his career progression is a privilege. We believe that he will adapt quickly and will be competing towards the front of the field.”

Alliance Motorsports will also have support at the Chicagoland 100 event from their longtime partnership with AgriGold, who is using this opportunity to promote its Genuity(r) SmartStax(tm) Corn products in the heart of the Corn Belt. In addition, Alliance Motorsports will continue to support the Indiana Blue Star Salute program by displaying the banner on the car, as well as educating race fans across the country about the program. Today, Blue Star Service Banners are displayed by families who have a loved one serving in the armed forces including the National Guard and Reserves of all military departments. The banner displayed in the front window of a home shows a family’s pride in their loved one serving in the military, and reminds others that preserving America’s freedom demands much. It is our duty to recognize the families of the men and women serving our country. They deserve our unconditional support.

The Chicagoland 100 is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th at 12 PM, and can be followed by logging onto IndyCar.com.    

About Rotondo Weirich:

Rotondo Weirich Enterprises, Inc. is the leading precast module manufacturer in the United States. For over 15 years, The RW Team has been dedicated to creating the precast modular solution that best fulfills the needs of each of their clients.  During the last two years, RW's Project teams have produced over 5000 precast units for federal, state and private clients.  Over the company’s history, they have produced more than 50,000 modular units for their clients. RW takes pride in their product, their team and the relationships they build through the design and construction process. Rotondo Weirich is headquartered in Lederach, Pennsylvania, and has operations across the country and around the world. To learn more about the company, log onto www.rotondweirich.com.

About Three Wide Life:

 Three Wide Life is an entertaining and informative TV show about the people who make the green flag drop week to week. The show examines life inside the garage, targeting the hard-core race fan. Three Wide Life is meant not only to entertain the race fans, but to also educate new viewers about the drivers, the business, and the people behind the teams.

For years race fans have been asking for real behind-the-scenes content they can't get anywhere else. The nationally syndicated series is created and produced by Charlotte-based motorsports agency LVRG Marketing & Media, who knew they could successfully provide the fans with exactly what they were looking for. Three Wide Life cuts to the core of true racing fans, whether stock car, open wheel, dirt or anything in between. To learn more about the show, log onto www.3widelife.com.

 

Alliance Promotes Two New Efusjon Products at Season Finale

BROWNSBURG, IN (October 1, 2009) – Alliance Motorsports, the Brownsburg, Indiana based Firestone Indy Lights team, announced today that they will be promoting the two new efusjon energy club products at the season finale at the Homestead Miami Speedway on Friday, October 9th. Complimenting the two existing efusjon products, RAW and EDGE, are two new delicious flavors, DAWN and BREEZE. These to new products pack tremendous nutrition, as well sustained energy that the entire product line is known for.

DAWN is a citrus flavored, non-carbonated beverage, and has quercetin as its most active ingredient. Quercetin is a powerful source of antioxidants and is also a natural anti-histamine and ant-inflammatory. Efusjon DAWN helps to boost endurance, and is a good weapon against fatigue.

BREEZE is a tropical flavored, carbonated beverage, and has mangosteen and passion fruit as its spotlight ingredients. Among the powerful phytonutrients found in mangosteen are xanthones. Xanthones are some of the most potent antioxidants known today, and are beneficial for neutralizing free radicals in the body. Efusjon BREEZE is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, and helps boost athletic performance.

The Alliance Motorsports team has changed its customary purple race car livery to depict the two new efusjon energy club products for the final event on the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights schedule. “We wanted to do something special for the great people associated with the efusjon energy club for the last race of the season,” said Ted Bitting, Team Manager of Alliance Motorsports. “They have been tremendous supporters of ours since May, and this is just a small token of appreciation for all that they have done for our team.” Bitting went on to say, “the new paint scheme will certainly turn some heads and will hopefully be seen towards the front of the pack on race day.”

The Miami 100 is scheduled for Friday, October 9th, and can be seen live on VERSUS at 6 p.m.    


Potekhen Earns an 8th Place Finish at Kentucky Speedway

SPARTA, KY (August 1, 2009) – Round eleven on the Firestone Indy Lights schedule will be remembered for many reasons. Weepers, rain delays, and especially the elimination of a practice session as well as qualifying, made it for a challenging weekend at the Kentucky Speedway. 

The Alliance Motorsport crew, led by seasoned Chief Engineer, Darrel Soppe, eliminated some of the challenges by preparing a car that was quick and reliable right off of the transporter. In the lone practice session that was held hours before the Kentucky 100, driver Mike Potekhen posted the third fastest time (27.7207 seconds- 192.203 mph) of the session in the #24 efusjon energy club car. Potekhen and the team were encouraged by the practice result, but according to the Firestone Indy Lights rule book, the teams lined up according to entrant points, which put the #24 efusjon energy club car in the 17th position for the race.

Potekhen, hailing from Silverthorne, Colorado, went right to work in the race that eventually saw Wade Cunningham win for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. At the conclusion of lap 10, Potekhen advanced his position to 9th place, and was trying to gain ground on the leaders. When the race approached half way, Potekhen battled a slight push, and began working with the car to relieve the condition. After lap 50, Potekhen got the car dialed back in, but by that time, the lead pack had checked out, and without any mid-race caution laps, settled in to take an 8th place finish in the Kentucky 100.

“I think overall, we are pretty happy with the result,” said Potekhen, who posted the best finish of the season for Alliance Motorsports. “We knew that we had a great car when we got here, and the practice session proved it. We were disappointed with not getting the chance to qualify, but there wasn’t anything that we could have done to change that.” Potekhen went on to say, “If we could have gotten a caution later in the race to bunch the field back up, I think we could have gotten a top 5 finish for the efusjon energy club team.”
 

Efusjon Energy Club Extends Partnership with Alliance Motorsports

INDIANAPOLIS (June 3, 2009) – Alliance Motorsports, LLC, the Brownsburg, Indiana based Firestone Indy Lights Series team, announced today that the efusjon energy club will continue as primary sponsor of the #24 car, driven by Mike Potekhen. The sponsorship extension is the result of the success that both, the team and sponsor experienced in Indianapolis during the month of May.

“This is an amazing day for our team, and furthermore, a tremendous opportunity for those affiliated with Alliance Motorsports,” remarked Jeff Matthews, co-owner of the second year Firestone Indy Lights team. “Just three short weeks ago, our relationship with the efusjon energy club began by giving them their first experience in Indianapolis and the introduction to motor sports. Today, the relationship has flourished beyond expectations. The founders of efusjon have given us the opportunity to grow our business, as well as, the ability to further compete in the Firestone Indy Lights Series.” Matthews went on to say, “The efusjon energy club is growing at a rapid rate and we are excited to grow along with them.”

The efusjon energy club, based in Bend, Oregon, also expressed their excitement for the extension of the partnership. “At the Indy event, we recognized the natural fit between what the efusjon energy club is all about and the spectacular energy displayed at these races,” expressed Aaron Callahan, Vice President of Business Operations. “What was also impressive was the level of professionalism displayed by the Alliance Motorsports team and their commitment to excellence. We are extremely excited to be sponsoring this team.”

The next round on the Firestone Indy Lights schedule will be held at the Iowa Speedway on Saturday, June 20th, and can be seen via live streaming at www.indycar.com/pro, or tape delayed on Monday, June 22nd at 4 pm ET on VERSUS.
 


Mike Potekhen to Drive the eFusjon Energy Club car for Alliance

INDIANAPOLIS (May 17, 2009) – Alliance Motorsports, LLC, the Brownsburg, Indiana based Firestone Indy Lights Series team, today announced the signing of Mike Potekhen as the driver of the #24 eFusion Energy Club Dallara for the upcoming Firestone Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 22nd.

“We are very excited to have Mike drive the eFusion Energy Club car at the Firestone Freedom 100, and are hoping to make this a long term relationship,” remarked Jeff Matthews, co-owner of Alliance Motorsports. “I’ve known Mike for several years, and actually met him before he started competing in the Firestone Indy Lights Series. I knew back then that I wanted to work with him, and I finally get that opportunity.”

Potekhen, the twenty-nine year old from Tempe, Arizona, will be competing in his 27th event in Firestone Indy Lights Series competition, and has scored three top five finishes, as well as seventeen top tens. His best finish in the Firestone Freedom 100 was 6th place in 2007.

“I am very excited to be back in the series, and am looking forward to driving for Alliance,” remarked Potekhen. “Jeff and I have been working on a program for several years, and I am grateful that one has come together.” Potekhen went on to say, “We have a great team and a great corporate partner in the eFusion Energy Club, and I look forward to giving them a good performance.”

The Firestone Freedom 100 will take place on Friday, May 22nd beginning at 12:15 (ET), and will be televised LIVE on VERSUS.
 


efusjon energy club Joins Alliance Motorsports as Primary Sponsor at Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (May 15, 2009) Alliance Motorsports, LLC, the Brownsburg, Indiana based Firestone Indy Lights Series team, today announced the partnership with the efusjon energy club as the primary sponsor of the teams’ #24 Dallara for the upcoming Firestone Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 22nd.

"We at Alliance Motorsports are extremely proud to have the efusjon energy club, as well as their network of distributors, on board with us for the biggest race of the season," remarked Jeff Matthews, co-owner of Alliance Motorsports. "To form a relationship with a company that shares many of the core values that our organization is based on, is a tremendous accomplishment, and we couldn't be happier."

Matthews went on to say, "we are excited to represent the efusjon energy club's line of healthy energy drinks, and look forward to introducing them to Indianapolis and to the millions who will be watching from around the world.

The partnership with Alliance Motorsports marks the first sponsorship of its kind for the Oregon Based company. "The efusjon energy club is all about great, healthy energy and nothing says energy like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway," remarked Rob Towles, President of efusjon energy club. "We couldn't think of a better venue to debut our company to the world." Tom Martinson, Director of Marketing and Design for the efusjon energy club also commented on the partnership. "We couldn't be happier in partnering with Alliance Motorsports in these world class events. Their drive for excellence and quality exemplifies the efusjon energy club... t's been a privilege to work with them."

In addition to the primary sponsorship of the Firestone Indy Lights entry of Alliance Motorsports, the efusjon energy club will also have an Associate Sponsorship relationship with the #98 IndyCar entered by Team 3G, official energy drink designation for the Rhythm FANtasy 500 Race Party held at the Hilbert Circle Theatre on Saturday, May 23rd, and multiple product sampling stations near the famed 2.5 mile oval.

About the efusjon energy club:
The efusjon energy club team includes business professionals from all walks of life who understand the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and who value the potential of the human spirit. Our Associates welcome the opportunity to reach that potential. The efusjon energy clubs amazing beverages exemplify our company. Our beverages promote vitality and the essence of life. Our company embraces life and all that it has to offer. Our beverages deliver the fuel that powers humans to push their limits of greatness. Our company provides the tools to reach that greatness- and beyond.

The efusjon energy club was designed for or customers and Associates to deliver the maximum health benefits possible- as easily as possible- through a completely different kind of energy drink. For entrepreneurs, the efusjon energy club also delivers an affordable way to build a successful business- with quality products and generous compensation. The efusjon energy club delivers both health and wealth so everyone can showcase the lengths and heights of their human spirit.
 

OVAL VODKA MAKES DEBUT IN INDIANAPOLIS WITH ALLIANCE MOTORSPORTS

Premier Vodka Company to award six race fan tickets to Indianapolis

New York, N.Y., April 15, 2009 OVAL Vodka, producer and importer of the new super-premium vodka from Austria, announced today that they will be participating in the Firestone Indy Light Series with Alliance Motorsports, the Indy Racing League's premier developmental series in a one-year sponsorship agreement. This marks the first time ever that OVAL has entered into auto racing.

"By joining Alliance Motorsports, OVAL demonstrates that the world of auto racing is continuing to capture the attention of international spectators," states Jeff Matthews, co-owner of Alliance Motorsports. "We are excited to have them on board and look forward in developing a strong relationship."

To kick-off its new sponsorship, OVAL is awarding six race fans tickets to Indianapolis for the races on Friday, May 22, 2009, the infamous CARB Day, and Sunday, May 24, 2009. The lucky winners will enjoy the weekend activities on behalf of OVAL from Alliance Motorsports' luxurious hospitality suite located directly in front of the pits.

In addition to the races, the winners will also be able to participate in all pre-race festivities including a concert by the alternative rock group 3 Doors Down on Friday and a flyover of Stealth Bombers on Sunday.

"All of us at OVAL Vodka are thrilled to offer our consumers the opportunity to participate in the race events at Indianapolis," states Liz Hoelbling, marketing manager for OVAL Vodka. "Since the Firestone Light Indy Series circuit travels through our key markets, the partnership with Alliance Motorsports is a natural fit and will allow us to reach out to our consumers about drinking and driving responsibly.

Deadline for ticket submission is Friday, May 15, 2009. For more information about submission and contest rules, please visit your local OVAL distributor.

Additional information on OVAL Vodka is available online at www.ovalvodka.com .

ABOUT OVAL VODKA - the structured vodka

OVAL first glimpsed the light of the world in 2004 in Vienna, Austria. With a capacity of over 3 million litres a year, the basis to be able to deliver OVAL vodka from Vienna to the rest of the world has been created in Moosbrunn, Austria. Now, as well as in Austria, Germany and Great Britain, the premium vodkas from OVAL are also available in Russia, France, China and the US.

OVAL Vodka is imported into the U.S. by OVAL America, Manhasset, N.Y.