Brownsburg, Ind. (February 8, 2012) – Last week, Juncos Racing team principal Ricardo Juncos traveled south to Santiago, Chile where he signed a momentous agreement with the Formula 3 Association and the Chilean Federation of Motor Racing (FADECH) that will allow each year’s Chilean Formula 3 champion the opportunity to race in the U.S.A. within Juncos Racing’s Mazda Road to Indy program.  The newly formed alliance will provide financial backing for the champions in exchange for a seat with Juncos Racing, making IndyCar’s “Mazda Road to Indy” program the next natural step in these drivers’ careers.

 The announcement is not only substantial news for the future of Juncos Racing but for the Mazda Road to Indy ladder, too, a program that the South American team is highly enthusiastic about.

 Ricardo Juncos, Team Owner:  “I am so happy and honored that I could make this trip to Chile, my first visit, and make such a huge agreement among Juncos Racing, the Chilean Federation of Motor Racing, and the Chilean Formula 3 Association.  With this partnership, the country of Chile is planning on expanding its support into its whole motorsports program in the near future.  The country is revising its karting program to have all the proper classes, sponsoring two tourism classes, and of course, the famous Chilean Formula 3 series.  Each year’s Formula 3 champion will then have full support to join our Mazda Road to Indy program.  

 ”I have to say a big ‘thank you’ for the positive reception I got from everyone in Chile.  They trust in our motorsports ladder system here in the U.S.A. as much as I do, and I really think that’s a big deal for us and the whole Mazda Road to Indy program.  Hopefully, it will inspire other Hispanic countries to follow in the same direction and officially make the Mazda Road to Indy ladder the best driver development program in the world.”

 Following this substantial news, Juncos Racing hopes to have an official driver announcement soon.

 In November, Juncos Racing announced its acquisition of a Firestone Indy Lights team, expanding the team’s presence in the Mazda Road to Indy program to include teams in both the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and the Firestone Indy Lights Series in 2012.  With the support of the Formula 3 Association and the Chilean Federation of Motor Racing, Juncos Racing is confident it will continue to grow and flourish now and in the future.

 For more information, please go to www.juncosracing.com.

www.twitter.com/juncosracing

www.facebook.com/juncosracing

www.youtube.com/juncosracing

PHOTO: Ricardo Juncos of Juncos Racing, Ariel Olguín of the Formula 3 Association, and Mauricio Melo of the FADECH.

 About Juncos Racing: Juncos Racing’s headquarters are in Brownsburg, Indiana, U.S.A., just outside of the “racing capital of the world”, Indianapolis.  The team also has a shop in Fort Pierce, Florida to promote year-round testing.  Juncos Racing operates out of a state of the art facility which houses vehicles suitable for all levels of racing, from go-karts to open wheel Formula race cars.  It is one of the few teams in the United States which offers a development program starting from racing go-karts to racing professional open wheel race cars. The team’s goal is to provide young and older drivers alike with a foundation upon which they can build a career in motorsports. Juncos Racing offers two and three-day racing schools which cover theoretical and hands-on driving techniques. With your dedication and the team’s expertise and advanced training techniques, Juncos Racing is confident that you will achieve and master the fundamentals of racing.  For more information, please visit www.juncosracing.com.

NFL Wives’ Charity Fashion Show, Governor’s Mansion

 INDIANAPOLIS – As the blitz of Super Bowl themed-parties and events continue rushing over every corner of Indianapolis, an Indiana-made cocktail mix is set for its walk down the runway at a high-profile, NFL wives’ charity fashion show and as the key ingredient of a featured drink at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion.

            Hoosier Momma Bloody Mary Maker™ is being served at dozens of downtown hotels, restaurants, high profile events and venues, including Sunday’s Rolling Stone Magazine party and at the Official NFL Tailgate Party at Lucas Oil Stadium.

            The latest exposure for the product – co-created by KC Cranfill, Erin Edds and Casey Hill – is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 3^rd at a charity fashion show sponsored by the Off the Field NFL Players’ Wives Association.  The 11^th annual show will take place on the 3^rd floor at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Keystone at the Crossing Mall from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.  The event will benefit both the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent and JT Hand’s – A Neonatal Fund.

Inside the Governor’s Mansion, Hoosier Momma will be featured as part of a cocktail and candy reception hosted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a sampling of Indiana beers, liquors and other beverages, as well as candies from some of the Hoosier state’s candy makers. In addition, Hoosier Momma will be included as part of a series of other receptions to be hosted throughout the week by the IEDC.

“When it comes to enjoying a premium Bloody Mary, Hoosier Momma is right in the mix – you might say – at the most exclusive Super Bowl parties and venues. And, we couldn’t be happier to be serving up our own Hoosier hospitality featuring a unique taste all its own,” says KC Cranfill, co-principal, Hoosier Momma LLC., adding that the product line consists of the Hoosier Momma Bloody Mary Maker and Hoosier Momma Spicy Bloody Mary Maker.

Leading up to the big game on Sunday, the week is shaping up to a be a busy one as the Indiana-based company seeks to build on its aggressive marketing efforts  that have resulted in the products being sold at some 600 locations throughout Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky and, more recently, in Illinois (Chicagoland) and Louisiana. The products are also available for purchase online.

Already, a bottle of Hoosier Momma was included in a pair of “Indiana-themed” gift baskets – including one sent last week to Late Night Talk Show Host Jimmy Fallon and another provided by the Super Bowl XLVI Host Committee to each of the NFL’s 32 team owners upon their arrival in Indianapolis.

According to Edds, an important ingredient in the product’s recipe for success is centered on its presence at major sporting events and its participation with chartable endeavors.

“Whether it’s for a great cause or a big game, the opportunity to bring people together in a fun sort of way is special. And, to have the opportunity to participate in something as memorable as the Super Bowl – in the same city in which Hoosier Momma started in – is really exciting,” explained Edds. She added that Hoosier Momma was also recently named as the “Official Cocktail Drink Mix” of the 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival, a designation that is expected to result in the product being served at numerous events over a two-week period leading up to the 138^th running of the Kentucky Derby.

            For additional information regarding Hoosier Momma, visit the company’s website at www.HoosierMomma.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HoosierMomma or follow the company on Twitter at @HoosierMomma.

ABOUT HOOSIER MOMMA:

Based in Brownsburg, Ind., Hoosier Momma LLC was founded as a Women’s Business Enterprise (certification pending) and utilizes the creative and strategic talents of its three founding partners – KC Cranfill, Erin Edds and Cat Hill. In continuing with its rapid growth, the company – together with its nationally-recognized production team at Royal Foods – is aggressively developing and marketing its line of products and overseeing its distribution nationally. In less than two years, Hoosier Momma products are now available at more than 600 locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois (Chicagoland) and Louisiana. In addition to the finest restaurants, bars and hotels, the company’s signature Bloody Mary Mixer is available at selected retail chains, as well as grocery stores and package liquor stores.  In 2012, Hoosier Momma is being served as part of activities at some of the world’s largest sporting events including Super Bowl XVI in Indianapolis and the 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival.  

The following is a listing of the hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, events and venues at which Hoosier Momma products are being featured:

• The Rolling Stone Magazine Tailgate Party (Feb. 5)
• JW Marriott Hotel
• Marriott Hotel
• Official NFL Tailgate Party (Feb. 5)
• St. Elmo’s Steak House
• Harry and Izzy’s Restaurant
• The Huddle at Circle Centre Mall
• Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
• Café Patachou
• Omni Severin Hotel
• Hyatt Regency Hotel (available at Bloody Mary bars and at retail)
• Indianapolis Colts Grille
• The Conrad and Tastings at the Conrad
• Bella Vita at Circle Centre
• Hilton Garden Inn Downtown (in gift shop)
• Shula’s Steakhouse at The Westin Hotel
• Yelp Recovery Lounge at The Indianapolis City Market
• Sun King Brewery – ‘Local Underground’
• Stadium Tavern
• Barcelona Tapas
• Loughmiller’s
• Buffalo Wings and Things
• Front Page Tavern
• MacNiven’s
• Santorini
• Iozzo’s
• Ball & Biscuit
• Tini
• Hoaglin to Go
• Crown Liquors (Downtown)
• Kahn’s
• Marsh Supermarkets
• Indiana Historical Society (gift shop)
• United Package Liquors

Ladies & Gentlemen:

For the past year or more, going back to late 2010, a group of individuals have been working closely with the Hendricks County Planning Department, the many Towns of Hendricks County, the School Corporations of Hendricks County, the many outstanding organizations of Hendricks County on a project that will allow us, as residents, businesses, elected officials, visitors, and any other concerned person or persons, to improve our Quality of Life for years to come.  What especially causes me and others to be involved in this project is that we will take one darn good County and take it to the next level with a project that will be done for years to come, and the results will benefit our children, our grand children, and our great grandchildren.  Then we can turn the leadership of this effort over to them and we can and will make a difference in the quality of life in our great County and our great State.  I personally want to thank the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership and their Executive Director, Cinda Kelly for taking the lead in this study.  Many, many others are involved and the list is far too long to provide, but I sure will do so if you would like.  All four Chambers of Commerce are now involved with their staff and leadership.  This is like a huge snowball and it is gaining in size daily. 

I would like to provide you a link to a survey we would ask you to fill out, that would be very helpful as we move into the nuts and bolts of this study.  Please take the time to fill it out, first and foremost as a resident of this County.  If you don’t live here but work here or live nearby, please fill it out.  The more input we can secure the better reading of where we want to go into the future as we plan, and work as a team to make changes, where and if needed to make us even better at what we already do very well.  Please share this information with others you have e-mails for and who would be interested in being part of this countywide effort.

One key factor about this effort is that it has become a “team” effort with everyone on the same page.  The resources being used for this effort are a combination of many, many individuals, and organizations, and everyone who has been asked to be involved has signed on with a desire to be a part of the future of our County.  The input of time, funds and desire are coming from all over Hendricks County, and we are blessed to have the support of so many who care and understand the benefits of this effort.  I could go on and on, more information is forth coming very soon.  There is a website you can go to and get more information.  All of this is a project in work and there are no sacred cows etc.  I may be putting this out a little early and Cinda will come after me but shucks what else is new.  J

Please fill out the survey and visit the website.  Watch for more information that will be forth coming.  We are modeling our efforts from a very successful program in a community that has been doing this research and effort for the better part of 25 years and they are experts with this desire to have a better quality of life.  The community model is Jacksonville, Florida.  The key factor to understand here is that – what you consider important factors in your quality of life, could and well may be much different than what I think or your next door neighbor.  That is what is an additional key factor in this effort.

Thank you and have a super weekend.

Here are the two links:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HendricksCounty

www.hendrickscountyinfocus.com

Sincerely, 

Emory Lencke

Executive Director

Hendricks County

Convention & Visitors Bureau

317-718-8750

Please do have a SUPER DAY!

 For the latest information on Hendricks County Please

Check Our Website – http://www.TourHendricksCounty.com

Contact: Scott R. Smith, (317) 387-7343

Lucas Oil Raceway Media Center Online: http://www.lucasoilraceway.com/media/login.asp

 2011 NASCAR EVENTS AT LUCAS OIL RACEWAY NAMED AMONG TOP 10 OF THE SEASON BY SPEED.COM

 BROWNSBURG (Dec. 19, 2011) – Both the 30th annual Kroger 200, benefitting Riley Hospital for Children, NASCAR Nationwide Series race and  the AAA Insurance 200 Camping World Truck Series race held during Kroger SpeedFest were named as the Top 10 NASCAR races of the 2011 season by SPEED.com.  In articles written by Tom Jenson, senior NASCAR editor for Racer magazine and for TruckSeries.com, the two events were among the highlights of the ultracompetitive season. 

“We are very proud to once again be recognized as holding two of the top events in the recently completed NASCAR season,” said Wes Collier, general manager of Lucas Oil Raceway.  “As home to the Nationwide Series for the past 30 years and the Camping World Truck Series since the inception of the series since 1995 we have prided ourselves on the high level of racing at the facility.”

Those in attendance at the 30th annual Kroger 200 witnessed a dominating performance by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who led the majority of the event.  As the laps drew to a close Brad Keselowski mounted a charge that placed near the front of the field and in a position to get his first career NASCAR win at Lucas Oil Raceway.  Because of the intense battle the article named the Kroger 200 as the ninth best race of season:

“Ricky Stenhouse Jr. dominated the night’s action at Lucas Oil Raceway, leading a race-high 189 laps around the Indiana short track. But defending NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Brad Keselowski ran down Stenhouse, making the winning pass with just seven laps to go. “We rubbed a little bit,” said Keselowski of his race-winning pass. “I didn’t take him out by any means. I just raced him hard like I’m sure he would for the win. Ricky deserved to win this race with the car he had, but things fell our way.””

The AAA Insurance 200 race was named the third highest race of the season in the Camping World Truck Series thanks in large part to the stunning win by Timothy Peters.  This was the only win of the season for Peters and helped propel him to a top five finish in the points. The article stated of the race:

“A mid-race flat tire caused Timothy Peters to spin, sending him to the pits and out of sequence with the leaders at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis. But the tide eventually turned and the unscheduled pit stop allowed Peters to have the advantage over the competition in the final laps and chase down James Buescher, had who led 97 laps, with six laps remaining to score the upset victory.”

The NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Lucas Oil Raceway have been honored in the past as the 2003 race was named the top race of that year and of the 2000’s because of the duel between Brian Vickers and Shane Hmiel.

One of five drag racing facilities owned and operated by the National Hot Rod Association, Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis was built in 1960 and has presented organized racing events since 1961.  From March through October, the facility hosts more than 120 dates of racing on three tracks, a quarter-mile drag strip, a .686-mile paved oval and a 2.5-mile road course.  Home to drag racing’s biggest event, the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals over Labor Day weekend, the drag strip runs more than 50 days of point-to-point action, from national events to street legal community programs.  The oval track draws racing’s biggest events, including annual visits from USAC, ARCA and CRA and others.  The road course provides a home for several racing sanctions, while providing an ideal resource for driving schools, corporate outings and open-road tests for professional drivers.

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Congratulations to HCEDP on being recognized as one of the Best of the Midwest