Potrzebowski - McGuire Motorsports

Expo showcases Dedicated Vendors, Draws Crowds Despite Weather
March 10, 2008

The 2008 racing season exploded to life at the 22nd annual Motorsports
Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend, March 7-9.

Braving severe weather conditions, race fans, teams, drivers and specialty product
vendors showed their dedication to the racing cause and turned out in force.

"This proves that this is a starting point, and people continue to look forward to this
show as the kickoff of racing in our region," said event organizer Joe Patrick.

The show opened Friday amid dismal forecasts, but more than 280 race vehicles -- including
go-karts, trucks, dragsters, modifieds, late models and winged sprinters -- were joined by more
than 70 racing organizations, tracks and series. They welcomed a solid turnout of fans, and
together, the racing faithful helped usher in new Ms. DIRT Motorsports, Jo Marie Rankin. Rankin
edged out April Greg, and was crowned by 2007 Ms. DIRT Motorsports Angela Galati.

On Saturday, freezing rain and snow tested the mettle of the racing supporters, but they knocked
down the door for more solid turnouts. Fans were able to take part in several autograph sessions
with the region's top drivers, including a 14-driver panel by DIRTcar Racing and another signing
session hosted by the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Series.

NASCAR's Camping World Series drivers Matt Kobyluck and Peyton Sellers
welcomed fans in the Adirondak International Speedway booth.

After NASCAR Sprint Series driver Johnny Benson's autograph session situation evolved (he was named
to drive the Bill Davis Racing No. 27 Toyota in Atlanta at the last minute before the show opened); Benson
appeared to be on pace to make the Motorsports Expo '08 after all, but the weather hampered his landing
in Syracuse and also limited flying back to another engagement in the Carolinas, forcing him to cancel.

On Saturday, Bob Hilbert Sportswear also handed out 100 youth shirts; overall,
300 shirts were donated to young race fans during the weekend.

"Bob Hilbert was very, very generous to the young fans here, and we greatly appreciate it," Patrick said.

Sunday's activities included an autograph session with Stewart Friesen, and culminated in the
crowning of the annual Best Appearing Awards. Camping World provided T.J. Potrzebowski and his
asphalt modified team the Best In The Show Award with a display. The award was worth $500.

S&W Photos and Awards provided Vince Musolino and his 2004 Miller Top Dragster
with the Best In The Show Award without a display. The award was worth $250.

Youth and diversity were recurring themes throughout the show, and quality was remarkable.

"I think this might be a collection of the highest quality cars we've ever
had," Patrick said, noting the number of beautiful cars on hand.

And many of those rides had engines, telling they were essentially race ready.

"So many of the cars were owned by young drivers and rookies. They're ready to get going, and it seems the
face of our sport is getting younger," Patrick added. "It's great that the youth movement is gaining more steam."

There were groups of young racers and young car owners hanging around all weekend, talking
positively of the sport and wishing away snow and ice for more race-friendly conditions.

One of the youngest on hand was Brady Fultz, driver of the No. 70 Suzuki modified. Fultz picked up
the Rookie of the Year title at Black Rock Speedway last year. His car was on display in the Suzuki
tent, which included a beautiful Suzuki motorcycle and plenty of literature on various Suzuki products.
Suzuki provided discount tickets at product dealers in the weeks leading up to Motorsports Expo '08.

"Without their support, we couldn't do this every year," Patrick said. "We look forward
to sharing this event with them every year, and 2009 is no exception to that."

There were four different sprint car organizations on hand -- Empire Super Sprints, ASCS Patriots,
CRSA and URC -- off-setting other niche series like the Regional Pro Truck Tour, DIRTcar
Racing, Race of Champions, IMCA and various historic and vintage groups.

"There was a day when this was called DIRT country, and there were maybe four sprint cars
on hand," Patrick recalled. "This year, we had over a dozen sprinters, plus micro sprints and
quarter midgets and the new Tobias SpeedSTR.

"Modifieds aren't the only thing that turns heads up here any more."

Robbie Shuttleworth, a freshman at Geneva Central School in Ontario County, NY had his
full-size sprinter in the Patriot booth along side Chuck Hebing's No. 45. Shuttleworth will
spur the ASCS' youth movement as he intends to move into full-size sprint action in 2008.

Of course, the vendor party was a hit at the Ramada Inn, with snacks provided by Terrell's Potato Chips.

"Great racing supporters like those with Suzuki, Camping World, and Terrell's Potato Chips, and at the Ramada
Inn continue to help make this event successful, and we greatly appreciate everything they do," Patrick said.

With that in mind, Motorsports Expo 2009 has already gone into motion; the 23rd
annual installment will be held the second weekend of March (13-15), 2009.