Big R preps for 55th year

by Tana Robinson

Marketing and PR Director, Ransomville Speedway

The racing season is just eight short weeks away for Ransomville Speedway, which will celebrate its 55th season of operation. The Friesen family will enter their 40th as track operators at the famed one-half Niagara County oval.

As with all racetracks, sponsorship remains a valuable part of the weekly operations. We are blessed to have great companies to work with at Ransomville Speedway. Certainly one of the factors that make my job so enjoyable is the great people I work with from the sponsors, to the drivers, and the fans - they are second to none.

Coors Light and Molson Canadian have been at the Big R for more seasons than one can count. They will once again return in 2012 in a big way, as Coors Light is one of the title sponsors of the $10,000 to WIN Summer Nationals. Scheduled for Friday, Aug. 17, Coors Light will present a 100-lap event for the 358 Mighty Taco Modifieds. Additionally both companies will utilize signage and program ads to further enhance their exposure at Ransomville Speedway.

Grelak Mechanical is located nearby in North Tonawanda. Randy Jasulevich of Grelak Mechanical has been a long time race fan who also believes in the advertising value motorsports has to offer. The primary sponsor of the traditional Sportsman Nationals, Grelak Mechanical puts up a cool grand to the winner of this 50-lap affair. Many thanks are extended to Randy and all the fine folks at Grelak Mechanical for their continued support and dedication.

Johnston's Restaurant has been a Ransomville fixture for decades. Located in downtown Ransomville, it's the last lap for many racing teams and fans each and every Friday night after the races. Johnston's will present two nights of racing at the Big R - one in early May and one in mid-June. In addition Johnston's utilizes signage and a program ad as advertising avenues. To top it off Johnston's awards each race team with a free large pizza each Friday night.

Billboard signage and Program ad opportunities are still available for the 2012 season - call the speedway at 791-3602 if interested.

Pit notes: Don't forget about the Big R mall show, March 21-24 at the Fashion Outlets on Military Road, Niagara Falls. Also, Test, Tune and Time on April 27 and the Lid-Lifter, May 4 at the Big R.

For more information, visit www.ransomvillespeedway.com.