Media Contact: Brett Deyo - bigdiamondpr@aol.com or 845.728.2781
For Immediate Release/January 9, 2011
Big Diamond Speedway's 2010 358-Modified Rookie of the Year Michael Weinert Addresses Media At Eastern Motorsport Press Association 40th Annual Convention
MINERSVILLE, PA - Michael Weinert spent some time in the spotlight.
Weinert, the 15-year-old sensation from Tamaqua, Pa., who earned the Big Diamond Speedway 358-Modified Rookie of the Year honors last season, gained valuable exposure during the Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Convention Saturday. Weinert was part of the 40th annual EMPA gathering as media members from national, regional and local outlets congregated at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in King of Prussia, Pa.
A ninth-grade high school student who plays golf and basketball while outside the seat of a small-block Modified, addressed approximately 100 media members during the Saturday morning press conferences, joining motorsports powers such as longtime Penske executive and American auto racing legend Don Miller, IZOD IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard and NHRA Funny Car standout Matt Hagan on stage.
Weinert was commended by attendees on his speaking poise despite his youth. Miller, who listened intently to Weinert's remarks, likened the teenager to Rusty Wallace in the early years of his career.
Weinert announced his plans to return to Big Diamond Speedway for the '11 campaign, which will mark his first full year in the Coal Region track's headline division. Graduating from the Sportsman ranks mid-season last year, Weinert quickly became a force in the Big D 358-Mod wars, earning a season-high second on Aug. 20.
Look for Weinert to compete in the Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. Short Track Four Crown special events at Penn Can (Pa.) Speedway and Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway as well.
Weinert spoke of his competitors at Big Diamond, many of whom have been competing for longer than he has been alive.
"In the beginning, it was intimidating," he said. "These guys have raced their entire life. I tried to drive them clean and treat them with respect."
Weinert's team, fielded by his father, Tom, has a pair of No. 18 Bicknell cars with Wide Open Technologies supplying the power for the '11 season. Primary sponsorship support comes through Entenmann's. Associate sponsors include Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc., Ken's Tire and Plant Food Company. Jake Kaylor returns as the team's crew chief.
Big Diamond Speedway's 39th annual Season Opener is set for Sunday, April 3 at 5 p.m. with a 35-lap event for the 358-Modifieds paying $3,000 to the winner plus Sportsman and Roadrunners. A practice session is planned for Sunday, March 27. Big Diamond Speedway is on the web at http://www.bigdiamondspeedway.net/ and can also be found on Facebook.
Prior to the sounds of race engines hitting the track in Schuylkill County, the Big Diamond Speedway Race Car Show at the Fairlane Village Mall in Pottsville, Pa., is planned for March 7-12. To register, visit http://www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com/ or e-mail Brett Deyo at bigdiamondpr@aol.com. Registration is underway and space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
No comments:
Post a Comment