SAN BERNARDINO, California — Rick McCray proposed, Mark Katsikaris said yes, and Interstate Batteries became one of Best in the West Racing’s major sponsors for the 2010 season.
Interstate has agreed to sponsor the Interstate Batteries Factory Four class during the season that gets under way March 20 at Orange Show Speedway, an ASA Member Track. The company also will have an ad on the back page of the souvenir program, a half-page coupon insert inside, and signage at the historic quarter-mile paved oval adjacent to the National Orange Show grounds.
“I’ve known Rick for 25 or 30 years,” said Katsikaris, whose company had done some promotions in conjunction with Best in the West’s inaugural season in 2009. “He approached me and made a proposal and I decided just to try it.
“Physically, we’re about a mile from the track (at 444 No. Waterman in San Bernardino), so I don’t know what could be better. I don’t know if it will work out or not, but I figure proximity has to have some value. Hopefully, the relationship will be fruitful.”
The addition of Interstate, which has a long history in motor sports, further strengthens the impressive list of sponsors that have signed on for the 29-night season and discussions are continuing with several other companies in the Inland Empire.
“Mark and I talked for about four months,” Best in the West Racing owner McCray said. “I’m delighted Interstate is joining us. I know the company’s involvement will be a great thing for the track and the Factory Fours. We’re going to do our best to make sure this is just the start of a long-term relationship.”
Katsikaris said about 94 percent of Interstate Batteries’ business is wholesale, but the company still has a strong retail base at both its San Bernardino facility and its Coachella Valley warehouse at 68805 Perez Road in Cathedral City.
Further information may be obtained by calling Interstate Batteries at 909-381-2082.
The Interstate Batteries Factory Fours will make their debut on opening night, March 20, as part of a program that includes a 100-lap main event for the Super Late Models and separate races for the Team Too Pony Stocks, Budweiser Legends Cars and M.C. Erectors Bandoleros.
Spectator gates will open at 4 p.m., with an on-track autograph session from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and the first race at 7 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors (60 and older), students 11 to 18 and military personnel with valid identification. Children 10 and under are admitted free. A Family Pack, which includes admission for four plus a hot dog and small soft drink for each person, is priced at $45.
Parking is $5, with entry through Gate 4 off Mill Street.
A season ticket also is available for $250. The season ticket is good for admission to all Best in the West Racing promotions at Orange Show Speedway, including the seven special events that will be priced at $15 and $13.
Those seven events are the Spears Southwest Tour Series race on April 17, the return of the USAC Western Sprint Cars and Ford Focus Midgets May 8, the July 3 racing and fireworks program, the Rockstar Modifieds programs on July 10 and Sept. 11 and the season-ending 200-lap races for JAM Sportswear Late Models Oct. 16 and Super Late Models Oct. 23.
For information on sponsorship and promotional opportunities, please contact Best in the West Racing by telephone at 909-885-9000 or visit the new web site at www.BestInTheWestRacing.com.
