Pork Producers Ink NASCAR Race Sponsorship with Iowa Speedway

Iowa Speedway

‘Pork Be Inspired 150’ NASCAR K&N Pro Series

NEWTON, Iowa – July 19, 2012 – Officials of the Tama and Washington County Pork Producers announced that their county organizations approved an event partnership agreement with Iowa Speedway, and will be the title sponsor of the track’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series race on Friday evening, August 3. The 150-lap stock car clash, slated for a green flag at 8:00 pm, will feature drivers from both the East and West divisions of NASCAR’s premier developmental series, and will be known as the ‘Pork Be Inspired 150’.

The race will be the third major event that the Tama and Washington County Pork Producers have sponsored at the Iowa Speedway, and represents a commitment by the two county’s pork producer groups to work in concert with the central Iowa racetrack facility.

“We are great promoters of our industry, and through that we have built invaluable relationships with others who have an interest in the success of our industry,” said Heather Hora, board member for the Washington County Pork Producers. “When we partner up with companies like Cargill, JBS Swift, Pioneer and Tyson, whose goals are the same as ours as producers’, it is a natural fit.”

According to Iowa Speedway Sales Manager, Karen Baldon, the pork producers’ return as a promotional partner with the Iowa Speedway is a natural addition to the line-up of predominantly Iowa-based sponsors.

“It is really gratifying to see so many Iowa companies and organizations step up to support our racing events here at Iowa Speedway,” said Baldon. “The Tama and Washington County Pork Producers have been partners with us in the past, and we are thrilled that they see the value in returning to support our August NASCAR weekend with the ‘Pork Be Inspired 150’.”

Along with the race sponsorship, the two county pork producer groups have partnered with Cookies Sauces and Seasonings, and the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, and created a ‘Pork Patrol’ for every 2012 race event. The ‘Pork Patrol’, made up of producers, goes out into the tailgate areas prior to each night’s event to reward those with Pork on their grills, and choose a ‘Pork Pit Stop’ winner for each night. On the night of the ‘Pork Be inspired 150’, they will select a ‘Pork Pit Stop Champion’ who will win a private tour of the Iowa Speedway, as well as VIP tickets for the final event in September.

“The ‘Pork Patrol’ gives consumers the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of actual pork producers,” Erin Brenneman of the Washington County Pork Board said. “This puts a face on Pork Production, something I see as essential to our success.”

Many Iowans are unaware that Iowa is the number one pork producing state in the U.S., and the top state for pork exports, contributing nearly $5 billion to the Iowa economy. More than 39,000 jobs are directly related to raising and caring for hogs in Iowa, which generates nearly $950 million in household income for the state’s pork producers.

Tickets for the ‘Pork Be Inspired 150’ NASCAR K&N Pro Series race on Friday, August 3, and the ‘US Cellular 250, presented by Enlist Weed Control System’ NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Saturday, August 4 start at just $20 each day, and are available online at www.iowaspeedway.com, or by calling 1-866-RUSTY-GO (787-8946).