Rheem Becomes Title Sponsor of Renowned World Crown 300.

2011-08-17

ATLANTA (AUGUST 17, 2011)—Rheem, a prominent name throughout NASCAR®, has formed a new partnership with Gresham Motorsports Park (GMP) in Jefferson, Ga. – home of the venerable World Crown 300, one of the nation’s most famous year-end short track race. Rheem will serve as the title sponsor of the 2011 World Crown 300, which will take place Nov. 10-13, 2011, at GMP. The 28th-annual event will now be called the “Rheem World Crown 300™.”

For 27 years, the nation’s most accomplished short track racers have flocked to Gresham Motorsports Park to compete in one of the racing world’s most prestigious events, and one of short track racing’s richest championships. In 2011, champions from 13 of the United States’ most competitive Super Late Model series are guaranteed starting spots in the final 200-lap race with an estimated $20,000 winner’s purse.

“We are honored that Rheem can be part of the proud history and traditions of the World Crown 300. We are also excited to grow our partnership with Gresham Motorsports Park. GMP is a great venue that gives families a fun way to spend a weekend together while watching some of the region’s best short track racers,” said Ed Raniszeski, corporate director, marketing for Rheem. “Our support of racing programs connects Rheem with the heart of our customers and employees, so supporting the ‘Rheem World Crown 300’—one of our nation’s most important short track events, means a great deal to all of us at Rheem.”

The list of past World Crown 300 drivers reads like the “Who’s Who” of NASCAR, including Bobby, Donnie and Davey Allison; Darrell Waltrip; Rusty Wallace; Alan Kulwicki; Mark Martin; Dick Trickle and many others. Those taking the checkered flag and a trip to Victory Lane at the World Crown 300 include Wisconsin short track legend Dick Trickle, who won the inaugural World Crown 300 in 1983. Over the years, the biggest names in auto racing have also captured the ‘Crown’ with Waltrip, Mike Eddy, Rich Bickle, Rick Crawford, Paul Kelley, Jimmy Garmon and Ronnie Sanders all taking home the title of ‘King of the Short Tracks.’ Justin Wakefield won the 2010 ‘Crown.’ The event typically draws thousands of fans from across the nation over the course of three days. This year’s event kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 10, with practice rounds—which will be open to the public free-of-charge. On Friday night, the feature events will include Mini Cups, Mini Stocks and Renegades. Saturday evening, the Outlaw Late Models, Super Trucks and Pro Late Models will compete, and on Sunday, the Super Late Models cap off the weekend.

“I couldn’t be more proud to have Rheem as the title sponsor for the World Crown 300, GMP’s largest event of the year,” said Dan Elliott, GMP’s General Manager. “With Rheem being so heavily involved with NASCAR and other racing series, we at GMP feel honored to be part of that same racing association. I am excited about GMP’s partnership with Rheem and I know that it will be beneficial to all involved.”

At the remaining 2011 GMP races, including the “Rheem World Crown 300,” Rheem will provide free gifts upon admission such as foldable fans, a kids back-to-school kit, T-shirts, hats, NASCAR diecast cars, special memorabilia autographed by top NASCAR drivers and other surprises.

Through short track sponsorships—like serving as the title sponsor for the 28th-annual “Rheem World Crown 300” and supporting regional Super Truck drivers Spencer Davis and Brandon Jones—Rheem is able to promote its unique line of heating, cooling and water heating products while supporting local economies and communities. Racing brings together millions of passionate fans, who appreciate competitive excellence, hard work and determination. Rheem sponsorships remind house-owning fans that Rheem takes this same approach in its business operations by consistently striving for quality results.

Rheem is a primary sponsor of Richard Childress Racing and the No. 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series® team driven by Kevin Harvick. Rheem also sponsors Kevin Harvick Inc.’s (KHI) No. 33 NASCAR Nationwide Series® car driven by Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon, Paul Menard, Max Papis and Harvick. Additionally, Rheem supports KHI’s No. 2 truck in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series®, the No. 33 ARCA® car and the No. 83 late model all driven by Cale Gale. Spencer Davis and Brandon Jones, two up-and-coming short track drivers also sport the Rheem name on their No. 29 and No. 33 regional short track Super Trucks. Rheem is also a proud supporter of the Kevin Harvick Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting the well-being of children throughout the United States.

To learn more about Rheem and Rheem products, please visit www.rheem.com. Please also visit www.rheem-racing.com and the Rheem Racing Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/rheemracing, for more information about Rheem motorsports.

Please visit www.GreshamMotorsportsPark.com for details on the Rheem World Crown 300; ticket prices start at $10, and children younger than 12-years-old receive free admission all weekend. GMP’s website also includes a full schedule for the “Rheem World Crown 300.” Fans can also join the GMP fan page on Facebook or follow GMP on Twitter @GreshamMP.

Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta and U.S. operations in Alabama, Arkansas, California and North Carolina. In its 86th year of operation, the company manufactures a full-line of eco-friendly, technologically advanced residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank, tankless, solar and hybrid heat pump water heaters; whole-home standby generators, controls, swimming pool and spa heaters; indoor air-purification products; and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets. The company’s premium brands, including Rheem, Raypak, Ruud and Richmond have been recognized with countless industry and consumer awards for reliability, innovative design and high quality. Rheem is the official heating, cooling and water-heating supplier to Kevin Harvick, Inc. (KHI) and is the primary sponsor of NASCAR’s Nationwide Series “Driver of the Decade” Kevin Harvick and his No. 33 car.