LAWFUEL – (Dayton, Ohio – February 12, 2008) The Project for Excellence in Journalism notes that the presidential candidacy of conservative Republican Ron Paul gets virtually no coverage by the news media. So supporters of the small-government Constitutionalist have had to become guerilla marketing experts as they strive to get their underdog candidate more media play. Their latest effort is an 11th-hour deal to sponsor two high-profile drivers in NASCAR’s 2008 Nationwide Series (formerly the Busch Series.)
The grassroots group, known as Ron Paul Racing, announced today that the proposed season-long sponsorship deal would include the Fitz Motorsports Dodge number 36, driven by Kenny Wallace, and the Fitz Motorsports Dodge number 22, driven by Mike Bliss.
“We know NASCAR fans tend to be more conservative and more patriotic, and very supportive of the military…so they’re a perfect target for Ron Paul’s message low taxes, secure borders, and strong national defense,” says Kathleen Hanover, the spokesperson for Ron Paul Racing.
The racing season kicks off on February 16th at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida, and, like the Presidential campaign, runs into November. If the group is able to raise $100,000 of the $300,000 sponsorship fee by Friday, Feb. 15th, the Ron Paul sponsorship will become official in time for the inaugural race of the season, and the massive media attention that accompanies it.
“The $300,000 sponsorship deal will take Ron Paul’s message of Peace, Prosperity and Freedom to over 75 millon NASCAR fans for nearly 40 weeks,” says Ron Paul Racing spokesperson Kathleen Hanover. “The deal includes Ron Paul signage on both cars, the team’s pit equipment, and both 18-wheel transport vehicles.” It also includes appearances by the team’s ‘Show Cars’ at special events. “Ron Paul Racing hopes to schedule the appearance of a Ron Paul Show Car in Texas on March 4th, the day of the state’s primary election,” says Hanover.
Wallace, known as “The Hermanator,” is a popular TV host on The Speed Channel, appearing on My NASCAR and NASCAR Race Day every week. In a recorded message to Ron Paul Racing supporters, Wallace stated his support for Ron Paul and his economic platform, calling the 10-term Congressman from Texas “a breath of fresh air.”
Ron Paul Racing is raising funds for the sponsorship at www.ronpaulracing.com with support from the Liberty Racing Political Action Committee. Supporters will sign the sponsorship contract with Fitz Motorsports once they’ve raised a $100,000 deposit. The group will have to raise $25,000 a month from then on to maintain its sponsorship.
“It’s going to be tough to raise $100,000 in a week…but if anyone can do it, it’s Ron Paul’s fanatically active grassroots,” says Hanover. Other groups of supporters have staged a series of independently organized “money bombs” that have raised up to $6 million for the Ron Paul presidential campaign in a single day. Thanks to his rank and file base of support, Ron Paul raised nearly $20 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, more than any other Republican candidate.
Supporters can donate online at www.ronpaulracing.com.
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About Ron Paul
Ron Paul is the Conservative candidate for President of the United States. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Ron Paul tirelessly works for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies. Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution. Congressman Paul’s consistent voting record prompted one of his congressional colleagues to say, “Ron Paul personifies the Founding Fathers’ ideal of the citizen-statesman. He makes it clear that his principles will never be compromised, and they never are.” Dr. Paul is an obstetrician who has delivered over 4,000 babies during his career. Ron and his wife Carol recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. They have five children, 17 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He can be found online at www.ronpaul2008.com.
About Kenny Wallace
Kenny is one of NASCAR’s most colorful and popular personalities. He is featured on well-known racing-themed television and radio shows. Kenny’s popularity still continues to escalate with the success of SPEED Channel’s NASCAR RaceDay, the most popular NASCAR pre-race show, and NASCAR Victory Lane, where he is a regular personality. He’s a 9-time NASCAR Busch Series Winner, and winner of 10 NASCAR Busch Series Pole Awards. He was voted the Busch Series’ Most Popular Driver in 1991, 1994, and 2006. Racing is in Kenny Wallace’s blood. His father, Russ, was one of the Midwest’s most successful short track drivers and his older brothers, Rusty and Mike, compete against Kenny in the highest levels of NASCAR racing.
About Mike Bliss
A native of Milwaukie, Oregon, Mike Bliss raced his way to the NASCAR ranks driving midgets, super modifides, and sprint cars, landing his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory in 1993. Bliss began racing in NASCAR in 1995, driving the #08/2 Ford F-150 for Ultra Motorsports, and the next year he finished fifth in points. Bliss ran a partial season for Fitz Motorsports in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2007, posting three top-five finishes and four top-ten finishes. He helped bring the No.22 Fitz Motorsports Dodge to an 11th place finishing position in the NASCAR Busch Series Owners points for 2007.
About Liberty Racing PAC
Liberty Racing PAC was formed by race fans who are dedicated to advancing the cause of Liberty through the political process. We support candidates and organizations who work on behalf of a return to Constitutional government, the advancement of individual political and economic freedom, and the promotion of free market solutions to societal problems.
