NEWS

For Immediate Release:

Wirtgen & CT Trailers Join Northeast Ford Focus Series

Manchester, CT (April 23, 2006): When the Northeast Ford Focus Midget Series heads to the Waterford Speedbowl on April 29, 2006 for their season opener they will do so with added support. Last week, the management of the Northeast Series made two major sponsorship announcements. Wirtgen America, the staunchest supporter of New England open-wheel racing, has signed on as the title sponsor for the Northeast Ford Focus Midget Series while Connecticut Trailers of Bolton, CT has been named the "official" trailer supplier of the Series.

    Wirtgen America, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, TN, is the world's largest manufacturer of pavement milling machines; offering a full line of asphalt and concrete milling machines/profilers, hot and cold recyclers, and mixers for the pavement recycling and reconstruction industries. Wirtgen America products are available through a network of representatives and dealers throughout North America.

    The company's marketing strategy has utilized motorsports successfully for nearly 20 years-traditionally in the open wheel ranks through associations with the World of Outlaws and the Northeastern Midget Association. Following with a tradition that was started by company president Stu Murray, Wirtgen America has chosen to invest in organizations, like the Focus Series, that promote the up and coming racers.

    The sponsorship of the Northeast Ford Focus Series will prove to be helpful to Wirtgen as they strive to further expand their marketing program of paving equipment into the northeast while also helping to ensure a bright future for the sport that has meant so much to the company.

    "The support from Wirtgen America means a lot to our program on a number of levels," said Series Director Steve Wall. "To be recognized by a company that is held in such high regard in industry and in our sport is a tremendous compliment to our Series and our racers."

    To learn more about Wirtgen America log on to www.wirtgenamerica.com. The Ford Focus Midget Series is helping to build winners and Wirtgen America is "Winning by Design".

    In 2006, the Northeast Ford Focus Series has a 12-race schedule that will find the United States Auto Club sanctioned series visiting the Waterford Speedbowl, Seekonk, Oswego, and Adirondack Speedways as well as the Chemung Speedrome.

    "As a new Series we face many challenges," continued Wall. "The least of which is acquiring all the needed equipment to provide a quality experience for all of our competitors."

    Connecticut Trailers has come on board with the Northeast Ford Focus Series to try to ease that burden of the Club. They have donated a Pace Silver Arrow trailer for use by the Series officials. All equipment required to run a fair and efficient program will be transported by the newly acquired state-of-the-art all aluminum trailer, which will also serve as headquarters during events.

    "We are extremely proud to be involved with the Ford Focus Midget Series," said Gary Bergeron, owner of Connecticut Trailers. "This is a group of incredibly dedicated people. The kids are serious about racing and there is a tremendous amount of involvement from the parents. We like it because we are helping to do something for up-and-coming Cup stars and their families."

    Connecticut Trailers carries a full line of Pace American, KT, Optima and Worthington trailers for all applications from auto, racecar, sport, business or utility. A comprehensive look at the products and services offered by Connecticut Trailer can be found on line at www.cttrailers.com.

    "They are the best in the business," said Wall of Connecticut Trailers. "They pride themselves on serving the needs of the customers. We are proud to be affiliated with this company and it's employees."

    The rising stars of the Wirtgen America Northeast Ford Focus Midget Series will compete in their first race of the season at the Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday, April 29. For a complete season preview as well as a comprehensive look at the Series visit www.northeastfordfocusseries.com.

    The Ford Focus Midget Series is an affordable entry-level division sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC) that features traditional Midget racecar with self-starters and a powerful spec motor from the Ford Motor Company.

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