By Duane Turner
Since the birth of the Super Sprint series in the fall of 1996, Auto Value/ Bumper to Bumper part stores have been the title sponsor. This will again continue through the 2015 racing season. “With this being the 15th year that the Super Sprints have been the “World’s Fastest Short Track Cars”, we are extremely lucky and proud to have the people at Auto Wares and Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper behind us 110% for three more years”, series owner Tom Hartsell said.
”There are more than 300 Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper parts stores in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, as well as in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago Illinois markets”, Cathy Lankerd, motorsports marketing director for Auto Wares said. In addition to the parts stores, the Michigan based, auto parts leader has over 700 Auto Valve/Bumper to Bumper Service Centers covering the same area.
On why Auto Valve/Bumper to Bumper has been such a strong supporter of the Super Sprints, Lankerd said the unique car design along with the element of fast, almost dangerous, speeds makes the Super Sprints stand out. Hartsell also talked about how the relationship between Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper and the Super Sprints is so impressive. “Our cars and drivers are the best in the world when it comes to pavement sprints. The speeds that these drivers reach are amazing. Because of these teams, and our irreplaceable sponsors like Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper, we are fortunate to have such a dedicated fan base. The Super Sprints are recognizable because of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper‘s support, with the best drivers and teams competing to be the best of the best. In racing, most series’ title sponsors do not last as long as Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper has with the Super Sprints, going on two decades strong, and we hope to be able to be called the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints for a long time to come”.
With the series schedule winding down in the 2012 racing season, the chase for points championship is in full stride. Series veteran Bill Tyler holds a slim seven point lead over Canada’s Ryan Litt. Sitting just a mere seven points behind Litt, is another veteran, Kevin Feeney. With a total of just 14 points separating the top three drivers, the season will come down to the final lap. Not since the 2004 season has a points title been this close. Bill Tyler and Jason Blonde would finish the season in a tie, sharing the championship.
Just one event remains in 2012, October 5th through the 7th at Sandusky Speedway in Sandusky, OH. The “World’s Fastest Short Track Cars” will take to the 1/2 mile oval to crown the 2012 Champion. Friday, October 5th will feature an open practice session from Noon until dark. Then Saturday the Auto Value/ Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints qualify, and run their qualifying heat races, with the feature events to follow on Sunday, October 7th.
For more information on the Auto Value/ Bumper to Bumper Parts Stores, visit their website at www.autoparts2020.com. Visit the official internet home for the AVSS at www.supersprints.com, or their facebook page at www.facebook.com/avbbss and click “Like” today!