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Bill Martin
WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa (February 9) - A long-time supporter of the IMCA Late Model division will play an even bigger sponsorship role for the full-bodied class beginning this season.
J & J Steel is the new title sponsor of the division and will pay the $20,000-plus point fund to top 20 drivers in final national standings. The 2008 national champion earns a $5,500 share of that payout.
Owned by veteran driver and former track promoter Johnny Johnson, the West Burlington chassis, race car parts and accessories retailer will continue its support of Deery Brothers Summer Series competitors as
well, awarding $100 product certificates to the driver advancing the most positions in each series feature.
"Since the inception of our Late Model division in 1987, Johnny Johnson and J & J Steel have played an instrumental role in its development," said IMCA Marketing Director Kevin Yoder. "Their title sponsorship of the division proves the Late Model program has never been stronger, and their multi-year commitment will lead to even more sanctioned tracks in 2009."
J & J also returns as title sponsor of the special Ironman Challenge, open to all drivers with perfect series attendance this season competing at the Sept. 12-13 Pepsi USA Nationals at 34 Raceway. That race pays $750 to win and a minimum of $200 to start.
Drivers must display two J & J Steel decals on their race car to be eligible for national point fund shares or Ironman contingency awards.
"We plan on implementing a new marketing strategy for the Deery Brothers Summer Series in 2008 and the J & J Steel Ironman theme will be the primary focus," Yoder said. "This season's Ironman Challenge has the potential to feature eight national championships and seven Deery championships, comprising perhaps the stoutest field of drivers we have ever seen follow the series."
Late Models will be sanctioned weekly at nine tracks and run partial schedules at five more speedplants dur ing the regular weekly point season from April 25 through Aug. 24.
Eighteen dates are on the schedule for the upcoming Deery Series. The 22nd annual tour opens with a March 29-30 doubleheader at Eagle, Neb., Raceway.
Information about products available from J&J Steel is available by calling 319 754-4310.
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