Fifteen grassroots racers representing several different forms of engine-driven competition have been selected as finalists in the 2013 “Search for a Champion” racing sponsorship contest, which will award $125,000 in sponsorship cash from Federal-Mogul’s iconic Champion brand of spark plugs, wiper blades and chemical additives. Each finalist will receive a $5,000 Champion sponsorship and a chance to earn the contest’s $50,000 grand prize. Voting for the grand prize sponsorship begins Friday, Feb. 22, at www.AlwaysaChampion.com.
The finalists w announced this morning at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway by NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and Champion spokesperson Kevin Harvick w were selected from more than 160 racers and teams who submitted two-minute video entries to the www.AlwaysaChampion.com Website. More than 81,000 votes were cast by racers, fans and members of the Champion community, and final judging was led by Harvick.
“Each of our finalists did an outstanding job of demonstrating their passion for racing and a commitment to take their skills to the next level in 2013,” Harvick said. “I’m proud to be associated with this innovative contest because Federal-Mogul and the Champion brand are helping to build the next generation of racing superstars.”
The 2013 “Search for a Champion” finalists are:
Name City/State Vehicle Class/Type
Kolby Araki Clovis, Calif. USAC Sprint Car
Cody Correia Lake Elsinore, CA. Motorcycle/Motocross
Jason Feger Bloomington, Ill. Dirt Late Model
Molly Helmuth Seattle, Wash. Super Late Model
Ted Hodgdon Danbury, Conn. Junior Outlaw Kart
Jolly Rogers Racing Des Moines, Wash. Jet Sprint Boat
Andy Lieders Colby, Wis. Snowmobile/Snocross
Tristan Nunez Boca Raton, Fla. Prototype Lite
D.J. Osborne Lehi, Utah Super Late Model
Bobby Pierce Oakwood, Ill. Dirt Late Model
Carl Rydquist Redondo Beach, Calif. Time Attack & Drifting
Donnie Steward West Burlington, Iowa Dirt Winged Sprint Car
Tyler Tanner Auburn, Wash. Straight Rail Late Model
Taylor Toftemark Castle Rock, Wash. Top Alcohol Jr. Dragster
Wes White Pacoima, Calif. Vintage Motorcycle
Federal-Mogul also announced five “Honorable Mention” winners, each of whom will receive a $500 Visa Gift Card. They are: Alex Cognac, Marvin, N.C.; Sierra Jackson, Middleton, Idaho; Nick Lascuola,Abington, Mass.; Jeremy Lowe, Sarasota, Fla.; and Pittbull Motorsports, Bismarck, N.D.
Anyone can vote for their favorite entrant in the $50,000 grand-prize round of the “Search for a Champion” contest by registering at http://www.AlwaysaChampion.com. Those who register and vote will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes for one of 200 free Champion T-shirts as well as posters autographed by Harvick. Voting is open Feb. 22 through March 24. Harvick will announce the $50,000 “Champion’s champion” at 9 a.m. E.T. on April 2.
