STRONG SHOW OF SUPPORT
SPONSORS BAND TOGETHER TO SUPPORT PRO SUPERSTAR SHOOTOUT
BY NATE VAN WAGNEN
One of the most important elements of a successful live event is the support of event sponsors . Financial support is always beneficial , of course , but active involvement in the event can also have a significant impact on the success of the event . The PRO Superstar Shootout benefited from highly involved sponsors since before the race was announced .
The first sponsor announced was SCAG Power Equipment . SCAG manufactures a wide range of commercial and residential lawn mowers and debris / turf management equipment , including zero-turn riding mowers , stand-on mowers , walk-behind mowers , spreaders , sprayers , aerators , stand-on and wheeled blowers , truck loaders , and more . The line has grown from one model to over 50 models , and SCAG equipment is proudly manufactured in the United States . SCAG Power Equipment is available through more than 1,500 independent dealers across the country .
“ Everything we do at SCAG is for our dealers ,” said Randy Gloede , President and CEO of Metalcraft of Mayville , the parent company of SCAG Power Equipment . “ We want to take any opportunity we have to show our dealers how much we appreciate them making the choice to have SCAG in their stores . The PRO Superstar Shootout is another opportunity to serve them , and that ’ s what we ’ re excited about . Beyond the opportunity to bring our guests out to Bradenton Motorsports Park for a few days of racing , it ’ s also very exciting to have the opportunity to help create a benchmark event that shows what can happen when race teams and sponsors start thinking outside the box and creating powerful new ways to work together .”
SCAG debuted its new mobile showroom , a custom-built 53-foot semi-trailer stocked with several pieces of equipment . The company brought out hundreds of customers through a network of dealers , including the Sarasota-Bradenton area ’ s own Mowers Inc . The new SCAG Racing factory team made its debut with Justin Ashley in Top Fuel and Daniel Wilkerson and Dave Richards in Funny Car . SCAG branding also appeared on the Pro Stock entries of Jeg Coughlin Jr . and Erica Enders .
The event ’ s presenting sponsor , Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage , also had a significant presence at Bradenton . Founded by longtime automotive enthusiast Jason Johnson , JHG aims
to inspire , drive , and celebrate progress . The JHG collection features more than 150 rare and unique vehicles , from classic muscle cars and hot rods to modern supercars . The company is building a state-of-the-art dealership in Columbia , Tennessee . JHG is the primary sponsor for Enders and Elite Motorsports teammate Aaron Stanfield . JHG was also the primary sponsor on four-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan ’ s Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat .
“ I ’ m excited because it ’ s taking the sport and making it an event ,” Johnson said . “ It shouldn ’ t just be a race . It should be an event . It shouldn ’ t be that the race is over , now go home . It ’ s a showcase that elevates the sport to a higher level . Because that ’ s where it belongs .”
Capco Contractors , led by father-son Top Fuel drivers Billy and Steve Torrence , also contributed to the PRO Superstar Shootout . The elder Torrence started Capco in 1995 with just 12 employees , a small office , and a job site trailer . Over the last 28 years , the Henderson , Texas-based company has grown into a full-service pipeline company capable of all aspects of pipeline work .
“ As a racer , I felt it was important to throw some support behind this event ,” said Billy Torrence . “ I want to help promote our sport and make sure this thing goes off well . I ’ d like to see six or eight of these races a year . It ’ s all I ’ d do . I hope that it will open up some eyes as to what racing could be and bring back more of the atmosphere that we used to have back in the old days . We ’ re just pleased to be involved and hope it brings some more exposure to our sport and sparks some interest .”
Lucas Oil contributed $ 10,000 low qualifier bonuses for all three professional classes , while Red Line Oil offered $ 10,000 to the winner of the Top Fuel vs . Funny Car Shootout . FTI Performance made it possible to award $ 50,000 to the Top Sportsman winner . Comp Cams supported FloRacing ’ s innovative in-pit camera program , and Strange Engineering sponsored the racer welcome party . Musco Sports Lighting was on site as the Official Temporary Lighting Provider with two light trucks brightening up the facility . Safety-Kleen was the Official Environmental Service Company , collecting used oil and fluids from the teams .
Additional sponsors of the PRO Superstar Shootout included Boninfante Friction , Outlaw Mile-Hi Light Beer , Ford Performance , Competition Trailers , T & E Auto Haulers , Toyota , CFE , NRC Modifications Truck Conversions , PPG Paints , Gerber Collision , Callies Performance , Energy Manufacturing , Alan Johnson Performance Engineering , Tasca Racing , Paul Lee Racing , RJ Race Cars , Indy Gear , Liberty Gears , Stefs Pans , Witchita Furniture , Engines Inc ., IGTG , Lift Truck Services , Hangsterfer ’ s , VP Racing , Jesel Valvetrain , Lance Line Racing Engines , and Patterson Elite Racing . DI
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