SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Five talented grassroots-level racers representing several different forms of engine-driven competition have been selected as finalists in the "Search for a Champion" racing sponsorship contest from Federal-Mogul’s iconic Champion brand of spark plugs, filters, wiper blades and performance chemical additives.
The contest finalists – announced last week at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway by NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and Champion spokesperson Kevin Harvick – will each receive a $10,000 Champion racing sponsorship for the 2012 season. Selected from more than 330 contest entrants, the finalists will now compete for the $50,000 (USD) grand prize sponsorship, which will be selected, in part, by consumer voting on the www.AlwaysaChampion.com website. Any consumer can register, view the finalists’ video entries and vote for their favorite videos from Feb. 27 through March 25. Harvick will announce the grand prize winner on April 2.
The finalists in the "Search for a Champion" contest are:
Asphalt
The Michalek Brothers, Louisville, Ohio
NHRA Super Comp Drag Racer
Earth
Chad Crawford, Warrenton, Mo.
Semi-Pro Motorcross/Supercross
Snow/Ice
Kyle Sacket, Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H.
Semi-Pro Snocross
Water
Jim Cebulski, Channahon, Ill.
Pro Jet Ski
"Everything Else"
Erik Miller, Cumberland, Md.
Ultra4 Off-Road Endurance
"We had an incredible response from racers ranging from 13 to over 60 years old, with each clearly sharing the same performance-driven passion that has helped make Champion one of the world’s most popular brands in the racing and street performance markets," said Harvick. "Our ultimate goal through this contest is to provide the spark these talented and very dedicated racers need to become the dominant competitors in each of their series throughout 2012."
In addition to the five finalists, Champion and Harvick selected 10 honorable mention recipients, each of whom will receive a Go Pro HD Hero2 Motorsports Edition camera and other prizes.
These racers are:
•Corey Andersen, Mullica, N.J.
•Mike DePalma, Boulder, Colo.
•Alec Gaut, Pittsburg, Kan.
•Molly Helmuth, Seattle, Wash.
•Teddy Hodgdon, Danbury, Conn.
•Bryan Jackson, Eastland, Texas
•Brian Olantunji, Detroit, Mich.
•Chris Parisi, Jacksonville, Fla.
•Donnie Steward, Burlington, Iowa
The Champion brand and iconic bow tie logo can be seen in virtually every form of racing worldwide. It now represents a broad portfolio of advanced products, including Champion spark plugs; Champion oil, air and cabin air filters; Champion wiper blades; and Champion performance additives for the automotive and lawn and garden markets.
For additional information about the contest and "Performance Driven" Champion products, visit www.AlwaysaChampion.com.
