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[/media-credit]April 27 2012–(Houston, Texas)--Looking to give back to the sport and help develop future talent, Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger recently announced that he was establishing a scholarshipdesigned to give one young deserving racer the opportunity to run a full karting season.
That effort got a big boost on Friday as Shell-Pennzoil announced that it will serve as a primary partner for Allmendinger’s karting scholarship.
“I’m overwhelmed and flattered that Shell-Pennzoil would step up to be a part of this,” said Allmendinger. “They have been an incredible partner for Penske Racing, and for them to take me under their wing like this, I’m really impressed. It only makes me want to go out and perform that much more for these guys! I couldn’t be more excited about this scholarship, and having Shell-Pennzoil on board like this makes it that much better.”
After a tremendous response to the scholarship opportunity and a comprehensive nationwide search, young Floridian racer Kyle Kirkwood was selected as the first-ever recipient of the scholarship. Kirkwood will receive ascholarship to race the 2012 World Karting Association’s Manufacturer Cup championship, and already proved his race winning ways with a strong run in the opening round at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina in late March.
Kirkwood will also be set to compete in the Rotax Grand Nationals in August and SKUSA SuperNationals in November. Additionally, the scholarship award winner will also receive media and business training from Walldinger Racing, Allmendinger’s management firm.
“It’s remarkable that someone as young as AJ is already working so hard to give back to the sport, and we could not be more pleased to be a part of it,” said Heidi Massey-Bong, Senior Business Advisor for Shell’s NASCAR sponsorship. “We are excited about having AJ represent Shell, and to have the opportunity to help support AJ’s dream and support Kyle in a format like this was something we could not pass up.”
The next round of competition for Kirkwood will be May 4-6 at Beaver Run in Wampum, PA.
About Shell-Pennzoil:
Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs nearly 20,000 people using technology and innovation to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future. The Shell downstream organization manages a portfolio of top-quality brands, including the No. 1 selling gasoline and premium gasoline brand[i] and Pennzoil®, the most trusted motor oil brand in America*. Shell’s motorsports technical alliances around the world provide a testing ground for fuel and lubricant technologies and products in demanding road conditions. The knowledge Shell and Pennzoil gain through these alliances help address tomorrow’s world mobility energy challenge with efficient solutions that power and protect motorists around the globe.
http://www.pennzoil.com/
Walldinger Racing:
About Walldinger Racing, Inc.: Walldinger Racing was formed in 2006 to support AJ Allmendinger’s motorsportscareer by developing commercial opportunities and partnership programs.
About KartSport:
Formed in August 2010, KartSport is the exclusive North American importer of Arrow Racing Karts. Owned and operated by professional karting and racing veterans Justin Marks and Eric Jones, and operating out of a state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, KartSport delivers to the karting industry a number of quality products and services. KartSport also designs and manufacturers it’s own line of karting tools and components.
About Sparco:
Founded in 1977 Sparco is the world leader in motor sports safety equipment. More than 35 years later, Sparco’s ambition for producing the safest and innovative driving equipment possible, is still the number one priority for the company. At speeds of more than 200 mph, and temperatures above 120 degrees, a driver must be 100% confident in their safety equipment. Therefore, the world’s top professional drivers choose Sparco, more than any other brand.
About Sunday Group Management:
Sunday Group Management is a leading motorsports management and communications consulting firm with clients in NASCAR, IndyCar, GRAND-AM, and ALMS. www.sundaymanagement.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, or www.twitter.com/Sundaygroup
