Ragan Urges Fans to ‘Play it Safe’ around Railroad Tracks
STATESVILLE, N.C. (January 25, 2013) – CSX Transportation is teaming up with Front Row Motorsports and driver David Ragan to remind NASCAR fans to “Play it Safe” around railroad tracks. CSX will serve as a primary sponsor of Ragan’s No. 34 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry at Richmond International Raceway on April 27, as a major associate in five additional events – Daytona (Feb. 24), Michigan (June 16), Watkins Glen (Aug. 11), Chicagoland (Sept. 15) and Talladega (Oct. 20) – and be featured on Ragan’s No. 34 car throughout the entire 2013 season.
Ragan, a seasoned safety messaging spokesperson, is happy to be pairing up with CSX at Front Row Motorsports. “It’s important for all of us to be safe around railroad crossings and tracks. Far too many incidents occur each year simply because people don’t recognize the danger associated with taking unnecessary changes around railroads,” Ragan said. “I’m glad CSX is bringing this issue to the forefront of the NASCAR fan base and I’m honored to champion their message.”
More than 2,000 crossing collisions occurred in the U.S. in the most recent year for which statistics are available, and more than 400 pedestrians were killed on the nation’s railroad tracks. “Play it Safe” is a CSX safety campaign that is online, at NASCAR events, and on college campuses.
“We’re pleased to join with Front Row Motorsports and David Ragan to show people that the injuries and fatalities associated with crossing collision and trespassing on railroad tracks are completely avoidable if you play it safe,” said Cliff Stayton, director-community affairs and safety. “David’s work on distracted driving and other safety messages makes him the right spokesman for CSX’s campaign.”
Chief Marketing Officer Robin Johnson welcomes CSX to Front Row Motorsports for the 2013 season. “CSX is not only a leading transportation provider, but a leader in safety initiatives,” Johnson said.
Marketing Director Mike Laheta added, “I’m encouraged with the sponsorship landscape that is shaping up for 2013. Adding a highly respected Fortune 250 company like CSX to our sponsorship base is evidence of the value proposition here at FRM.”
About Front Row Motorsports:
Front Row Motorsports fields the No. 34 of David Ragan, the No. 38 of David Gilliland and the No. 26 of Josh Wise in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The team is owned by Bob Jenkins and is headquartered just outside of Charlotte, N.C. In 2012, FRM was named to INC Magazine’s “INC 5000” list, recognizing the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., earning a rank of 800. Its partnership base is representative of more than $170 billion of the U.S. economy and includes organizations such as Ford Motor Company, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s, McCall Farms and MHP. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Robin Johnson atrjohnson@frontrowmotorsports.com or Mike Laheta at mlaheta@frontrowmotorsports.com.
