Four of the most recognized words in motorsports will once again be heard throughout one of the Nation’s most recognized racing facilities, after being closed for the entire 2012 season.
A breath of fresh air along with a management team that is dedicated to serving the drivers, as well as the fans are on the top of the priority list when Irwindale Event Center opens its gates for the 2013 racing season on April 6th.
The opening night schedule will include, NASCAR Super Late Models, Late Models, Super Stocks, Mini-Stocks and an evening-ending fun-for-all Demolition Derby. Team 211 Entertainment’s President/CEO Jim Cohan is beginning his tenure at the track with a very strong statement, which will serve as the catalyst and the backbone to a very promising season of racing in 2013 and beyond.
Months and weeks of planning have gone into making sure the right people and the right formula would be utilized to make this a successful venture for everyone involved, including the right attitude to work with both drivers and the fans.
“I absolutely want to hear from the racers and fans. You’ve got a guy at the helm in me, and I am a PEOPLE person first and foremost. To work with me, folks have to leave their egos someplace else,” said Cohan when talking about the planning that has been taken place.
Cohan also added that, “We care and that we appreciate every single one of them, and that the old regime is dead and over. I want excitement in the air not only because racing is back at Irwindale, but also because folks know the group running it CARES about them and considers them family.”
Along with the schedule announcement for the 2013 racing season, Cohan also signed a deal with NASCAR this past week to fully sanction all the divisions that will be racing on the asphalt paved ovals.
“NASCAR is pleased to bring our Home Tracks program back to Irwindale Speedway,” said Duvall, NASCAR’s Senior Director of Business Development.
Duvall also added that, “This facility hasn’t changed physically in any way; it’s the same great race track. What has changed is the management group and spirit of teamwork that Jim Cohan’s people bring to the effort, they’re all top pros, and I’m really looking forward to working with them.”
“We met with Bob Duvall from NASCAR yesterday at our offices in Irwindale,” said Cohan.
Cohan finished with, “He really understands our mission to bring great short track stock car racing back to southern California and he’s very supportive of that goal. Bob made his presentation, answered all of our questions, we signed the sanction agreement, and he got back on a plane and took the papers back to Daytona Beach.”
With NASCAR once again as the sanctioning body, the crowning the state or national champion is a very good possibility. For the drivers along with the fans, racing is back in the Southern California area and it’s great to see the facility finally has a person in charge that cares.
“We plan to give it all we’ve got. Challenges may come and obstacles may get in the way but you and the entire community have my word that my team is totally committed to doing everything in our power to make this the very best it can be,” said a very confident Jim Cohan.
An announcement is forthcoming for meetings with car owners and drivers for each division by Irwindale Competition Director, Mike Atkinson.
Full racing schedule will be announced later on today, and the speedway office is now accepting applications for 2013 NASCAR licenses for drivers and crewmembers.
