iRacing Simulation gives NASCAR Hall of Fame guests authentic driving experience
Qualifying and Racing in Ultra-Realistic Racing Simulators to Be a Highlight of Fans’ Race Day Experience
If the two living members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of inductees, Richard Petty and Junior Johnson, are still wondering who’s the better racer, they won’t need to order new helmets and driving uniforms to find out; they can just show up on May 23, 2010, the day of their formal induction into the Hall of Fame, and answer the question behind the wheel of one of the 15 iRacing.com-powered NASCAR stock car simulators located in the Hall.
“We’re honored that the NASCAR Hall of Fame selected iRacing to develop the part of the visitor experience that actually puts fans behind the wheel of a NASCAR Sprint Cup car for the most realistic possible virtual driving experience,” said Steve Myers, iRacing’s executive producer. “And we expect that many of the fans who meet us in the Hall of Fame experience will choose to get even closer to the sport of NASCAR racing by joining the iRacing community and participating in our official NASCAR-sanctioned online racing series.”
The NASCAR Hall of Fame official racing simulation that will entertain hundreds of thousands of visitors to the NASCAR Hall of Fame every year (and potentially let Richard and Junior have another chance to race each other) is a custom version of the same software iRacing.com uses in its popular online motorsport simulation service. It features the same laser-scanned, millimeter-accurate version of all the tracks on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule and the NASCAR cars driven regularly in the online version by more than 15,000 iRacing members, including NASCAR stars such as Dale Earnhardt, Jr., A.J. Allmendinger, Joey Logano, Martin Truex, Jr., Marcos Ambrose, Bobby Labonte, Brad Keselowski, Michael McDowell, Justin Labonte, Colin Braun, Chad McCumbee and Cale Gale.
“It’s important to us that every aspect of our guest experience be as realistic as possible – not just another arcade experience, but an activity that is challenging and demonstrates the skills necessary to drive a stock car. iRacing brings exactly that level of accuracy and authenticity,” said Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, who noted that Hall of Fame had entered into a multi-year agreement with iRacing to provide the simulated driving experience at the Hall. “Beyond that, we needed to work with a proven and reliable team. iRacing has worked hard to achieve the benchmarks that we’ve set.”
According to Myers, the Hall of Fame’s version of the iRacing software will have a customized front end that replaces the normal online one; automates the driving process so that visitors have a “get-in-and-go” experience; adds the ability for the administrator to specify aspects of the visitor’s driving program including number of laps that can be driven and other variables; and collects data such as best qualifying lap time, race performance and finish order for fields of up to 15 cars so as to ensure a fun and informative experience for every visitor.
The iRacing software will run in a set of seven two-seat NASCAR stock car replicas, providing 14 simultaneous driving positions. Another simulator will be designated for wheelchair use as well for those with disabilities. The customized version of the software permits the Hall of Fame to schedule races that will be broadcast on a giant 50-foot overhead video screen. Just as in the real world, the drivers’ friends and other visitors will be able to watch all the action and cheer them on. (During qualifying periods, the screen will display standings and other information.)
In a separate area, and with a more basic simulator where the driver stands rather than sitting in a racing seat, visitors will also be able to experience a qualifying session.
“It has been a fresh and enjoyable challenge doing that for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which promises to be one of the most popular attractions in America,” Myers said, “We’re pleased that millions of NASCAR fans over the years will get to feel what it is like to drive a Sprint Cup car at one of their favorite tracks.”
Tickets and memberships for the NASCAR Hall of Fame are available online at www.nascarhall.com. General admission prices are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12 and free for children under 5. Simulators rides are $5 per person for non-members and are offered at discounted rates for members.
Source: iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations, LLC
NFL All Time Great Lynn Swann to be Inducted Into Bowling Hall of Fame
Four Time Super Bowl Champion’s Passionate Support for the Sport of Bowling Earns Him Nod into His Second Hall of Fame
Former National Football League (NFL) All-Pro, Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Fame wide receiver, Lynn Swann has earned many accolades throughout his career, however it’s his enthusiasm for bowling that has made him a recognizable and supportive force and an ambassador for the sport. In honor of years of support and involvement in the bowling industry, The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame announced today that Swann will be the third inductee into the Bowling Hall of Fame Celebrities Exhibit and the first to be inducted into the brand new museum to be completed in early 2010. The induction celebration will kick off at International Bowl Expo on June 24th at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay during the annual general session festivities.
“Bowling is a great activity for people of all ages and I’m so proud and honored to have helped to play a small part in helping to drive the resurgence of this great American past time,” said Swann. “The more than 67 million people who bowl every year are a testament to the sport’s tremendous popularity. Bowling is a true part of Americana and I’m humbled to have a place in the Bowling Hall of Fame.”
A prominent advocate for the sport of bowling, Swann has hosted the NFL Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic for the past three years, and also served as the lane side reporter for CBS’ “Clash of the Champions” in 2008. The broadcast marked bowling’s return to network television for the first time since 1999.
“Lynn has a true passion for the sport of bowling and has been an incredible friend to the industry for many years. We’re proud and honored to welcome him as the newest addition to the Celebrity Bowling Hall of Fame and the first inductee to the Bowling Hall of Fame’s new location within the International Bowling Campus in Arlington,” said Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America President and United States Bowling Congress Director, Jim Sturm.
In late 2007, it was announced the Bowling Hall of Fame would relocate from St. Louis, Missouri to become part of the newly formed International Bowling Campus in Arlington. The campus also includes the headquarters for the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, Strike Ten Entertainment, the United States Bowling Congress and the International Training and Research Center.
Swann will be recognized in the Celebrities exhibit at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, joining former NFL great and fellow Steeler, Jerome Bettis, as well as famed major league baseball pitcher and radio analyst, Tom Candiotti.
“We are thrilled to recognize this champion for our sport. Lynn is an extraordinary exemplar of how involvement in sports can parlay into even greater achievements,” said Patrick Ciniello, President/Chairman of the Board of the Hall. “As a celebrity bowler inductee, Lynn continues to generate positive awareness for the sport and continues to inspire bowlers everywhere.”
The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame has served the international bowling community for more than two decades by collecting and preserving its history and making information available worldwide to help promote the sport. The new facility is being constructed at the International Bowling Campus, 621 Six Flags Drive in Arlington, Texas.
Source: Strike Ten Entertainment
Baseball Players and Fans Have 35 Days to Shine
Turtle Wax(R) and Baseball Great Mike Schmidt Offer Car Care Tips to Turn Amateurs into Pros
With Spring Training underway, it’s the start of a new season for baseball fans. For some, the beginning of baseball season also indicates that warm weather is just around the corner. Turtle Wax(R) and baseball great Mike Schmidt want fans to take this time to care for their cars. Just like your favorite players trying to make the cut and polish off their skills after a winter off, fans have “35 Days to Shine” and polish off their cars for summer driving season.
From March 1-April 5, 2009, Turtle Wax and the legendary former Philadelphia third baseman encourage consumers to spend the next 35 days showing their cars some extra attention. Spring is the perfect time to treat your car to a good cleaning and protect it with a coat of wax. The debris that accumulates on a vehicle’s surface during the colder months can lead to permanent damage down the road. The longer it stays there, the more damage it can do.
“I take great pride in my team, the Phillies, helping them get ready for the season ahead,” said Schmidt. “During Spring Training, fans can take pride in their cars by preparing them for summer driving, which means washing off any debris and really making them sparkle with a good coat of wax. Taking care of your car’s appearance not only keeps it looking new, but can protect your vehicle investment.”
As an alternative to taking your car to a car wash, Turtle Wax suggests a do-it-yourself approach. By investing in the necessary products now, there can be a cost savings of more than $200 over a six-month period. The total upfront investment for at-home wash and wax products and accessories is around $50, and the products will last for months, compared to $20 professional car cleaning every other week. Turtle Wax suggests the following easy steps, using high-quality car care products, to turn an amateur into a pro and get a get a flawless looking car wash in your own driveway:
Wash: The first step is to wash away the dirt and grime on the vehicle’s surface. For best results, use a product that will deep clean the vehicle’s exterior and remove any stubborn dirt and stains. Turtle Wax(R) ICE(R) Car Wash is a clean rinsing formula that is safe for all finishes.
Wax: After the vehicle is clean of all surface contaminants, it’s time to wax. Waxing helps restore color and shine left behind from bad weather and road debris and leaves behind a protective barrier to help prevent scratches, swirl marks and other surface contaminants from damaging the finish. Turtle Wax(R) ICE(R) Liquid Polish goes on easy and creates exceptional shine.
Wheels and Tires: In addition to the vehicle’s finish, cleaning and protecting wheels will help keep cars looking like new. Turtle Wax(R) ICE(R) Wheel and Tire Cleaner easily cuts through brake dust and road debris on all wheel and tire surfaces. The detachable unique ICE(R) Edge(TM) Brush helps clean intricate wheel areas effortlessly.
Interior: To prevent stains and permanent discoloration, it’s important to clean interior surfaces, including carpeting, upholstery and inside door panels. Turtle Wax’s ICE(R) Total Interior Care can be used on all interior surfaces and leaves behind a barrier and non-greasy shine.
“Washing and waxing your own car isn’t what it used to be,” said Mike Schultz, senior vice president of product development for Turtle Wax. “With today’s innovative products, a complete detail can take less than an hour. And with people holding onto their cars for longer, it’s becoming increasingly important to keep your car clean and protected, not to mention maximize trade-in value.”
As part of the “35 Days to Shine” campaign, customers can enter to win the Turtle Wax(R) “Ultimate Baseball Getaway.” From March 1- May 1, 2009, fans can log on to www.TurtleWax.com/35DaysToShine and submit a short essay on why they are the biggest baseball fan out there. The best entry will win a trip for two to Turtle Wax’s home city of Chicago for a weekend of Cubs baseball at the historic Wrigley Field. The winner will also receive a Turtle Wax(R) product bundle to get their car in tip-top shape. Customers can also upload a photo of themselves with their car for a chance to appear on the Web site.
Schmidt spent his entire 18-year career in Philadelphia, carving out a legacy at third base. He played in five League Championship Series and two World Series, and was voted National League MVP three times. Since retiring, Schmidt has stayed active within the Phillies organization and in 1995 was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Source: Turtle Wax