Motorsport Technology Group's #18 car at Lime Rock
(news outlets: contact Wes Duenkel for a high-resolution image)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIQUE EVENTS DRIVE MOTORSPORT TECHNOLOGY GROUP TO RACE FOR HOPE

Richmond, Virginia (August 16, 2008)

August 30-31, 2008 marks more than the inauguration of Grand-Am Koni Challenge at Thunderbolt Raceway, the signature circuit of New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey. The event will include a special fundraiser, the Art Dog Challenge, a fun, creative event to bring out the art skills of Rolex and Koni Teams, and to raise funds for  Morris Animal Foundation.

The Art Dog Challenge will bring team owners, drivers, and crew members together to design a two-dimensional, life-sized, steel replica of a Siberian Husky.   The Husky was chosen by event sponsor, Steve Marcus, as a tribute to his Siberian, Tasha, who lost her battle with a rare auto-immune disease called AIHA, just before the Grand Am-GT Classic at Lime Rock Park in May.   At that event, and since, Marcus has brought racing and fund-raising together to increase awareness of the rare disease and boost funding for research through the Morris Animal Foundation, the nation’s largest animal research organization.  The idea is a spin-off of what cities are doing to promote themes, like Naples, Florida’s alligators, and Venice, Florida’s theme – Pigs in Paradise, and Amarillo, Texas’ horse art, displayed in front of offices, restaurants and museums. 

“I’m very excited to see what our teams come up with for the Art Dogs,” says Ahlei Newkirk of Newkirk Motorsports Events, who has helped bring Marcus’ idea to reality.
Teams can purchase their “raw dogs” at the Motorsport Technology Group’s paddock at Thunderbolt and may use outdoor paint and metal welding to design their dog.  Each team’s Art Dog will be showcased during the Koni Finale at Virginia International Raceway October 4-5 for the People’s Choice voting and awards.  All participants will donate their team entry for a silent auction to be held at the beginning of the Grand Am 2009 season.

Steve Marcus said, “the Art Dog event should be a lot of fun for race teams and fans.  Our event at Lime Rock Park was hugely successful and I am committed to continue efforts to raise money for Morris Animal Foundation so other dogs and dog owners might be spared the tragedy we faced with our beloved, Tasha.”

Fundraising continues at the final three races of the season with bone and paw print decals available at the Motorsport Technology Group’s paddock area.  Stickers are adhered to the #18 BMW Z 4 M Coupe, for which all proceeds are donated to Morris Animal Foundation.  Stickers may also be purchased on-line at motorsporttechnologygroup.com.

Motorsport Technology Group provides professional and amateur drivers the experience of a lifetime with meticulously-maintained sports racing cars.  The team's mission is to share the passion for motorsports with everyone who has ever wanted to pilot a race car at full speed.  In addition to rental programs, Motorsport Technology Group sells professionally-built race cars and street cars at their headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.
 
For more information contact Donna Deno at ddeno1@charter.net or Steve Marcus at stephen.marcus@att.net, or call 804.338.RACE (7223)