Virginia Motor Speedway | commonwealth 100

Aaron’s, Inc. Announces Virginia Motor Speedway Exclusive Sponsorship

ATLANTA (Nov. 11, 2013) – Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) announced today a one-year exclusive sponsorship agreement with Virginia Motor Speedway. Over the next year, Aaron’s will have exclusive naming rights to the Aaron’s Commonwealth 100. Additionally, Aaron’s will be designated as the “Official Sales and Lease Ownership Partner of VMS.” Terms of the partnership were not disclosed. “Aaron’s is committed to supporting the growth of the Virginia Motor Speedway and reaching the surrounding communities in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads and Southern Maryland. We are proud to become the exclusive partner of the Virginia Motor Speedway and to support the American tradition of dirt racing,” said Brock M. Roberts, Vice President, Northeastern Operations, Aaron’s, Inc. The Virginia Motor Speedway Season will start April 12, 2014 with the Aaron’s Commonwealth 100 and will end on October 11, 2014 with the 10th Annual Run-A-Muck Mud Bog and Mud Sling. “Thousands of dirt racing fans will enjoy our events every weekend and we’re thrilled to bring Aaron’s on board as our exclusive sponsor,” said Clarke Sawyer, General Manager, Virginia Motor Speedway. “Their partnership and the support of the Virginia Motor Speedway will ensure that our fans continue to experience family-friendly events.” As part of the exclusive sponsorship agreement Aaron’s will also serve as the title sponsor for the track’s Pro (Crate) Late Model division. Beginning its second season, the Pro (Crate) Late Model division was added as an affordable option for those who want to race a late model. The division will be sanctioned by the Fastrak Racing Series. About Aaron’s, Inc. Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has 2,115 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur and Chairman Emeritus R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron’s has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.aarons.com. Aaron’s, Inc. includes the Aarons.com, GoRimco.com, and ShopHomeSmart.com brands. About Virginia Motor Speedway Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway is a 1/2-mile, dirt oval. The track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway and its 2014 schedule of events, fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com....

Speedway to put Commonwealth 100 and USA 100 on Hold for 2013; Focus on Weekly Racing

Jamaica, VA – With the current economic climate and the uncertainty of the upcoming year Virginia Motor Speedway track owner Bill Sawyer has decided to place the Commonwealth 100 and USA 100 on hold. The speedway will focus on its weekly racing for the 2013 season and re-evaluate the running of the two special events at the end of next season. “This is purely a business decision. With the current economic climate I felt we are best served by focusing on our weekly racing program, our weekly competitors and our local fan base,” commented track owner Bill Sawyer. The staff is currently at work putting the 2013 schedule together and should have it released in the coming weeks. Please check the track’s website for details. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA Member Track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223...

Gallery Updated

Jamaica, VA – Check out the gallery for photos from the 3rd Annual Commonwealth 100 and from the first night of VA Army National Guard Dirt Series action on Safety-Kleen Night. Thank you to Al Goulder for the great photos, anyone looking to get copies can go to http://almo.photoreflect.com/store/store.aspx to order your prints....

Bloomquist Banks Big Check in Commonwealth 100 Victory

Jamaica, VA – Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN scored his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory of the year on Saturday Night at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway. Bloomquist took over the lead when Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL suffered a flat tire just 11 laps from the finish. Bloomquist then went on to lead the rest of the way to earn a $25,000 payday in taking his first-career Commonwealth 100 win. The event was taped by Lucas Oil Studios for airings on SPEED, MAVTV, and NBC Sport Network. The track was re-worked before the main event kicked-off. Bloomquist started 18th and entered the top five for the first time with 38 laps scored. He then moved to second and trailed John Blankenship of Williamson, WV for several laps until Blankenship blew a tire with 13 laps remaining. “It feels great to get back to Lucas Oil Victory Lane,” said the Hall of Fame driver. “It has been a rough start to the year, but I knew if we kept digging we were going to get one here sooner rather than later,” said an elated Bloomquist afterwards. “My hats off to the track crew, they went out and worked the track, I saw a lot of drivers going to a softer compound of tire to run, but we actually kept our hard compound on and it paid off. We got off to a good start in the race and the car worked really well, we passed a ton of cars early on and then got behind John (Blankenship) and followed him for a number of laps until his tire gave out.” “It’s nice to win at such a great facility, it looked like they had one of their best crowds tonight and we look forward to coming back here in September,” said the 2-time LOLMDS Champion who notched his 43rd career win on the series. Bloomquist also won the USA 100 last September. The story of the race was Erb. He had the dominant car for almost the entire distance, but with 11 laps to go his right rear tire gave out. Erb and Jared Landers battled hard in the first 18 laps of the race until Erb, who started fifth gained the lead. Erb led a total of 72 laps, and was unchallenged for most of those circuits as he was primed and ready to score the biggest win of his racing career. It was not to be, as he was coming off of turn two with 89 laps scored, he suddenly slowed forcing a caution flag. Bloomquist went unchallenged the rest of the way to score the win in his Hawkeye Trucking, Base Racing Fuels, Lucas Oil Products, Sweet Mfg., Lane Automotive, Ohlins, Weld Racing, and Allstar Performance sponsored Bloomquist Race Cars Ford. His car is powered by a Roush-Yates Engine. Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL came home in second after starting 26th in the Bobby Labonte Racing, Lucas Oil Products, Longhorn Dodge. It was Pearson’s best finish of the season as the 4-time LOLMDS champion tried to stay with Bloomquist in the final laps. Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN came from 15th to finish third in the Optima Batteries, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, MasterSbilt House Car. Former Commonwealth 100 race winner, Chris Madden of Gaffney, SC roared through the field from 24th to grab fourth in the Baird Transport, Cornett Racing Engines, Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet. Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA came in fifth with the Clint Bowyer Racing, Georgia Boots, Barry Wright Toyota. Completing the top ten were defending race winner, Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV; Jared Landers of Batesville, AR; Eric Wells of Hazard, KY; Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN, who suffered a flat tire on the final lap dropping him to ninth. Shane Clanton of Fayetteville, GA completed the top ten. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway will return to action next Saturday night April 21st for Safety-Kleen / WRR / WNNT Night featuring four divisions of Virginia Army National Guard Dirt Series action. See the Victory Lap Late Model, Truckin Thunder Sportsman, Budweiser Modifies and the Collision One Limited Stock divisions. This is the first event of the 2012 season for the weekly competitors as they try to get off to a good start towards the division championships. Competitor gates for Saturday, April 21st will open at 4pm with spectator gates opening at 5pm. On track activities will begin at 6:30pm with hot laps. Divisions scheduled to race on Saturday April 21st: Victory Lap Late Models (35 Laps); Truckin Thunder Sportsman (25 Laps); Budweiser Modifieds (25 Laps); and the Collision One Limited Stock Cars (20 laps). All divisions will run Hot Lap Time Trials and Features. Admission price for Adults $12, seniors (60+) $10; military (active/retired w/ proper I.D.) $8, students 13 – 17 years old $6, children 7 to 12 $4 and children 6 and under admitted free. We offer a family pass for $25 (two adults and two children 12 and under). Pit passes will be $20. To enhance the fans racing experience the speedway has installed a short wave FM transmitter and all of the evening’s action can be heard at 95.5 FM. So bring your portable radio headset and enjoy hearing all the action. Don’t forget to become a Fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA Member Track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223 Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Casey Roberts / 17.058 seconds (Group A and Overall) Jimmy Owens / 17.071 seconds (Group B) Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Steve Shaver, Dennis Erb, Jr., Casey Roberts, David Williams, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson, Jr., Gregg Satterlee, Walker Arthur, Brandon Overton U. S. Steel Second Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Rick Eckert, Stevie Long, Shane Clanton, Don O’Neal, Jared Hawkins, Steve Francis, Jason Covert, Dean Bowen, David Zona, Eric Wells Simpson Performance Products Third Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Brian Birkhofer, Ricky Elliott , Tyler Reddick, Scott Bloomquist, John Lobb, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, Chris Madden, Mike Marlar HAWK Brakes Fourth Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Landers, Daniel Stone, Kenny Moreland, John Blankenship, Jamie Lathroum, Darryl Hills, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr., Jonathan Davenport, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton JRi Shocks First B-Main (20 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Hawkins, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Steve Francis, Earl Pearson, Jr., Dean Bowen, Brandon Overton, Eric Wells, Gregg Satterlee, David Zona, Walker Arthur, Jason Covert-DNS PAC Racing Springs Second B-Main (20 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Jamie Lathroum, John Lobb, Chris Madden, Dennis Franklin, Jonathan Davenport, Kyle Lear, Darryl Hills, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr.-DNS, Mike Marlar-DNS Non-Qualifiers Race – 30 Laps: Gregg Satterlee, Darryl Hills, Brandon Overton, Dean Bowen, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, David Zona, Walker Arthur, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton Feature Finish (Finish / Start) – 100 Laps 1. (18) Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, TN; 2. (26) Earl Pearson, Jr., Jacksonville, FL; 3. (15) Don O’Neal, Martinsville, IN; 4. (24) Chris Madden,Gaffney, SC; 5. (25) Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA; 6. (1) Steve Shaver, Vienna, WV; 7. (4) Jared Landers, Batesville, AR; 8. (27) Eric Wells, Hazard, KY; 9. (2) Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN; 10. (11) Shane Clanton, Fayetteville, GA; 11. (7) Stevie Long, Mechanicsville, MD; 12. (16) John Blankenship, Williamson, WV; 13. (5) Dennis Erb, Jr..Carpentersville, IL; 14. (19) Austin Hubbard, Seaford, DE; 15. (23) Steve Francis, Ashland, KY; 16. (13) David Williams, Mechanicsville, MD; 17. (22) John Lobb, Frewsburg, NY; 18. (17) Jared Hawkins, Fairmont, WV; 19. (21) Tim McCreadie.Watertown, NY; 20. (9) Casey Roberts, Toccoa, GA; 21. (14) Tyler Reddick, Corning, CA; 22. (12) Kenny Moreland, Waldorf, MD; 23. (20) Jamie Lathroum, Mechanicsville, MD; 24. (6) Brian Birkhofer, Muscatine, IA; 25. (10) Ricky Elliott, Seaford, DE; 26. (3) Rick Eckert, York, PA; 27. (8) Daniel Stone, Thompson, PA...

Night 2 of Commonwealth 100 Info

Jamaica, VA – Beautiful temperatures and weather are sure to make for an outstanding afternoon of racing as Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway hosts night 2 of the 3rd Annual Commonwealth 100. Who will win the $25,000? We find out tonight. Spectator gates will open at 4pm with on track action taking place at 6:30pm with hot laps. There will be two 20-lap B Mains followed by the $3000 to win Rumble on the River non-qualifiers race and the $25,000 to win Commonwealth 100. Saturday only admission prices: adults $35; senior(60+) / military $32; Students (7 – 17) $15 and children 6 and under are free. Pit passes for Saturday will be $40. 16″ coolers are welcomed and we have plenty of FREE parking and camping (no -hook ups)....

Shaver and Owens on Commonwealth 100 Front Row For Saturday Night

JAMAICA, VA (April 13, 2012) – Defending Commonwealth 100 winner Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV and defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion, Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN will make up the front row for the Third Annual Commonwealth 100 on Saturday Night at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway. Shaver and Owens won their respective first and third heats on Friday Night to earn their starting spots for the $25,000 to win race. Other heat race winners include Rick Eckert of York, PA and Jared Landers of Batesville, AR. Casey Roberts of Toccoa, GA set fast time among the 40 entrants in Red Buck Cigars Time Trials with a lap of 17.058 seconds around the half-mile oval. The top four finishers out of four-15 lap heat races advanced from Friday Night’s action to the Commonwealth 100. On Saturday, activities will get underway when the pit gates open at 3 pm. There will be a celebrity slot-car race underneath the main grandstand area starting at 3:15pm. Dirt Racing Outreach will hold a service beginning at 3:30PM. General admission gates will open up at 4 pm with a driver’s autograph session slated for 4:30 PM. The drivers’ meeting is scheduled for 5:30pm. Action on the track will kick off at 6:30pm with the first of two B-mains that will determine the rest of the starting grid for the feature. After that, will be the $3,000 to win Non-Qualifiers race and rounding out the night will be the Third Annual Commonwealth 100. The event is being taped by Lucas Oil Production Studios and will be shown on MAV-TV, SPEED, and NBC Sports Network. For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series visit www.lucasdirt.com. For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log onto www.lucasdirt.com or call the series’ office at (951) 532-2503. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary Friday Night, April 13, 2012 Commonwealth 100 Virginia Motor Speedway – Jamaica, VA Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Casey Roberts / 17.058 seconds (Group A and Overall) Jimmy Owens / 17.071 seconds (Group B) Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Steve Shaver, Dennis Erb, Jr., Casey Roberts, David Williams, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson, Jr., Gregg Satterlee, Walker Arthur, Brandon Overton U. S. Steel Second Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Rick Eckert, Stevie Long, Shane Clanton, Don O’Neal, Jared Hawkins, Steve Francis, Jason Covert, Dean Bowen, David Zona, Eric Wells Simpson Performance Products Third Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Brian Birkhofer, Ricky Elliott , Tyler Reddick, Scott Bloomquist, John Lobb, Dennis Franklin, Kyle Lear, Chris Madden, Mike Marlar HAWK Brakes Fourth Heat (15 Laps- Top 4 Advance): Jared Landers, Daniel Stone, Kenny Moreland, John Blankenship, Jamie Lathroum, Darryl Hills, Ronnie DeHaven, Jr., Jonathan Davenport, Andrew Mullins, Tim Shelton...

Commonwealth 100 Begins Tonight!

Jamaica, VA – The haulers are rolling in and the campers are setting up for what is expected to be a stellar weekend of racing. Spectator gates open 5pm tonight with hot laps starting at 6pm. Tonight’s program will include practice, qualifying and heat races. All ticket sales are now at the ticket office when they open at 5pm. The $30 two-day adult advance ticket price is good at the ticket window tonight; senior (60+) / military is $27; Students 7 – 17 are $15 and children 6 and under are free. Pit passes are $50. Tomorrow’s program will be B Main(s), 30 lap non-qualifiers race and the Commonwealth 100 A Main. Saturday only prices are: Adults $35; senior / military $32; students (7 – 17) $15 and children 6 and under free. 16″ coolers are welcomed and we have plenty of well lit free parking. Camping is free but you must be self contained....

$25,000 to win Commonwealth 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway This Weekend; Two day advance ticket prices extended through Friday

Jamaica, VA – After weeks of preparation the gates at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway will swing open for the 2012 season this Friday and Saturday April 13-14, 2012 for the much anticipated Commonwealth 100. This year’s edition will have a new twist as the Lucas Oil Late Model series will now sanction the $25,000 to win event. The weekend will also include a $3000 to win non-qualifiers race. The $25,000 to win dirt late model crown jewel event will once again see the best of the dirt late model world converging on the ½ mile speed plant in Jamaica, VA. With some of the industries top names headed in attendance this is a must see event for any and all race fans. To help out the fans the speedway has announced it will extend the discounted two-day advance ticket pricing through the end of business on Friday April 13th. “With the current gas prices our fans are facing we wanted to help ease the sting by extending our advance ticket prices through Friday,” commented track owner Bill Sawyer Fans have until April 13 to grab one of the best deals in dirt Late Model racing — a two-day advance adult ticket for just $30; Senior / Military are $27 and students (7-17) just $15. All tickets are general admission. No reserved seats will be sold for the event. Saturday only ticket prices will have adults at $35; senior and military at $32; students 7 – 17 at $15 and children 6 and under free. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.vamotorspeedway.com, downloading the advance ticket order form and sending it to the track with a money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks), or by calling the speedway office at 804-758-1867 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and using a Mastercard, Visa or Discover card. Not only is this event shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year to attend, but Lucas Oil Studios will also be on hand to tape the event. The Commonwealth 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway on April 13-14th will be the first televised event in 2012 for the LOLMDS. The event will air on both SPEED and NBC Sports Network in 2012. The SPEED Channel will air the event on May 13th at 6PM EST while NBC Sports Network will air the event on June 10 at 6PM EST. The Commonwealth 100 weekend kicks off on Fri., April 13, with Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series time trials and heat races, while B-Mains, a 30-lap Non-Qualifiers’ Race and the headline 100-lapper take center stage on Sat., April 14. A raindate of Sun., April 15, has been established for the event. Competitor gates for Friday April 13th and Saturday April 14th will open at 3pm with spectator gates opening at 5pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday. There will be a BB&T “Meet and Greet” with the Lucas Oil Series drivers from 4:15 – 5:15pm on Saturday April 14th. On track activities will begin both days about 6:00pm with hot laps. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA affiliate track, is a ½ mile dirt oval track and located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads area. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway and its 2012 schedule of events, fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223...

Commonwealth 100 TV Commercial

Check out the new commercial for the Commonwealth 100! Tickets are currently on sale with adult tickets only $30 for the two-day ticket. Senior and military are $27 for a two-day ticket with students 7 to 17 years old only $15 for the two-day ticket. As always children 6 and under are free. You can pre-order your tickets by downloading the order form or by calling the speedway at (804) 758-1867....

Virginia Motor Speedway to Add Raceceiver Westhold Transponder System

Jamaica, VA – In an effort to save competitors on the cost of a new transponder officials at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway have added the Raceceiver Westhold Timing and Scoring System to the existing AMB / My Laps system for the 2012 season and beyond. Not only will the speedway be able to accommodate the new Raceceiver Westhold transponders but the AMB / My Laps transponders that have been in use for the past eight years will continue to run on the new system. “With the rising costs of the AMB / My Laps transponders we felt we had to do something to help our new and existing competitors, with the Westhold transponders only costing $250 we can save our competitors a sizeable amount,” commented track General Manager Clarke Sawyer. “Add in the fact that those competitors who compete at other facilities that run the Westhold system will no longer have to rent a transponder from us when they choose to compete here at VMS,” added Sawyer. With the new Westhold system the speedway will be introducing some new features for fans and competitors that will allow them to receive live timing and scoring during each event. Competitors needing to purchase a new Westhold transponder or Raceceiver can do so by calling Chuck Marks of Chucks Racing Radios at (434) 661-8112. The transponder includes a charger for $250. If you wish to continue to rent your transponder on a weekly basis the track will still keep a small amount on hand to rent for $25 per race. All competitors are encouraged to have their transponders and Raceceivers at the speedway’s Test and Tune session on Saturday March 31st. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vamotorspeedway and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/vamotorspeedway.com for a chance at special deals and prizes during the 2012 season. Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, an ASA affiliate track, is a 1/2-mile, dirt oval. The track is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda, VA and 25 miles south of Tappahannock, VA in Jamaica, VA. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads areas. To learn more about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway and its 2012 schedule of events, fans may call the Speedway office at (804) 758-1VMS or visit the track’s web site at www.vamotorspeedway.com. MEDIA CONTACT: DAVE SEAY (804) 758-1867 OR (804) 357-7223...