In my latest blog, I explore the conundrum of full season sponsorships.  Take a read! http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/unrestricted/entry/view/67778

I had a great business trip to Charlotte last week to discuss NCWTS truck races with some teams, as well as other meetings to check out our own Torquespeed trucks.  My news and notes, posted on my latest Sporting News NASCAR Unrestricted Blog:

CLICK HERE:
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/unrestricted/entry/view/67106/driver_diary_being_a_fan_motivates_this_driver

We went to Cadwell Park on the 16^th of May. We went out to qualifying, first time we were at the track since 2001. We were 9^th quickest, not too bad but we knew what work we had to do – find more speed for the race.

We drew out number 15 on the grid for the first race. With quite a few alterations to the car, we had a great start. Perfect setup. On the third bend, we were up to around 6^th race – on the fourth bend, the #15 car came up inside where there was no room and went over my front fender. We got hooked up in the bend, rejoined and fought our way back to 12^th for the finish.

For the second race we started sixth on the grid, fighting with the number 19 and 32 most of the race. We got by the #32 with a lap to go, and we got our first podium of the year – finishing third.

For the final of the day, we started 17^th from the grid. We had a really great first lap, digging through to 6^th position. On the second lap, a car spun ahead, going down the straightaway. We went to the grass to avoid him, but he carried on, clipping my back wing and tire wall. I rejoined the pack, 28^th and fought my way back to 17^th for the finish.

A day of mixed fortune, we had an amazing car in the second race. Nine races out of twelve this season, we’ve been taken out by other cars’ misfortune – hopefully when we go to Mallory on the 13^th of June, we can have a trouble-free day and better results!

Cadwell Park - 16th May 2010

Round 4 of the CPC Legends UK Championship takes us to Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire. The single header should be full of excitment as the Pocket Rockets speed round the 2.1670 miles of this twisted track.  The lack of overtaking space and the determination of the drivers will leave us all on the edge of our seats.

We would like to welcome MTS and CPC to the Mickel Motorsport Paddock Hospitality Unit for this weekend’s racing. We hope you all thoroughly enjoy your racing experience.  Don’t forget, the Motors TV transmission for this race will be broadcast on the 4th of June, and we’ll have live coverage on www.JohnMickel.com all weekend!

Revised Timetable

Sunday 16th May

09.00 - 09.15 Legends Practice

12.00 – 6 Laps Race 1 Legends CPC UK Championship Race 1

12.25 – 20 min Race 2  MaX5 Championship

LUNCH BREAK   12.50 – 13.20

13.30 – 10 Laps Race 3 Bernard Baxter Engineering/URS Classic Formula Ford Champ.

14.05 – 20min Race 4 CNC Heads Sports Saloon Championship.

14.40 – 6 Laps Race 5 Legends CPC UK Championship Race 2

15.05 – 12 Laps Race 6 Universal Racing Services Classis Formula Ford 2000 Champ

15.40 – 10 Laps Race 7  Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship

16.15 – 20min Race 8  BARC Classic Clubmans Championship

16.50 – 8 Laps  Race 9  Legends CPC UK Championship Final

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/unrestricted/entry/view/64894/driver_diary_lighting_the_fire_vs._being_comfortable_in_your_own_skin

Read my latest blog for The Sporting News’ NASCAR Unrestricted: http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/unrestricted/entry/view/63392/driver_diary_when_you_think_you_have_control,_you_dont

The Mickel Motorsport crew touched base at 10pm last night following rounds 2 and 3 of the Legends Championship at Brands Hatch. The double header resulted in a fantastic weekend full of sunshine and excitement.

Saturday

Race 1

The Number 4 RSCapp/MTS/Mickel Motorsport Legend stared on pole, and John raced into turn one with the pack of legends behind him chasing him like a swarm of bees. Shortly after exiting the famous Graham Hill Bend the rear end of John’s number 4 car began to turn on him pushing him into a full 360 degree spin but with superb control John was able to collect the car and continue, amazingly untouched by a single passing car.  This left John at the rear of the field with a lot of work to do. He worked hard to bring the RSCapp/MTS/Mickel Motorsport Legend home in 8^th place.

“The 59 car spilt oil on the track on the rolling lap as a result of a split pipe or something and being on pole, I was the first to find it.” Said John “It could have been a lot worse and under the circumstances I was glad to bring the car home in one piece”

Race 2

With a starting grid position of  20^th John was at the rear end of the pack.  The first lap proved to be another big event and a spinning car forced John off the track and into the gravel but he somehow managed to drive out and regain the race fighting hard to get finish in tenth place.

Race 3

The Final race of the day saw John starting in the middle of the pack. A good clean race resulted in a 5^th position finish. After the race john said “ This is where we should have been all day. I feel like I have a great car that handles like it is on rails but I seem to be lacking engine speed in a straight line and it is proving hard to keep up with the top four cars.”

Sunday

Race 1

The day started with John on the second row.  The number 4 car continues to handle well but with lack of engine power. He had a clash with an old rival in the 32 car but still managed to bring the RSCapp/MTS/Mickel Motorsport car home in 5^th place.

Race 2

John started 17^th, and with some hard driving through the bends but lacking in straight line speed the number 4 car finished 9^th.

Race 3

The final of the day and also the final race of the weekend was sure to be packed with excitement! John started 17^th having made some changes to the set up on the car following the previous race. The RSCapp/MTS/Mickel Motorsport car was off to a flying start with John moving through the pack to reach fourth place by the end of the first lap.  The 95 car, who had been following John’s spectacular moves to get to the front, bump drafted John down the start finish straight but ran out of room before braking and pushed John straight on when he should have been turning right at Graham Hill Bend and both cars ended up in the tyre wall, causing John to be airborne for a moment and coming to rest in the gravel.  “I guess it was a racing incident which is just one of those things.” Said john, It is just frustrating after having such a great start to end up in the tyre wall.  I have so many sponsors and guests here this weekend that I really wanted to show them what we are capable of doing but bad luck crossed my path.”

The whole weekend proved to be a wonderful success with the hospitality. Great weather all weekend was an added bonus which we feel was the icing on the cake.

RSCapp Trophy Day

The RSCapp Trophy Day was a wonderful success with 50 guests enjoying the day’s antics from the luxury of a suite. Thanks to Selex Communications for their very kind donations in the “Drivers Charity Draw for ”Help the Heros” who will receive £160 as a result of their generosity.

RSCapp /Selex Communications presented some great awards to the Legend’s drivers for various achievements.

Fastest Laps

Race 1 - Ross Marshall

Race 2 - Stephen Treherne

Race 3 – Stephen Treherne

Star Rookie

Jess Gwynne

Entertainer of the day

Paul O’Brien

A fantastic weekend was had by all in the Mickel Motorsport Hospitality Awning and we would like to say how great it was to have many of our guests and sponsors present, including RSCapp, MTS, CPC, ACS, Mott Buthcher Partnership, Rhys Daniels Trust, Washington Coachworks, Mardi Gras, Geodis Wilson and Prestige Promotional Products.  We look forward to seeing you all again.

Check the full listings for TV times or Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) for details of repeats.

RSCapp Trophy Day

Don’t forget to keep up to date with the action live from Brands Hatch this weekend including the RS Capp Trophy Day by logging on to www.johnmickel.com/live.

The “Pocket Rocket” Legends Championship will be at Brands Hatch for rounds 2 and 3 of the CPC UK Legends Championship on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April and with the double header weekend, the six races should have you on the edge of your seats.

Three races are scheduled for Saturday and three races for Sunday.

Sunday will be the RSCapp Trophy day and RSCapp will be hosting a V.I.P. suite of guests from SELEX Communications. There will be an array of RSCapp awards presented to drivers on the podium on Sunday including a “Star Rookie” and “Most Entertaining Driver” along with presentations for the fastest lap for every Legends race that day.

VIP Access

Mickel Motorsport will also be hosting V.I.P’s in the state of the art Paddock Hospitality Unit and we welcome RSCapp, MTS, CPC, Rhys Daniels Trust, Mardi Gras, Geodis Wilson, Prestige Promotional Products, Washington Coachworks, ACS & Mott Butcher Partnership and Harley and his guests, who will all be present this weekend.

The DOUBLE HEADER BEGINS Saturday, with three heats beginning at 14:30pm.  Round three is Sunday at 12:15pm.  Tune in here at www.johnmickel.com/live to catch up to date info on the weekend as it happens!

Read my latest blog for The Sporting News here…

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/unrestricted/entry/view/62610/driver_diary_all_a_dream_until_checks_in_bank

With John Mickel and the RSCapp/MTS/Mickel Motorsports #4 Ford currently sitting in 8th place in the drivers championship, Mickel Motorsport heads to Brands Hatch for rounds two and three for an action packed double header weekend

Below is the time table for the weekend’s action…

SATURDAY, APRIL 17th, ROUND 2:
Legends Cars Championship, Heat 1: 14:30PM, 8 Laps
Legends Cars Championship, Heat 2: 16:10PM, 8 Laps

SUNDAY, APRIL 18th, ROUND 3:
Legends Cars Championship, Heat 1: 12:15PM, Heat 2: 15:10PM, 8 Laps;

LEGENDS CAR FINAL: 17:45PM, 10 Laps

The CPC Legends Championship makes it's debut on British Eurosport 1 on Sunday April 11th at 18:30hrs. This programme will feature coverage from the thrilling opening round at Oulton Park and will be repeated throughout the following week. This is the first of 16 programmes that will be aired between April and November 2010.

The CPC Legends Championship will also be broadcast on MotorsTV on Friday 16th April at 19:00hrs, with repeats over the following week; once again featuring coverage from the opening round at Oulton Park.

Eurosport is available on Sky 410 and Vigin Media 521

MotorsTV is available on Sky 413 and Vigin Media 545

Missed the action? See pictures and more at www.johnmickel.com/live, plus follow him on Twitter: Twitter.com/johnmickel

David Mott, Director of both ACS Designs and the Mott Butcher partnership, based in Horsham, West Sussex, has taken the fast track in backing World Champion Legends Driver, John Mickel - also based in Horsham.

“This is the first year for a marketing involvement of this kind for my companies. Having met John through one of his existing and long term main sponsors, RS Capps Director Mike Shadwell, another local firm based on Dorking, I became Involved in small way in his last season’s racing in the Pickup Truck Series,” Mott said.

“With an Invite to travel with him to South Africa in January to take part in the ASA Freestate 500 as part of the team, I witnessed first-hand the drive, determination and professionalism in what was an exciting transcontinental race where John took on the rest of the world and won. This attitude reflects our own Philosophy at ACS/MBP and with John’s entry into the exciting class of the CPC Legend Series, and the prospect of TV coverage, this provides us with a platform to expand our own exposure and corporate image, and gives an opportunity to entertain and pass our thanks to many of our own clients by bringing them along to the exciting legends series as part of Mickel Motorsports Hospitality. We are looking forward to this year’s racing.”

John, Director of Mickel Motorsport Limited and multiple champion said “It is very special when local business people become partners in my racing as I can provide business to business contacts, branding and marketing all tied up in an exceptionally good day out and it is great to see the local businesses gain from their exposure with my team. The big bonus with David is that he is now a personal and family friend of mine.”

The opening round of the CPC Legends Championship began this weekend at Oulton Park and John is now placed ninth in the Championship following some teething problems.

John is also pursuing a place in the American NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2011.

For more information, please visit

www.mbp-engs.co.uk

www.acs-designs.co.uk

www.johnmickel.com

www.johnmickel.com/live

www.mickelmotorsport.com

View my latest blog entry on NASCAR Unrestricted with Sporting News about “Keep On Keepin’ On” – the daily life off the track of a driver.

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/unrestricted/entry/view/61911/driver_diary_keep_on_keepin_on

Mickel Motorsport Limited Director, John Mickel, is thrilled to announce another new partnership for the 2010 CPC Legends Championship.

John Mickel has worked very hard to establish his new team Mickel Motorsport Limited - the UK racing company - and he is proud of the quality of equipment that he uses to build and set up his race cars. “What we do in the garage to build and race-prep these cars and the equipment we use makes the difference between a car that is running in the championship and a championship winning car,” said John.

Following John’s success at the American Speed Association’s Freestate 500 in Welkom, South Africa with the US racing company, Torquespeed.com, Mickel will be competing in the UK CPC Legends Championship this year. The exciting new partnership is with Baileigh Industrial, who are delighted to become involved for 2010 and they will also be part of John’s racing for 2011.  The company has supplied machinery to help fabricate UK Legends cars.

Mickel Motorsport will be running up to three cars at all 16 rounds of the Legends championship this season and on top of this, John will find time to head across to the USA to compete in the famous NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Torquespeed.com. John is the only British driver to be competing in the elite NASCAR series this year. Adrian Crawley, Baileigh Industrial Sales Executive, said “I feel that the key to John’s success on the track has been the preparation off the track and he and his team will now be using Baileigh Industrial machines to fabricate their race cars.

NEXT RACE: APRIL 17th BRANDS HATCH, UK

www.bifabuk.co.uk

www.johnmickel.com

www.mickelmotorsport.com

www.johnmickel.com/live (Race Weekend Only coverage of live at track action)

Wow, the crazy week continues!  I had a bit of a scare last night, as I earned myself a trip to the hospital at midnight.  Turns out as we were closing up the shop, I kicked over a floor heater which caught on fire…I was literally alight!  At first, I just thought my leg was hot, then I saw flames – and doused it with my hand. 

All told, I have burns on all five fingers & palm of my left hand, which is sufficiently bandaged – and my left calf.  Again, what we do in the name of sport…that’s racing! If you can’t laugh at yourself sometimes, who can?

In other news, the preparation for the weekend run continues.  I haven’t gotten off course for my CPC UK Legends racing – I’m off with teammate Paul Musselle to do press day Friday before qualifying and practice, then out of the gates Saturday in the three-heat races.  Hoping for a great finish!

My first blog with Sporting News was also posted today in NASCAR Unrestricted – I’m quite excited.  It’s a chance to watch my story unfold over the next few months.  I hope I can make it interesting, fun and give a new take on being an international driver in a BIG racing world.

LINK: bit.ly/MickelNASCARDiary

Cracking on…albeit with one arm and one leg for the time being! 

Cheers, JM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Champion British Driver “Takes the Checker” Against Childhood Illness by Running Upcoming Elite Invitation-Only Virgin London Marathon with Teammates

Team Torquespeed.com’s John Mickel, International Stock Car & Legends World Champion, Sky Sports Britain Commentator; Fundraises for British Nonprofit Rhys Daniels Trust by Logging 26.2 Miles

Cambridge, England, UK + Mooresville, NC (March 15, 2010) – John Mickel, recent 2010 ASA Freestate 500 Champion, 2001 ASCAR & Legends World English racing champion; in concert with his English team – Torquespeed – announced he will be running the elite Virgin London Marathon on April 25^th, 2010. Mickel will be running with Team Rhys Daniels Trust, alongside his US PR representative Demi Clark & UK CPC Legends teammate & spotter Paul Musselle, to help “take the checker” against childhood illness.

 

John Mickel (above right) running with CPC UK Legends sponsor in Cambridge, & Doodles the dog

“The Virgin London Marathon is and will always prove to be one of the greatest events of the year, which thankfully has been very beneficial for the Rhys Daniels Trust.,” said Barry Daniels, Executive Director of the Rhys Daniels Trust. “In 2006 we received the coveted Gold Bond Award from the London Marathon Official Board and in 2008 had the oldest runner ever to complete a Marathon, taking part and supporting the Rhys Daniels Trust. We are excited to have John, Paul & Demi on board with a unique angle of car racing - and in return hopefully raise thousands towards our unique ‘Home from Home’ Appeal.”

The Rhys Daniels Trust “Take the Checker” Team will be fundraising & participating in a media blitz the week before the Virgin London Marathon – having a show car event for the children & families in treatment; raising funds at the charity’s April 23^rd St. Georges Day Celebrity Golf Classic at Brocket Hall Golf Club; and being featured on local TV & radio programmes.

“The trauma of having a child diagnosed with a life threatening illness is shattering. Imagine then the added stress that these families face because their child needs to be treated many miles away from home. It could happen to anyone, and it is happening all the time to many families across the UK,” said John Mickel. “The aim of the Rhys Daniels Trust is to provide ‘Home from Home’ care in support of specialist Children’s Hospitals across the UK as a perfect environment for the sick child and their families at such a stressful time. My team is very excited to be able to help this amazing cause. It’s the most rewarding finish line I could ever cross, as we run past Buckingham Palace to the Mall at the end.”

Mickel is taking time from his busy Spring schedule to run the event – as he successfully ventures into a full 2010 UK Legends Series race schedule as team owner & driver; & alongside Team Torquespeed.com, plans to run a select number of 2010 races in Camping World Truck Series, team & number to be disclosed at a later date. It is their hope to then run an entire 2011 season for their rookie year. Mickel cut his teeth in Camping World Truck Series (then Craftsman) earlier in the decade with Bobby Hamilton, Sr & Bobby Dotter of Greenlight Racing (GLR).

For more information about the Virgin London Marathon & to use Virgin Money Giving to donate towards the 2000 British Pound fundraising goal, please visit: http://bit.ly/TakeTheChecker

ABOUT JOHN MICKEL:
John Mickel, as the only British driver competing in the elite NASCAR Series (Camping World Truck Series & Nationwide Series hopeful), brings a new level of prestige, dynamism & marketability to the sport – opening up a wider range of companies, sponsors & international appeal. Mickel was the first SCSA (Stock Car Speed Association) champion & currently holds the title of 4 World Legends Championships (the winningest driver in Legends history). He has competed in the NASCAR Camping World (then Craftsman) Truck Series with Bobby Hamilton Racing; ASA National Series events; Lowe’s Motor Speedway events & English oval tracks – finishing with lead lap, top 10 finishes. Most recently, Mickel took the checkered flag at the American Speed Association’s Inaugural Transcontinental Race – the Freestate 500 in Welkom, South Africa. For more information, visit www.JohnMickel.com, follow him on Facebook at search term “John Mickel,” or Twitter: www.Twitter.com/johnmickel.

ABOUT RHYS DANIELS TRUST:
In 1992 Barry and Carmen Daniels were given the devastating news that their daughter Charly, 4, had Late Infantile Batten's Disease - a devastating neurological degenerative childhood disease which leads to an early death - usually 3-4 years from onset. It was imperative that their son Rhys, aged 15 months, was tested - a test which sadly proved positive. When the Government decided, without consultation, to close the Westminster Children's Hospital a high profile court case followed. After a delay of 8 months, Rhys had his pioneering bone marrow transplant (his only hope of survival) at Bristol's Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

With no idea where they would live, how they would pay for accommodation, with one desperately sick child and another facing a bone marrow transplant, the family uprooted and headed for Bristol. The Daniels family were fortunate - as a result of media coverage, Harrods boss, Mohammed Al Fayed rented a flat in Bristol for the whole family to use whilst Rhys was in hospital. Money that had been sent by well-wishers was used to rent a flat for another family to use whilst their daughter was treated at Bristol. And so the idea for the Rhys Daniels Trust was born.

Following a second bone marrow transplant, Rhys sadly lost his brave battle for life on 21 December 1998. Charly who had amazed everyone with her ability to hold onto life, sadly passed away on 10 February, 1999. Barry and Carmen Daniels decided to use their own experience and to channel their efforts into the Rhys Daniels Trust which would be a lasting tribute to the courage of their children.

ABOUT TORQUESPEED.COM:

Team Owners Torquespeed.com, in concert with Champion British Race Car Driver John Mickel, brings the first British led, operated, driven & owned NASCAR team to the United States in 2010. Team owners are a quintessential triumvirate of British businessmen & NASCAR enthusiasts – Steve Dudman, Asa Burrows & driver John Mickel. Through winning team attributes; superior equipment & partnerships; proper management & resources; and a dynamic, fresh-faced, talented driver – British & World Champion John Mickel - Team Torquespeed.com will help bring not just a new audience base & storyline to NASCAR, but a competitive race team. For more information, visit www.Torquespeed.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Demi Knight Clark, Girl Friday PR & Marketing

demi@girlfridaypr.com

803.389.7153

Facebook: Demi Knight Clark

Twitter: SnowNumber19

-END-

For high res images and more info on CPC UK Legends, please contact Holeshot PR;
Harley Stephens - harley@holeshotpr.com (Tel: 01732 761006 / Mobile: 07943
059985) For US PR requests for John Mickel, email Demi Knight Clark – demi@girlfridaypr.com (803.389.7153).

11th March 2010 – London, United Kingdom
NASCAR AND RALLY CHAMPS LINE-UP FOR SUPER COMPETITIVE CPC LEGENDS CARS
SERIES

CPC Legends Cars, one of the most exciting motorsport series in the UK, is
pleased to announce a diverse and top quality 2010 entry, including NASCAR
driver and previous World Legends Champion John Mickel and triple British
Rally Champion Mark Higgins.

The series has been boosted by these two big names but they will not have it
easy with an existing entry of quality packed all the way through the field.
Four times World Legends Champion, John Mickel, comes off the back off a
super successful winter culminating in victory at the American Speed Association’s Freestate 500 in
Welkom, South Africa against a quality line-up of top US drivers. Mickel has
always had a soft spot for Legends with a fantastic rate of wins in the UK
series and the prestigious World finals. Mickel, will juggle the UK CPC
Legends Cars Championships while he guns for glory as the only British
driver competing in the elite NASCAR Series. John explained "It's going to
be a busy year with both the Legends and NASCAR racing, I should earn some
airmiles for sure! I love the Legends, they breed close racing, no-one
clears off and there's always a cracking atmosphere in the pits. Bring it
on!"

Following his three Legends races last season, Triple British Rally Champion
Mark Higgins has got hooked by the small nimble cars and has purchased a
Legends car with the intention of racing in the 2010 CPC UK Legends
Championship, at rounds that do not clash with his other commitments.
Mark, who had top six finishes in his three races at Pembrey, said "Legends
racing is fantastic, there was a great atmosphere at the event, it's a great
value for money championship & I absolutely loved it, even though I have a
lot to learn".

Eager to keep his No.1 plate in the series is Lee Fitzpatrick, who was
pushed all the way to the wire last year by Stephen Treherne (Team Karcher)
and his Burnett Motorsport team mate John Higgins.
With a full entry and ultra-close racing, this could be a year to remember
for the CPC Legends Cars series!

Phil Cooper, Series Organiser for CPC Legends Cars commented "This really is
shaping up as a great year for CPC Legends Cars, to have drivers of the
calibre of John and Mark choosing our series is testament to its appeal. It
also fires up the regular drivers as they know they will need to stay at the
top of their game. Let battle commence!"

Legends Cars are 5/8 scale racers based on pre-war Ford, Chevy and Dodge
bodies with a unique 'Funny Car' style. Under the bonnet they are driven by
identical Yamaha 1250cc, a combination designed to keep the machines ultra
lightweight and highly manoeuvrable for close, exciting racing. The Legends
Car is a real race car, consisting of a tubular frame and roll cage, a
locked differential and tight, responsive steering.

Strict rules limit modifications, keep the costs down and reveal the talents
of the drivers. Equal performance and reversed grids guarantee fast,
exciting and dramatic racing. The series has seen consistently high grids
with an impressive 32 potential machines for the new season and past
Champions have a habit of returning after failing to find the same buzz in
other classes.

CPC LEGENDS CARS 2010 RACE CALENDAR
27th March- Oulton Park
17th-18th April- Brands Hatch**
16th May- Cadwell Park
13th June- Mallory Park
26th-27th June- Lydden Hill**
31st July-1st August- Anglesey**
14th-15th August- Pembrey**
4th or 5th September - Donington Park
9th-10th October- Croft**
30th-31st October- Brands Hatch**
** Double Header

For more information on CPC Legend Cars or CPC themselves and for
high-resolution images please contact: Holeshot PR; Harley Stephens -
harley@holeshotpr.com (Tel: 01732 761006 / Mobile: 07943 059985)
Notes to Editors:
* CPC Legends Cars is a one-make, ultra competitive race series which
has been running for over 15 years
* CPC is the title sponsor of the CPC Legends Cars Championship
* CPC is a leading UK supplier of trade and retail electrical products
and accessories
* The CPC Product Catalogue features over 100,000 big name lines, all
housed on-site in their massive 175,000sq ft distribution facility
* CPC is a leading Preston company established in 1967 with 350 local
employees
* For more on CPC visit www.cpc.co.uk
* For more on CPC Legends visit www.legendsracinguk.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Horsham, England, Tuesday 9^th March 2010

WORLD CHAMPION MAKES LEGEND-ARY RETURN AS 2010 CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER AND TEAM OWNER

Mickel Motorsport Team Owner Fields Two Cars in 2010 UK CPC Legends Championship

World Legends Champion John Mickel continues to excite the UK race fans with the announcement that he will compete in the National series of the pocket rockets, for the 2010 CPC Legends Championships and is determined to compete for the title.

While Mickel gains momentum through continued talks and interest with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams, he admitted he couldn’t resist the allure of the 5/8ths scale coupe and sedan replicas. Mickel’s last Legends tour resulted in both National and World Champion crowns in a sensational 2001 season.

“I see my long term future very much in America in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, but who could resist the chance to have some fun on home ground in a series that delivers the best racing in the UK. With the strength and depth of the series this year, along with a great television and media package, I just couldn’t stay away. It being the 10^th anniversary of my double definitely swayed me too!”

Mickel, who has just returned from a series of extremely positive meetings with NASCAR Truck teams in America, also announced a great line up of sponsors for his Legends campaign on home shores. Long term supporters RS Capp, a provider of technical resource solutions to blue chip companies and the military, return for an impressive 10^th season as Mickel’s personal sponsors. Director Mike Shadwell admitted he was delighted that John’s UK race programme in 2010 will be focused on Legends.

“John has delivered us a superb programme of racing over the past decade. We’ve enjoyed his racing, with its major successes on three continents - there’s never been a dull moment! In fact there have been many proud and exciting moments and we at RS Capp, together with our clients, can’t wait for the season to begin. It’s given us great brand exposure and is an opportunity for us to entertain, do business with, and share great times with those clients of ours who aren’t able to travel to the United States to see John in full flight – we can’t wait!”

Mickel has added a new marketing partner for the forthcoming season in the form of MTS, developers and providers of some of the most sophisticated mobile variable messaging signs available. MTS Sales Director Peter Diamant is delighted with his latest signing - commenting, “At MTS it’s important for us to get our message out there and to explain and demonstrate the innovative, valuable products we have. In John and the Legends Championship we have a proven winner and a national platform that we know our existing and new customers are going to thoroughly enjoy this year.”

MTS will be displaying some of its fascinating range of ground-breaking products at each of the 16 rounds of the UK Championship, with special messaging being displayed in the paddock on the company’s impressive mobile display units.

The CPC Legends Championship gets underway at Cheshire’s Oulton Park circuit on Saturday 27^th March. Speculation is rife over whether Mickel will re-emerge with the coveted Number 4 on the side of his car, the number he won both his National and World titles with in 2010.

For more information call:

John Mickel: +44 (0) 7714 217798

Mike Shadwell, RS Capp + 44

Peter Diamant, MTS + 44

Notes to editors

About John Mickel

John Mickel started racing running on quarter mile ovals, at the tender age of 10. His love for speed became more pronounced as he started to take podium positions in everything he raced, becoming a multi junior champion before the age of 12 on the short ovals.

Before the age of 19, John had already become a World and European Champion, again on short ovals with Superstox, an open wheeled racer similar to American Outlaws.

In 2001, a 1.5 mile oval was built at Rockingham UK, and in Lausitz Germany a 2 mile oval, to bring the speed and thrill of the NASCAR vision of motorsport to Europe. By the end of 2001, John was UK and World Legends Champion (road course) and European SCSA Champion (large ovals - equivalent ASA) with his sights set on his personal ambition to race NASCAR.

John shares his life with his family, wife Lisa and two young daughters, and they now live in Horsham, Sussex.

For more information, visit www.johnmickel.com or follow him on facebook:John Mickel; or Twitter: @johnmickel.

About RS Capp

RS Capp was established in 1992 and has a Blue Chip Client Listing in the Defence and associated sectors. The business is focused on Radars, Communications, Simulation Training and IT. RS Capp is ISO 9001:2008 accredited and has a forecast turnover of around £4 million for 2010.

RS Capp, through its professional management team and over 100 security cleared technical specialist engineers and technicians, have successfully completed contracts in over 14 countries around the world amassing over 400 man years of effort.

The company have delivered projects involving Operation, Training, Maintenance, Equipment & Systems Installation & Commissioning, Repairs and their services have included Project and Technical Management, Site Management, Planning, Quality, Safety and ILS.

About MTS

MTS is part of the Rennicks Group (head office based in Dublin), which has over a quarter of a century of experience in developing and producing state of the art traffic sign technology. A wide and impressive range of products is available including traffic signage, sign fixings, vehicle livery and car licence plates. (www.rennicksuk.com)

MTS’s UK Head office is in Lingfield, Surrey and the company also has a branch in Scotland which ensures a high level of service to our customers wherever they may be within the UK.

Had a great trip to America this week, what a blast – and how many experiences I can share!  It would be one VERY long blog post.  The highlights…had to be the Charlotte Checkers game where we ended up on the ice…and WON a raft race against Team Penske (Charlotte is home base for their stock car operation)…however, I did come down with a cold – so I like to blame it on the fact that I was “on the ice slaving away.” :)

In the above picture, at least my “PR Girl Friday” did it with me – she doesn’t just sign me up for this ridiculousness all on her own! That’s Demi to the right, along with two good friends Noelle & Jason Graves, from Charlotte. Also visiting with several marketing firms & teams in Atlanta to talk about potential NCWTS races in 2010 and 2011, as well as catching up with many old friends from my days running Craftsman Truck Series in the states a few years back.  “Ma” is still running the operation over at GreenLight Racing, and she’ll always take care of me!

It’s back to the grind this week, but a good grind it is.  My UK Legends cars are due in on Monday of week next – off the boat, into the garage for preparation for the first race on March 27th.  We’re busy finishing up press kits, Hero cards and websites to be “print ready” for all of my new interviews and marketing partner calls – and I’m still training for the Virgin London Marathon in April.  That cold is not making me enthusiastic, but a train run is a train run – can’t stop training.  KEEP DIGGIN!

Cheers, JM

Listen to both my race radio interviews LIVE tonight, Monday (Stateside broadcasts) - 5:30pm EST/10:30pm UK on XM Radio’s BurningRubberRadio.com with Andy DeLay, and 8pmEST/1am UK on GarageTalkLive.com with Vince Bonfigli.

Late night 4 the Englishman, but I’m excited to have the chance to keep talking racing!  I’m also looking forward to my trip to Charlotte & Atlanta…early morning for me tomorrow. To the airport I go, Race City USA here I come…

Hi all…I guess we are getting “international” here…I have a PO Box for fan mail & Hero card requests.  For a laugh – great story, my wife Lisa helped set this up with the Royal Mail.  She had to get a letter from the local police, addressed to the RM explaining that because I was a “celebrity,” I need a sensitive box.  Why yes, I am such a celebrity...TOO FUNNY! :)

For UK or European requests, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope:

John Mickel Fan Mail & Hero Card Requests

PO Box 1000, HORSHAM, RH12 9LE, United Kingdom

For US-based requests, please send to:
John Mickel Hero Card Request, c/o Girl Friday PR + Marketing, 1102 Market Street, Fort Mill, SC 29708

From ASA Champion in South Africa to ESPN...in England

It's a laugh some days, how life works. Who knew, a year ago - that my racing life would be taking as many twists and turns as the road course at Watkins Glen in the US! Myself and my family are blessed right now to be surrounded by wonderful people and fantastic support - friends, family & colleagues.

Tonight is the ESPN UK broadcast of the American Speed Association's Freestate 500 back on January 31st, in Welkom, Freestate, South Africa. Kudos to Kevin, Dennis & the hardworking team at the ASA in garnering so many broadcasts around the world of this event, that 100M potential viewers may watch this race. Racing is truly global - and this Englishman is pretty happy about that!

Being the ASA Freestate 500 Champion has helped my momentum this month, quite a bit. I recently did the SkySports broadcast of the Daytona 500 (hopefully next year they'll have to cover me while I'm on the track!), and I've been invited to the BBC Morning Show in the next week. My Facebook "fan page" has grown, as well as Twitter followers, and I'm humbled - not one to talk about myself, it's nice to know that I have support for my renewed US racing career. My run training is moving along - up to an hour on the road. My Virgin Money Giving account for the Rhys Daniels Trust is almost finished, so look for donation page very soon.

I'll be in Charlotte next week, speaking with a variety of people on NASCAR racing - not much I can divulge at this point, but it's coming and coming fast..."positive karma," as my PR staff says! They're right - if you keep putting positive action in place every day, you will reap the rewards. So for those 100M viewers across the world that might take in an inspirational race this week, I am truly excited for the possibilities.

A podium that held the most diverse top 3 ever in motorsports. A field of drivers that represented the full world of motorsports (and the possibility that anyone who WANTS to drive, does have the tools & resources to make it happen, with hard work - much like Johann Spies of South Africa). The first time an Englishman has ever taken a checkered flag in American-style stock car racing.

That gives me chills. Thank you to the ASA for truly breeding "world champions" at the Freestate 500. May it be the start of many, many stories to come from several of those drivers - I cannot wait to see them in 2011, when I defend my title as ASA Freestate 500 World Champion! I will buy a swift half for everyone! Cheers, JM

Team Torquespeed.com & John Mickel, International Stock Car & Legends World Champion, Sky Sports Britain Commentator; Sign Girl Friday PR + Marketing for 2010 US Race Season & Tour

Cambridge, England, UK + Mooresville, NC (February 15, 2010) – John Mickel, recent 2010 ASA Freestate 500 winner, 2001 ASCAR & Legends World English racing champion; in concert with his English team – Torquespeed.com – retained Girl Friday PR + Marketing to handle all public relations, marketing strategy & hospitality for their 2010 debut in NASCAR’s elite Series. The team remains the first English team in history to vie for a spot in the elite stock car racing venue of Camping World Trucks.

“Coming off a very successful trip to South Africa – bringing home the 1^st place trophy – Team Torquespeed.com knew it was time to continue our stateside progress & presence,” said Mickel, from Cambridge, UK. “I’m excited to race in select companion Camping World Truck Series races in 2010, and with ‘Girl Friday’ at our side; we have no choice but continue this pattern of success. She is tenacious & relentless in her pursuit of awareness for her clients. All I have to do is do what I love – DRIVE.”

Demi Clark, Chief Girl Friday + Owner, as agency of record, will handle all public relations, at-track and off-track media relations, branding, social media strategy, team communications, US race preparation & logistics, and hospitality for the London, England, UK-based Torquespeed.com team.

“It was an absolute blast to get to know some of the Torquespeed.com team in South Africa, while I was there working with Marc Davis Motorsports & Tiff Daniels Racing,” said Clark. “I consider John & the guys like family at this point – how refreshing to see that no matter where in the world you race stock cars, the family attitude of this sport remains the same. I can’t wait to see their brilliance in the US, both from a marketability standpoint with sponsors, but also backing it up with their performance on the race track. To see John take the checker and make stock car history in South Africa – that was surreal.”

Mickel & Team Torquespeed.com plan to run a select number of 2010 races in Camping World Truck Series, team & number to be disclosed at a later date; it is their hope to then run an entire 2011 season for their rookie year. Mickel cut his teeth in Camping World Truck Series (then Craftsman) earlier in the decade with Bobby Hamilton, Sr & Bobby Dotter of Greenlight Racing (GLR).

Team Owner Steve Dudman of Torquespeed.com said, “Demi is a breath of fresh air for our race team. She has dogged determination to get our message out to a new, US-based audience & press. We’re excited to see what her passion will translate for us in NASCAR – as we’ve always said, we’ve got the story. It’s just getting to the people who might want to tell it, that will take us to the next level.”

Clark continued, “I call John ‘our racing unicorn.’ After championing many underdogs in racing from a diversity perspective – to include female & African-American drivers – I firmly believe that ‘now’ is the right time for John. It’s my hope that the NASCAR community will be receptive to the first successful English team, & he’s already had a lot of kudos/support from some of the elite Sprint Cup drivers. Not only will American audiences be riveted by a genuine, determined, well-spoken driver/commentator and team – they will also be happily surprised that the man can drive the wheels off an American stock car! That’s just great for our sport, ‘good TV,’ & gives it a true international appeal, much to the likes of Juan Pablo Montoya, Marcus Ambrose & Nelson Piquet, Jr.”

ABOUT JOHN MICKEL:
John Mickel, as the only British driver competing in the elite NASCAR Series (Camping World Truck Series & Nationwide Series hopeful), brings a new level of prestige, dynamism & marketability to the sport – opening up a wider range of companies, sponsors & international appeal. Mickel was the first SCSA (Stock Car Speed Association) champion & currently holds the title of 4 World Legends Championships (the winningest driver in Legends history). He has competed in the NASCAR Camping World (then Craftsman) Truck Series with Bobby Hamilton Racing; ASA National Series events; Lowe’s Motor Speedway events & English oval tracks – finishing with lead lap, top 10 finishes. Most recently, Mickel took the checkered flag at the American Speed Association’s Inaugural Transcontinental Race – the Freestate 500 in Welkom, South Africa. For more information, visit www.JohnMickel.com.

ABOUT TORQUESPEED.COM:

Team Owners Torquespeed.com, in concert with Champion British Race Car Driver John Mickel, brings the first British led, operated, driven & owned NASCAR team to the United States in 2010. Team owners are a quintessential triumvirate of British businessmen & NASCAR enthusiasts – Steve Dudman, Asa Burrows & driver John Mickel. Through winning team attributes; superior equipment & partnerships; proper management & resources; and a dynamic, fresh-faced, talented driver – British & World Champion John Mickel - Team Torquespeed.com will help bring not just a new audience base & storyline to NASCAR, but a competitive race team. For more information, visit www.Torquespeed.com.

ABOUT GIRL FRIDAY PR + MARKETING:

Long known in male-dominated industries, Girl Friday PR + Marketing is run with the infectious enthusiasm of Demi Knight Clark. Unafraid to be a "skirt on the jobsite," Clark challenged the norms early in her career with the world’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton Homes. After leading teams & projects plus launching 60+ communities for the homebuilder, Demi chose to venture out on her own in a "down economy." She started her own woman-focused/based PR, marketing & sponsorship firm, Girl Friday. Her first major clients are in the motorsports arena, with a concentration on female & diversity drivers & the passion of that marketing niche. In her “spare time,” she also became a certified Yoga Instructor (RYT); & a published author, of the Snow the Racehorse Series, supporting RacingforWildlife.org with Ryan Newman. Demi also guest commentates for radio & TV broadcasts throughout stock car series, reporting on the progression of female & diversity drivers in the sport. For more info, visit www.GirlFridayPR.com & www.SnowTheRacehorse.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Demi Knight Clark, Girl Friday PR & Marketing

demi@girlfridaypr.com

803.389.7153

Facebook: Demi Knight Clark

Twitter: SnowNumber19

Team TorqueSpeed.com is back in the UK, all men accounted for after an amazing trip.  Just picked up the last team member from the airport this weekend.  What a journey, what a race, what new friends made from all over the world - not to mention great racing.  I'm still on a high, winning the inaugural American Speed Association's Freestate 500 (thanks ASA staff & officials for putting on a great race). Thanks also to the Savannah Cheetah Foundation, Bobby Hartslief & Jackie Lundquist for hosting us with style.

Back to work this week - it's never a dull moment in racing, we race to live.  Mickel Motorsport just announced our three-car team in the UK Legends series...now we're just waiting on cars to arrive and setups. Race schedule starts March 27th, so the shop will be busy& demanding. I also returned to my training regimen - decided to definitely throw my hat in the ring for the Virgin London Marathonin late April.

Stay tuned for more updates, I'll be blogging about my progress on the VLM's marathoner blogs.  I'm privileged to be "racing" with my legs this time, to benefit a wonderful organization - the Rhys Daniels Trust.  My new "PR Girl Friday" out of the US is trying to join me on the run - she's a new distance runner but believes we can do it as a team - so look for more news online.  We've dubbed it the "Pond Challenge" due to US vs. UK.  I think I'll win on time...of course!

In other news, watch the Sky Sports broadcast of the Daytona 500 live this Sunday - I'll be recapping my South Africa experience, as well as serving as race analyst for the broadcast.  Also, watch for updates on the Freestate 500 - it was announced that ESPN.co.uk will also be broadcasting the race in entirety very soon.  I'm also working on my US trip for late February - lots of good things in the works with sponsors and 2010 Camping World Truck races.  2011, get ready for the British invasion all over again! 

Make sure to visit my new fan page on Facebook (search John Mickel), as well as follow my tweets  @johnmickel…fun fan contests to come. We'll see you in the stands or the pits.  Green, green, green - let's go racing!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Horsham, England, Monday 8^th February 2010

John Mickel’s Horsham based MickelMotorsport is set to make a dramatic and welcome return to the UK LegendsChampionship when the series gets under way at Oulton Park on March 27^th.

The Cambridgeshire born sometimeNASCAR driver and recent Freestate 500 winner will field three brand new LegendsCars in the exciting pocket-rocket series.

Talking about the development Mickelcommented “Our expectation is still to bein America racing NASCAR at the end of this year with a full season in 2011 butin the meantime, we wanted to provide our UK commercial partners and ourselveswith some fun and exceptional value; where better to find that than here in thefantastic National Legends Championship.”

Mickel Motorsport last contested theUK Championship in 2001, when John campaigned his number 4 Legend, clinching a superb13 wins on his way to the Championship title. 2001 was a memorable year forMickel, he also lifted the ASCAR oval series championship and stunned theAmericans by beating an all-star field to grab the World Legends Championshipat Infineon Raceway (then Sears Point) in the November of that year.

“WhenI look back at my early career we’ve had some tremendous races in Legends, ourMickel Motorsport partners have always had great times and there’s no doubt wewill be running three very fast cars in this year’s title battle. We’ve got ahuge amount of experience of preparing these cars and I’m keen to pass that onso that the team can compete for another title. We know it won’t be easy but wehave the tools and the knowledge so we’re going to give it our best shot!”

Deals have been signed with driversfor two of the three cars the team will enter; a statement on precisely whowill drive those cars will be made in two weeks, to coincide with additionalsponsor announcements.

The seat in the third team car iscurrently available and Mickel has already received a lot of interest as newsemerged of his teams’ return to the UK Legends; he added “some are drivers who have been in the Championship previously and knowwe deliver fast, reliable cars, others are from different racing backgrounds andthey remember our success and want to benefit from our expertise.”

Mickel Motorsport is still invitingdrivers interested in running with the team to contact him but remainstight-lipped about a return to the series himself “I never say never but for now I want to focus on establishing MickelMotorsport as front-runners in what is an extremely competitive championship.”

Ends.

For information contact

John Mickel: +44 (0) 7714 217798

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Mickel, #09 FKTeacher.com/RS CAPP Chevy Monte Carlo driver & 2001 English SCSA Champion, Provides Dramatic 1st finish for South Africa, England & Stock Car Racing History

(January 31, 2010) – John Mickel, 2001 ASCAR & Legends World English racing champion, makes world motorsports history today – a first for England, South Africa & American-style stock car racing by taking the checker at the historic inaugural Freestate 500 at Phakisa Freeway in Welkom, South Africa.

Mickel, born in Cambridge and now living in West Sussex, England, started the weekend strong in both practice & qualifying, impressing his American, Australian & South African competitors by qualifying fourth-fastest 36.643 on Friday in the car fielded by Dick Midgely Motorsports from Victoria, B.C. He ran competitively from the race inception, running in the top 5 for the majority of the race. Overall, Mickel led 5 1/4 laps in the race, with a best time of 37.010 in the #09 FKTeacher.com/RS Capp Chevy. He finished in 1^st place overall and dominated the winner’s podium.

Going green with 25 laps to go, Mickel found himself in fifth place with Geoff Bodine heading the group. A push to the finish line with no fuel, race leader Geoff Bodine headed towards the garage with three to go. Mickel, attached to #90 Toni McCray’s bumper after passing Marc Davis, pulled past the #90 McCray Motorsports Chevy in a dramatic last lap push in a high line around the back stretch of turn 4.

“What better birthday present, turning 39 years old while I’m here at the first race ever in South Africa,” said Mickel. “It’s a great honour to represent England for her first win in American-style stock car racing history.”

“I’m pleased I’ve maintained a superior level of fitness - it was critical in conquering an amazing battle between several seasoned top 5 drivers in a long, hot 207 laps on a 1.5 mile punishing, challenging track,” Mickel continued. The Phakisa Freeway oval, coincidentally, was modelled after Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s 1.5 mile oval – known by many top NASCAR drivers as a gruelling track.

“We came here with a firm goal of competing regularly at the NASCAR level, and this has given us a tremendous platform to launch that effort & also help demonstrate that I have the talent & ability to perform at that level,” Mickel continued. “Without help from the FKTeacher.com & RS CAPP family, we wouldn’t be here today in the winner’s circle.”

For more information about the historic race and other finishes, visit www.asa-racing.com.

ABOUT JOHN MICKEL:
Mickel was the first SCSA (Stock Car Speed Association) champion in 2001, & in 2002 he ventured over to the U.S. to try his hand at American stock car racing. He has competed in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Bobby Hamilton Racing, ASA National Series events, Lowe’s Motor Speedway events & English oval tracks – finishing with lead lap, top 10 finishes. For more information, visit www.TorqueSpeed.com.

ABOUT DICK MIDGELY MOTORSPORTS:
NASCAR/ASA Car Owner Dick Midgley is no stranger to international motorsports, with several Australian International races under his belt – running the last 5 years of NASCAR Series racing in Australia. He has several oval & road course race wins, plus championship trophies & numerous awards.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Demi Knight Clark, Girl Friday PR & Marketing
demi@girlfridaypr.com

803.389.7153

From www.asa-racing.com -
It was a historical day at Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State South Africa as John Mickel from the United Kingdom won the first ever ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 in front of an appreciative crowd. 

Geoff Bodine had a four-second lead with three laps to go as it appears he ran out of fuel handing the lead over to Toni McCray. 

On the last lap, Mickel would get past McCray for the lead and go on to win the race. More details to come!!!!

Pos    No.    Name   
1    09    John Mickel    207   
2    90    Toni McCray    207  
3    96    Marc Davis    207   
4    08    Rick McCray    207   
5    900    Johan Spies    207   
6    73    Gary Lewis    207   
7    19    Tiffany Daniels    207   
8    55    Greg Barnhart    206   
9    8    Geoff Bodine    206  
10    68    Danie Correia    204   
11    20    Gugu Zulu    202   
12    97    Mark Ebert    202  
13    41    Ron Norman    198  
14    98    Shaun Richardson    176   
15    22    Johan Cronje    155   
16    F22    Russ Blakeley    128  
17    61    Tim Olson    115  
18    00    Johan Coetzer    88   
19    F66    Steve Carlson    54   
20    52    Chris Wimmer    38   
21    11    Jaco Correia    28   
22    80    Mark Shaffer    28  
23    85    Lance Fenton    12   
24    88    Don Uhlir 1

More details soon,

John has had a great qualifying run at Phakisa Speedway. For more information, visit the ASA news article. More information will be available shortly,

The Frances King School of English has teamed up with Sussex-based multiple world motor racing champion John Mickel for the 2010 season.

The school in London, which is accredited by the British Council and has been delivering high quality English language tuition since 1973, is seizing the chance to gain valuable exposure through John’s International on track activities.

Commenting on the exciting news, Francis King School of English Managing Director Sean Morgan said, “I’ve been aware of John’s tremendous record of achievement in all sorts of Motorsport for some time. His International schedule and our exciting development plans overseas dovetail wonderfully. I’m certain it will provide a real focal point for us and our students during the season.”

Sean Morgan went on to say “As an English Language School opening up a new business in South Africa it made perfect sense to us to combine with John, especially as he is the only English driver to be invited to participate in the race.” Mickel will pilot the number 09 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR that delivers almost 500 brake horsepower.

John will be in Francis King School of English colours for the first time later this month in South Africa, on the 1.5-mile D-Shaped oval at the Phakisa Circuit. NASCAR-experienced Mickel will take up his grid position for the Free State 500 at 1pm on January 31^st 2010.

“The fact that this is John’s first race in 2010 and that it is in South Africa is great news for us” added Owen Phillips. Owen, who is leading the launch of Francis King’s internet-based English Training in South Africa, is also thrilled with the news. “Frances King is proud to introduce FK Teacher into South Africa, to cater to the need that exists in this country for internet-based English training. By linking up with John we’re going to be able to use the high-profile race to communicate what FK Teacher is all about, and how our unique and highly effective online learning system benefits people who want to improve their English. The system provides the student with a sophisticated, user-friendly web platform, and an innovative learning approach, as well as personal contact with a tutor."

The Phakisa Circuit is South West of Johannesburg and is home to MotoGP’s South African Motorcycle Grand Prix.

JOHN MICKEL TO REPRESENT THE UNITED KINGDOM AT THE ASA FREE STATE 500 SOUTH AFRICA EVENT

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Nov 4, 2009) - The upcoming American Speed Association Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, South Africa on Sunday, January 31, 2010 will be a true international competition. John Mickel, a champion driver from Cambridge, UK has accepted his invitation to compete in the inaugural event.

“I felt very privileged to receive a phone call from Dennis Huth asking me to race in such a prestigious event,” Mickel said about receiving an invitation from the ASA President. “As a racing driver, I love to get behind the wheel whenever I can but it is even more exciting to be involved in an international motorsport contest especially as it will be the first ever ASA race to venture outside North America. Having been involved in the first ever race in SCSA when it was launched in Europe, I have an understanding of how exciting and important an event like this can be to the drivers, locals, businesses and authorities and most of all showing the fans how thrilling oval racing can be.”

Mickel was the first SCSA (Stock Car Speed Association) champion in 2001 and in 2002 he ventured over to the United States to try his hand at American stock car racing. In 2004, he competed in the American Speed Association National Series events at Charlotte and Atlanta where he finished on the lead lap in both events. Mickel said that the SCSA was a European version of ASA when it was launched in 2001, “We were hopeful that it could become the European stepping stone to oval racing in the US. During the years that we ran in the SCSA Championship, we had many victories including the inaugural Championship title. This put us in a great position to place our experience in the States. I was involved in SCSA from the very beginning and I helped coach the European drivers through what we called "Rookie Training.” I hope that all the South African drivers enjoy the experience and I wish them every success in becoming familiar with racing on super speedways.”

In 2005, he made his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Texas Motor Speedway driving for Bobby Hamilton Racing. Since that time, he has made six other starts with the last coming in 2008 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “The experience we gained from working with teams in the US was invaluable and it created a platform for us to build upon,” Mickel said. “I loved every second of it and it makes me hungry for more involvement and our plan is to do a full season in NASCAR.”

That hunger has been well noticed by famous car owner Dick Midgley. Midgley is very familiar with taking American stock car racing overseas has he has ventured with Dennis Huth to past events in Australia and Japan along with preparing Trucks in the past for Mickel. He is excited to be preparing a car for Mickel for the ASA Free State 500. “He can definitely drive, he has the experience and he has plenty of seat time in a car,” Midgley said. “The thing that really stands out is that he has the desire. I really like his attitude and I think he can get the job done. I know that John would like to come back and do more ASA racing in the United States.”

“John will be a very valuable asset for our event,” Dennis Huth, ASA President said. “Not only with his talent behind the wheel but with his coaching experience to young European drivers, the South African drivers will learn a lot from him as well as he will take away a lot as well from this adventure. He also has experience as a television commentator in auto racing, so he will be a great communicator with the world media covering this event.”

Most of Mickel’s experience has come on oval tracks in Europe, “Oval racing in the UK is becoming more popular thanks to the live coverage of NASCAR on Sky Sports television. Small oval racing has always been popular amongst drivers here, which is where my racing experience comes from, however it would be good to see far more speedways in the UK,” Mickel explained. “The European super speedways are less banked than many in the US. The European tracks are much like Indianapolis or Pocono. The typical US super speedways such as Charlotte and Atlanta have much steeper banking making them much faster tracks. But nothing can compare to the US fan base in motorsport where the whole family follows the season and sets up a home at each track with their barbecues and beers.”

“This event is set to be a ‘Championship Between the Continents' and the South African Government wants to make it one of the premier motorsport events in the world,” Mickel exclaimed. “I am looking forward to working with the South African drivers and exchanging knowledge and experience with them and I am very hopeful that I will have a chance to explore a beautiful country. On track, I will be giving 100%.”

You can learn more about John Mickel by either visiting www.johnmickel.com or www.torquespeed.com.

The American drivers invited will not only get a chance to compete on one of the finest racetracks outside of the United States, but will enjoy many off-track opportunities to see the various sights of South Africa; this includes a private tour of “Savannah” the wildlife preserve that holds the distinction of being just one of three accredited worldwide breeders of the Cheetah.

To learn more about Phakisa Freeway, visit www.phakisa.com. You can also get a two-lap ride around the Phakisa Freeway Oval by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDtRvWVCypI.

To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based American Speed Association call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and regional tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.

ASA™, ASA Racing™  American Speed Association® are trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC. ASA International, LLC or Racing Speed Associates, LLC are not related to or affiliated with ASA Late Model Series, LLC.

Largest Dedicated Kärcher Dealer in the UK joins forces with leading UK truck preparation and race team, Torquespeed.

Torquespeed the European based racing team and Chemtec a Kärcher Center have announced a business partnership, working together until the close of the 2009 race season. “It is very exciting to be working with  Chemtec as I feel that their product range both complements our current partners and will offer them unique market placement in our field for both Home user and Professional users.” Said John Mickel MD for Torquespeed. “We are looking forward to our first race in association with Kärcher Center Chemtec at Rockingham Motor Speedway on 6th September where we can show our alliance with Kärcher Center Chemtec on the circuit. We are really optimistic that this is the beginning of a long and strong partnership which will grow in future years.”

On the 9th 10th and 11th October,  in association with Chemtec will be hosting an official opening weekend of  their Kärcher Center in the UK at their premises in Stanmore, Middx and John Mickel will be present.

Malcolm Setton, MD for Chemtec said “With our support in other areas of motorsport John approached me with an idea of the partnership and how this great opportunity could work for both parties. This together with the opening of our first Kärcher Center in the UK will be a great platform from which we can both push forward and certainly a new level of cleanliness will now be brought to the Pick-up Truck Series!”

Welding specialists Lincoln Electric join forces with leading UK truck preparation and race team, Torquespeed.

Lincoln electric is delighted to announce the launch of a new partnership bringing together successful autosports team Torquespeed with the leading manufacturer of welding equipment and consumables.

SCSA Champions and 4 x World Champions; the Torquespeed team have been at the forefront of truck racing in the UK for many years. Torquespeed stand for teamwork and performance, and with this attitude they earned the first 1-2-3 podium sweep in the SCSA Championship. Torquespeed are determined not to stop there and the team recently launched into the famous US NASCAR circuit gaining valuable experience for future success.

John Mickel, Director of Torquespeed said ‘Its great to have a business partnership with Lincoln Electric. It is a perfect fit for a racing team and they were involved with us through Torquespeed USA in the NASCAR project and we are looking to build on things for 2010”.

David Kirkwood, Marketing Communications Manager of Lincoln Electric added “This new partnership with Torquespeed will bring together our wealth of experience in this field. We are committed to helping our new partner by providing help and support where it is needed most and are looking forward to an exciting future working with Torquespeed”.

With many years providing equipment & trackside support to many of the NASCAR & CART racing teams, Lincoln Electric can offer their new partner unique expertise and a range of equipment developed specifically for the autosports industry. And with Torquespeed now on-board, experience and knowledge from both sides can be shared and developed to mutual benefit.

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products. With a worldwide distribution network covering more than 160 countries. For more information on Lincoln Electric’s extensive product range log on to: www.lincolnelectric.eu

For more information on Torquespeed please visit www.torquespeed.com or www.johnmickel.com