Munroe Falls, Ohio (16 August 2012) – Amy Ruman will target her fifth consecutive Trans Am podium this weekend as the series stages round six of the 2012 championship at the high speed track Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. While the Ohio-based racer is fully focused on continuing to stage a championship-contending run this season, the Road America race will also see her and the entire Ruman Racing crew using the weekend as a way to thank those that help make it possible, everyday.
Ruman Racing is dedicating the Road America round to the United States Armed Forces in thanks for their never-ending work across the globe to keep the country free.
“We just wanted to do something special for our friends in the Armed Forces,” said Ruman, who currently holds second in the Trans Am championship standings. “While we get to enjoy the freedoms that we do–like getting to come to a place like Road America and go racing–we wanted to say a special thanks to our men and women who are all over the world, risking their lives to defend those freedoms. I’ve had many family members serve in the military, and it continues to amaze me the sacrifices these people make for us.”
Along with the No. 23 McNichols Co./Goodyear/Cenweld Corvette and everything that goes with supporting the effort, Ruman will be bringing a very special item to the race weekend–an American flag that has seen active duty.
The flag flew on board “Titan 47,” a CH-47D Chinook Helicopter, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom XII earlier this year on May 23. Ruman was the recipient of the flag thanks to her friendship with SSG Russell Mazzola, Supply Sergeant for Bravo Company 3/238th Aviation Regiment based in Salerno, Afghanistan. Mazzola, along with the flight crew that flew the flag on this mission are based out of Akron-Canton, Ohio – only about 20 miles south of Ruman’s hometown.
“I couldn’t believe it when I received a package from Russ, I had no idea what it was going to be! The flag was a thank you from Russ and his team for some goodies I sent over to them. He has been a big race fan and thought this would be cool for our team to display and I was incredibly honored to receive it,” said Ruman. “We are dedicating this race to their service, and we are also trying to get the word out about how we can all help brighten a soldier’s day. Just like they made our day with this flag, we are hoping to make their day with some support from the home front.”
Ruman Racing is encouraging fans to drop a note or an item into the mail, just as a small thank you for their efforts.
“We’ve got a ‘Chinook Santa,’ wrote Mazzola in an email. “Our Chinooks fly to other areas in Afghanistan that are pretty remote. There are a lot of U.S. Soldiers that could use items from home that may not be available to them. So throw some snacks, toiletries, magazines, etc. in a box and our guys will deliver them! There are no Walgreens caddy corner to CVS over here!”
“It’s so simple to do,” remarked Ruman. “Your local post office has flat rate boxes to use for the military. I encourage you to stop in, pick one up, and take it home and fill it! They will be so excited to get something from home.”
When Ruman asked if her fellow competitors were willing to pose for a shot with the flag, she was nearly overwhelmed with the response.
“I want to thank everyone in this paddock–everyone was so quick to show their support and I really appreciate them taking the time to make this special for the guys and pose with the flag, especially on such a busy race weekend. Thank you to everyone!”
Those looking to join the thanks by sending a gift can address them to:
Chinook Santa/SSG Russell Mazzola
Task Force No Mercy
B Co 3-238th AVN 101st
FOB Salerno
APO, AE 09314
Sponsors: McNICHOLS Nationwide Service Centers is the nation’s largest distributor of Perforated and Expanded Metals; Wire Mesh; Bar, Plank, and Safety Gratings; Stair Treads; Matting; and more. Products are carried in all styles and materials–stocked for 24 hour shipment. “Inspired to Serve”™ 800.237.3820 mcnichols.com Goodyear Tire & Rubber is a Ruman Racing sponsor as well as the Series sponsor. Cenweld Corp., a well-established manufacturer and distributor of truck bodies and equipment throughout Ohio, is also long-time Ruman Racing sponsor.
For quick news and updates during race weekends, please follow Ruman Racing and the Trans-Am Series on Twitter @rumanracing and@gotransam. Be sure to “Like” our official pages on Facebook: Ruman Racing, Amy Ruman (Official Fan Page), McNichols Company, and Go Trans Am.
Broadcast information: www.goracingtv.com
Race Info/Scoring/Results: www.gotransam.com
Live Timing/Twitter Feed: www.gotransam.com/live-timing-and-scoring/
Looking ahead:
Rounds 7 & 8: Brainerd International Raceway – September 2
Ruman Racing, Inc., is based in Munroe Falls, Ohio.
