Commitment To Wisconsin Residents and Businesses A Priority
Milwaukee, Wis. (July 23, 2008) The Milwaukee Mile speedway announced today the appointment of Marcus Lemonis as its new chairman.
The Miami, Fla. native attended Marquette University and admittedly fell in love with Milwaukee and Wisconsin. The successful NASCAR Camping World Summer Speed Weekend held this past June at The Milwaukee Mile was Lemonis’ first involvement at The Mile.
“The Milwaukee Mile is one of this state’s treasures, rich in history and full of potential and my immediate goal is to reintroduce the speedway to Wisconsin-based companies and residents,” Lemonis said. “With their support, we’ll be able to insure that the speedway continues to deliver a high caliber of outdoor entertainment. I have chosen to get involved to be able to bring focus and attention to this great city and state.”
Recognized as the world’s oldest active speedway, The Milwaukee Mile has been used primarily as a motorsports venue, with planning in process for the speedway to become recognized as an entertainment venue hosting events like classic car shows, boat shows and charity events.
“We are making changes to our organization to program more activity at the speedway and bring instant success to the track and the Wisconsin State Fair grounds,” Lemonis said. “It is our belief that the national exposure The Milwaukee Mile garners will continue to grow and showcase the great state of Wisconsin. I am asking for the state community to rally around this historic track and embrace its history.”
His passion and commitment to auto racing is evident as chairman and CEO of Camping World/FreedomRoads, Lemonis has directed the company’s extensive involvement in motorsports. Lemonis will continue his role with Camping World/FreedomRoads.
Camping World, headquartered in nearby Lincolnshire, Ill., is the primary sponsor of the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship team of Kevin Harvick, Inc. and driver Ron Hornaday, Jr. Camping World continues their involvement with Richard Childress Racing and enjoys NASCAR race entitlement sponsorships at speedways in Daytona Beach, Fla., Fontana, Calif. and Loudon, NH, and of the recently conducted Camping World Grand Prix IndyCar Series event in Watkins Glen, N.Y.
“Promoting both large businesses and smaller companies throughout state of Wisconsin fuels my passion and commitment to our community at The Milwaukee Mile,” Lemonis said. “We are starting today working toward the full utilization of this extremely valuable franchise.”
Past Mile Chairman Craig Stoehr recently rejoined top global law firm Latham & Watkins to open offices in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Doha, Qatar, where he will reside. Stoehr added, “Marcus’ passion for auto racing was clearly evident when we first met in May, and his business track record is exemplary. We have accomplished much over the last three years with The Mile under private ownership, and I have no doubt that Marcus will build on our success. We look forward to continuing our role as investors with Marcus leading the charge.”
About FreedomRoads & Camping World
Camping World/FreedomRoads is America’s largest RV and outdoor retailer serving a brisk and growing demand for the RV lifestyle. After having successfully co-located for several years at selected locations, Camping World, America’s largest retailer of RV and outdoor camping accessories and FreedomRoads, a dynamic national network of well-established RV dealerships joined together to provide consumers with greater choice, convenience and value. Today, with revenues exceeding $1.7 billion, the company serves RV enthusiasts with well over 100 retail locations. In addition to the sale, finance and service of recreational vehicles and specialty retail, Camping World/FreedomRoads also provides expanded products and services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle. This includes: the President’s Club customer loyalty program; in-store Performance Centers featuring RV and Car Insurance and Roadside Assistance Service; Camping World RV Institute technical certification/training program; Goodwill Ambassador Program; and the new campground discount program, Camp Club USA. For more information, visit them online at www.FreedomRoads.com or www.campingworld.com.
About The Milwaukee Mile
The Milwaukee Mile is the world’s oldest active motor speedway, dating back to 1903. America’s Legendary Oval has a long and storied history of hosting world-class IndyCar Series and NASCAR events each June. Adding to the deeply-rooted NASCAR success drivers from Wisconsin have enjoyed, The Milwaukee Mile has been an integral speedway in nurturing the skills and development of Wisconsin-bred drivers who have claimed major NASCAR championships including Alan Kulwicki, Matt Kenseth, Ted Musgrave and Travis Kvapil. The upcoming August 22-24 Governor’s Cup weekend will feature grass roots racers from Wisconsin and the Midwest in four stock car divisions. NASCAR superstars Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch will be racing in a 100-lap super late model event on Sunday, August 24. For more information, visit www.milwaukeemile.com.
Media contact: Jim Tretow, VP -Media & Communications, jtretow@milwaukeemile.com, 414.453.5761 x2222
