With the economy in its current state, finding marketing partners has forced race teams to be more creative in how they obtain funding to compete.
Even if means going to the dogs – literally.
Chrissy Wallace is competing in this Sunday’s ARCA race at Toledo (Ohio) Speedway for Cunningham Motorsports; which can be seen live on SPEED TV at 2 p.m. ET. Coming off her recent ASA Late Model track championship at Lebanon I-44 Speedway, which led to her clinching the ASA West Series Divisional championship as well, put her on the radar map for team owners in all forms of racing.
The offer came from Cunningham Motorsports to run the ARCA race and work with long-time family friend and NASCAR championship crew chief Paul Andrews. She accepted and then the search for additional funding to aid in the effort began.
JEGS Performance Parts came on board and will be on the hood for Sunday’s race. Being from a family of racers, the Coughlin family quickly recognized what the Wallace’s were up against.
Then, one of her primary sponsors at I-44 Speedway of Althoff Trucking from High Ridge, Missouri, said they would like to help. So, a deal was struck and they will be on Wallace’s car at Toledo, as well.
But, when her sister, Lindsey, and brother-in-law, Thomas Van Wingerden said they, and their Maltese dog, Lexi, also wanted to pitch in; she quickly realized the “racing family” concept was true once gain. So, look for Lexi’s furry face on the car this weekend.
“I can’t believe how people have rallied around this effort,” Chrissy said. “My dad (NASCAR driver Mike Wallace) said he would help and see what could be done and when word got out what we were doing for the ARCA race in Toledo, people said they were on board.
“The people at JEGS are just like us, a family of racers. Althoff Trucking helped my dad when he raced Late Models and they were big in my winning the two ASA championships this year. But, when my sister and her husband came over and told me they wanted to help, too, let’s just say it all means a lot to me.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their help. Now, it’s up to me to go out and have a good showing on Sunday. I’m looking forward to racing at Toledo and with the other drivers in the ARCA Series.”
JEGS quickly recognized Wallace’s historical championships this year and wanted to help keep the momentum going for her, and the family.
“We have known the Wallace family for years and we also understand what it’s like to have your kids racing,” said John Coughlin, Vice President of JEGS. “It’s a very exciting time for a parent and you always want to give your kids the tools to succeed both on, and off, the track.
“We thought having the familiar yellow and black colors of JEGS on the car in Toledo will make an impact, and help Chrissy and the team.”
Chrissy Wallace PR
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