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Family Chevrolet to host first annual "Al Hinds Sprint Car Show and Shine BBQ" as a prelude to Saturday's race

SHINGLE SPRINGS, CA (4-27-08) - This Saturday the racing community will gather at Placerville Speedway to honor the late Al Hinds with the fifth annual "Family Chevrolet Tribute to Al Hinds." Mr. Hinds was the early promoter of Placerville Speedway and is best known for building his very own "field of dreams" at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds and bringing the business community together with the sport of auto racing in what was a rural community at the time.

During the later years of his life, Hinds was an avid motor builder, spectator and a mentor to many in the auto racing population, from young drivers to track personnel. After his passing in 2004, Family Chevrolet of Shingle Springs came together with Placerville Speedway to create an event that would honor Hinds' legacy for years to come; hence the first tribute race of its time was born at Placerville Speedway.

This year, the longtime auto dealership is taking their dedication one step farther. On Saturday Family Chevrolet will host the first ever "Tribute to Al Hinds Sprint Car Show and Barbecue" at their dealership located at 4050 Motherlode Drive in Shingle Springs. This great event will take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will feature some 15 different sprint cars and drivers on hand, the entire dealership lot is expected to be packed with sprint cars to allow fans to get an up close look at these machines, meet the drivers, get autographs and more.

In addition to the show, a free barbecue will take place, sponsored by Strauss Foods and Placerville Speedway. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs and refreshments will be prepared by the dealership staff, providing a fun filled afternoon that will allow the general public to network with several drivers from the competitive Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series.

"This annual race is always very special to us, and from the beginning Family Chevrolet was instrumental in founding it," explained Bill Sullivan, Communications Director for Placerville Speedway. "In 2004 Tony Montalbano stepped up and brought his auto dealership to the table to sponsor the event. Later he assisted with bringing the New Car Dealer Association to Placerville Speedway as a title sponsor."

Since the first year, Family Chevrolet has been the title sponsor of the Tribute to Al Hinds. While many may view the sponsorship as an advertising tactic, for Montalbano and the dealership it has nothing to do with competing with other dealerships. It's about recognizing a great pioneer of our community and to insure his legacy is never forgotten.

"What many people don't understand is that all of the new car dealers in this county work together to help this sport. It's not about one outdoing the other. It's a collaboration that brings the local automotive industry together with the sport of auto racing in a small town" added Sullivan. "While Family Chevrolet is putting on this event and spending thousands of dollars in local advertising for it, at the same time Ron and Jeff Thompson of Thompson's Auto Center continue to sponsor a number of cars at the speedway, many of which will be on hand for the event. It's about working together and everyone needs to understand that. If it weren't for people working together we would have events like this."

On Saturday the drivers that have committed to being on hand at Family Chevrolet include former Al Hinds Tribute winner Andy Forsberg along with Andy Gregg, Jimmy Trulli, Scott Russell, Kyle Larson, Cameron Mendes, Chad Compton, Alissa Geving, David Robinson Jr., James Sweeney, Scott Kinney, Dave Shanks, Justin Johnson, Colby Wiesz, Billy Strange Jr. and more.

"This all started with them wanting one particular driver on hand that day," Sullivan added. "We put our heads together and planned what we hope will become a great event year after year to honor our dear friend."

Saturday's festivities will begin at 10 a.m. at Family Chevrolet and will conclude at 1 p.m. to allow teams to load up and head to Placerville Speedway for a very special night of racing. Prior to the event Family Chevrolet will be advertising in various newspapers the promote the event (see attached advertisement) and an impressive turn out is expected for this event. Families and children are encouraged to come out and meet the drivers. For any further information on this event or the Tribute to Al Hinds race visit www.johnpadjenmotorsports.com.