MSR Announces Another Partnership
Roberts Service Group will be the title sponsor for the “Roberts Service Group FNA Show" on FM 95.5 The Game (Listeners can stream online: http://www.955thegameonline.com) with hosts Matt Finkes and Archie Madness live from Daytona International Speedway on January 24-25.
Roberts Service Group has over three decades of experience serving the Columbus area market, providing a range of services that include emergency power management, lighting, fiber optic network systems, and facility management. With an eye on long term sustainability and emerging technologies, Roberts also manages a range of green initiatives including solar and photovoltaic systems design.
Set to broadcast from Daytona International Speedway on Friday, January 24, and then again ahead of the race start on Saturday, January 25, the “Roberts Service Group FNA Show" will feature an on-the-ground broadcast that is expected to include appearances from a wide range of participants on hand for the huge series kick-off event.
“We are so excited to be able to continue to support Michael Shank Racing," said Beth Butler, President, Roberts Service Group. “Working with the team last year, we had a great event at Mid-Ohio, bringing out our clients, some potential customers, and our employees. It was great to work with another Columbus area business and it went very well. With the schedule changing for 2014, we wanted to find a smart way to continue to be involved with the team and Mike (Shank) made a concerted effort to look for a sponsorship package that would work for us. Backing the radio show is a great fit, and we are honored to be partners with this team."
Finkes, who is a former The Ohio State University and National Football League player, will be making his first-ever visit to the Rolex 24 as he and Roberts Service Group FNA Show co-host Madness prepare to bring live updates to Michael Shank Racing’s home market in the lead up to the big season-opening race.
As part of the expanded partnership, the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ford EcoBoost/Riley will also carry branding from Roberts Services Group through the 12-race season.
“When we found out that Mid-Ohio was not part of the schedule for this year, we went to work to find a new way for Roberts to be involved with the team and create a productive way for them to invest their marketing dollars, so I’m really happy to have them with us not only at Daytona, but also all year long," said team owner Mike Shank.
“Launching this TUDOR Championship has created incredible interest from a commercial point of view and that is probably one of the most exciting parts of this entire transition. As busy as my guys have been getting ready for the race, we’ve been working flat out on finalizing our partnership plans for next year so I am really optimistic about what is ahead of us."
Michael Shank Racing, which has also been a long-time fixture in the Columbus area market, recently announced the return of John Pew and Ozz Negri to drive the No. 60 Ford EcoBoost/Riley combination as the sport takes a dramatic turn into the future with a new, merged championship and the first-ever race of the TUDOR Championship with the Rolex 24 At Daytona as the team looks to add another win in the huge race as the group accomplished in 2012.
Former championship-winning race driver turned team owner, Shank has continued to add to his list of talents with an emerging series of appearances on the radio as part of the Rocky Fork-sponsored radio show on 95.5 the Fan in the Columbus area. Those Tuesday morning appearances helped to spur this new opportunity.
“It is a fun show to listen to and everyone does their homework and really knows what they are talking about so to have the show broadcast from the race itself is going to be really cool," said Butler. “They draw people into the sport and Mike (Shank) never stops promoting the races. Mike (Shank), Marybeth (Shank), and the entire team are the best. Their commitment to each other, to the team, and to the series is a powerful thing. We share in the belief that success comes with dedication and a drive to be the best. We were there at Daytona for the record run, and that was a great example of this team making strides as a company to be better, to go faster, and to do a better job and that is how we approach a lot of what we do with our customers."
The inaugural TUDOR Championship opens with the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 25-26, 2014.