EASTERN MOTORSPORT PRESS ASSOCIATION 33RD CONVENTION SET FOR JAN. 21-23,2005

(TREVOSE, PA) More than 125 professional media, those covering motorsports on a regular basis, will be part of the Eastern Motorsports Press Association Convention set for the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Trevose, PA January 21st through 23rd.

The 33rd EMPA Convention, will include a variety of press conferences featuring many key figures in the sport, seminars, workshops, roundtable discussions, social events and the annual EMPA Hall of Fame Awards banquet.

Champions from Eastern speedways and racing organizations are invited to be part of the convention on Friday, January 21st. The Pocono Raceway “Get Acquainted” Party will feature a CASINO NIGHT. Prizes will be given to the “top gamblers.” Champions are invited to attend, have a great evening of fun, and have a chance to meet many of the media that cover the sport. The only requirement to attend is to RSVP to EMPA President Ernie Saxton at 215.752.7797. The invitation is good for the Champion and a guest.

DIRT Motorsports will be sponsoring the very popular EMPA Hospitality room for both nights of the convention. Bobby Hartslief will represent DIRT Motorsports and be part of the Saturday morning press conferences. Arrangements are being made to bring a World of Outlaws Sprint or Late Model driver to the convention.

Saturday of the convention will include a series of press conferences giving many organizations, speedways, sanctioning organizations and others involved in the sport the opportunity to have an audience with the many media on hand.

NASCAR will host the Saturday “Philadelphia Style Luncheon” and will have a number of drivers and key NASCAR personnel on hand.

Speed Channel will host the cocktail reception prior to the NASCAR/EMPA Hall of Fame Awards Dinner. Drag racer Bruce Larson, the late Walter Chernokal (an outstanding writer and photographer) and dirt Modified racing standout Billy Osmun will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with other well known names in the sport. Awards will also be presented to the Al Holbert Memorial EMPA Driver of the Year and the Richie Evans EMPA Northeast Driver of the Year. In addition the prestigious Junie Donlavey Spirit Award will be presented to Modified racer Butch Tittle. The T.Wayne Robertson Newsmaker of the Year Award will go to NASCAR’s Brian France. The Frank Blunk Award, Art McHugh Memorial Award and Ace Lane Memorial Award will be presented to outstanding media.

Todd Fisher, new operator of Susquehanna Speedway Park, will received an EMPA Outstanding Achievement Award and the late Chuck Lamb, PhillyRacing.com, will receive a special President’s Award. Other awards will go to winners of the Sunoco Photographers Contests, Valvoline Journalism (print and internet) Contest and the Performance Racing Industry Magazine Broadcasters Contests.

The National Hot Rod Association, Indy Racing League, United Racing Club, Dover International Speedway, and others are expected to participate as they have in past years. The convention is open to any organization, speedway, drag racing facility, race team or sanctioning organization.

For details on how to participate or to make arrangements to have your promotional material available at the convention, telephone Ernie or Marilyn Saxton at 215.752.7797 or 215.752.2392. Email Esaxton144@aol.com.