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NHRA/GM Racers Return From Kuwait, Germany Following USO-Sponsored Morale Tour With American Troops
RAMSTEIN AB, Germany, Dec. 4, 2008 - A group of goodwill ambassadors representing the National Hot Rod Association and General Motors is back in the United States after a seven-day USO-sponsored tour of U.S. Military installations in Kuwait and Germany. It marked the fourth consecutive pre-Thanksgiving holiday visit for the drivers with American forces stationed overseas, and the addition this year of the two-day stop in Kuwait provided the group with an even greater appreciation of the sacrifices made by U.S. troops and their families.
Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson, two-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Jim Yates, Top Fuel veteran Cory McClenathan and 2006 Pro Stock champion Jason Line (who joined the group for the first time this year) represented GM and the sport of drag racing during the troop-morale mission to Kuwait and Germany. The drivers distributed over 1,500 goody bags that included racing caps, tee-shirts, racing decals and other items, signed an even larger number of photos (supplied by the USO), and brought a precious few minutes of home to everyone they met. Many NHRA sponsors contributed to the gift bags and the troops were very appreciative of what they received.
Jeff Anthony served as USO tour manager and provided valuable guidance for the drivers' group during their stay in Kuwait.
"Jeff (Anthony) and Sam Prado (Morale Welfare Recreation representative) took excellent care of us in Kuwait," McClenathan said. "They were well organized, kept us on a tight schedule, and because of that, we were able to cover a lot of ground and see a lot of active-duty military personnel. I want to give my personal thanks to everyone at the USO and the Kuwait MWR team who made our visit with the troops a wonderful experience."
In Germany, the Army Special Forces Association, Randall Shughart Chapter 64, based in Carlisle, Pa., once again served as the vanguard for the group's visit there, and the 435th Services Squadron at Ramstein AB hosted the group during its stay.
The 2008 USO tour began on Friday, Nov. 21, with each member of the contingent converging on Washington Dulles International Airport for the 13-hour flight to Kuwait. After arriving in Kuwait early Saturday evening (local time), the drivers cleared customs, received their temporary visas, and then departed for the Radisson SAS Hotel in Kuwait City where they were headquartered during their stay.
On Sunday morning, the group traveled south to Camp Arifjan, which is located about 30 miles from Kuwait City. Camp Arifjan provides permanent support facilities for American forces in Kuwait and the drivers were briefed on the base's mission by camp commander LTC Clint Pendergast. LTC Pendergast presented each member of the drivers' group with a commemorative commander's coin, and a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Area Support Group - Kuwait. The drivers then took part in a meet-and-greet session at the recreation center and talked to more than 300 soldiers, marines, and sailors.
After lunch with the troops at the Camp Arifjan dining facility, the group journeyed a few miles east to Camp Patriot, Kuwait Naval Base, for a commander's welcome briefing, and while there, LTC Robert Lesher presented Certificates of Appreciation to each member of the drivers' group. The drivers were then entertained with an exciting 45-minute ride aboard Navy gunboats around the Kuwait Navy Base harbor, and then signed autographs for personnel at Camp Patriot before returning to their hotel.
On Tuesday, the group made their way west out of Kuwait City to Ali Al Salem Air Base, which is about 40 miles from the border with Iraq. Ali Al Salem is a Kuwait air installation, but it is shared with U.S. Army and Air Force units, and it's where many U.S. troops come for a few days to unwind before flying home. Ali Al Salem is nicknamed "The Rock" by the troops stationed there because of its strategic vantage point high above the Kuwaiti desert.
The first stop for the drivers' group at Ali Al Salem was a crowded recreation center at the LSA (Logistics Support Area) center. This is one of the most popular sites on the base because it's where the troops watch movies, play video games, watch tape-delayed NFL broadcasts, catch up on their e-mail, or relax from the day-to-day life of being stationed in the desert. The NHRA group spent almost 90 minutes with the troops at the Recreation Center. The drivers were then shuttled to the Air Force side of the base where they were given a tour of the flight line and a C-130 before meeting more troops at the recreation center and base medical center. After dinner with the troops and an impromptu autograph session at the Air Force dining facility, the drivers were on their way back to Kuwait City to prepare for their six-hour overnight flight to Germany.
"Every time we make one of our post-season visits, whether it's in Kuwait or in Germany, or seeing the wounded at Landstuhl, wherever we go, we're once again reminded of the professionalism and dedication of all of our soldiers," said Pontiac's two-time NHRA champion Jim Yates.
On Tuesday morning around 5:15 a.m. local time, the group arrived in Frankfurt, Germany, and was greeted by snow and a 60-degree swing in the temperature. The drivers made their way through customs, had their passports checked, collected their luggage and were then met by SFA Chapter 64 members Wayne Reed and Sonny Womelsdorf for the 90-minute ride to Ramstein Air Base.
There was no rest for the weary, though. After arriving at Ramstein, the drivers' group was met by MAJ (R) Dieter Protsch and quickly taken to the 86th Contingency Response Group for a Tuesday morning commander's briefing with Col Tim Brown. The 86th CRG is a small, elite tactical group of approximately 450 highly trained special forces that proudly wear the motto, "Speed Precision Lethality." The 86th CRG are the first Air Force personnel deployed into an area and their mission is to set up air bases, establish and protect logistical operations, provide security after an airfield has been seized, or if needed (as in the case recently following the Russian invasion of Georgia), establish humanitarian relief operations. The drivers' group spent 90 minutes with the 86th CRG being briefed by each specialty of the operation.
The drivers were then off to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center where they spent considerable time with the hospital patients in their rooms, including four Canadian soldiers whose Humvee had recently been hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. All four of the Canadians had suffered wounds, but were thankful to be alive and appreciated the time spent with the NHRA contingent. LRMC has treated approximately 17,330 wounded in the last eight months.
The late afternoon of the first day at Ramstein was spent at the USO Lounge at the PAX terminal greeting troops on their way home for Thanksgiving, and then a stop at the USO Lounge at the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility. This special group of medical personnel greets every wounded person coming in from downrange and also prepares wounded troops for further transport to the United States.
On Wednesday, the whirlwind pace of the morale tour continued for the drivers during their last day in Germany, and it began with the taping of safety public service announcements for American Forces Networks that will be broadcast to U.S. troops stationed all over the world. It was at this taping session at the 435th SVS Auto Skills Center that Jason Line met up with Rick Friday. The two had served together at King Salmon, Alaska, when Line was stationed there during his stint in the Air Force, and the two friends had not seen each other in nearly 18 years.
"This just once again defines how small the world is," Line said. "To travel overseas and basically run into someone who I had served with in the Air Force what seems like eons ago, was one of a number of highlights of a great experience. I was really proud to be a part of this NHRA/GM group and I feel extremely fortunate that Fred (Simmonds) asked me to go."
The drivers' group then left for the 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron for a Wednesday afternoon autograph session and Thanksgiving dinner with the troops, followed by a return trip and commander's briefing at the 21st Operations Weather Squadron stationed at Sembach, and two more autograph sessions for military personnel and their families at the Ramstein BX, and the Ramstein PAX Terminal.
Following a frenetic seven days in which they had traveled more than 15,000 miles and greeted thousands of troops on two separate continents, GM's Warren Johnson, Cory McClenathan, Jim Yates and Jason Line were on their way home for a Thanksgiving-night reunion with their own families.
"It is very rare in everyday life that you see the kind of teamwork and dedication that you see demonstrated by the men and women of the U.S. military," Johnson said. "The sacrifices made by each and every one of them make you appreciate that much more the freedoms we enjoy in this country, and I hope this USO tour is something we can do every year for many years to come."
The USO is a nonprofit, Congressionally chartered private organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support USO activities. The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress - and enduring style of USO delivery - is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military. You can make a donation to the USO by going to www.uso.org or by calling the USO directly at 1.800.876.7469.
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NHRA Drivers' Group will Participate in USO-Sponsored Visit with US Troops
Post-Season Visit with U.S. Troops in Kuwait and Germany
DETROIT, Nov. 4, 2008 - For the fourth consecutive year, a group of drivers from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) will take part in a post-season, USO-sponsored trip to visit Army/Air Force personnel stationed at the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) in Germany. During this year's tour the drivers' contingent will first stop in Kuwait to visit with U.S. troops stationed there before flying on to Germany and the second leg of their goodwill mission.
Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson, two-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Jim Yates, 2006 POWERade Pro Stock champ Jason Line and Top Fuel driving ace Cory McClenathan will participate in the late November trip to visit troops stationed overseas in Kuwait and Germany.
For more than 67 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization that relies on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO will be providing air transportation for the group's trip to Kuwait and Germany, and GM Racing will ship 1,500 souvenir gift bags to the two destinations for distribution during the visits. The 435th Services Squadron at Ramstein AB will host the NHRA drivers and provide transportation and logistics support during the group's stay in Germany.
As in the previous visits in 2005, '06 and '07, the Army Special Forces Association, Randall Shughart Chapter 64 based in Carlisle, Pa., will be spearheading the Germany-portion of the visit as the drivers' group advance team. Members of the Shughart Chapter have supported the wounded at LRMC with t-shirts, caps, sweatpants, sweatshirts, international calling cards and other items. Accompanying the racers on the trip will be SFC (R) Wayne Reed and MAJ (R) Dieter Protsch.
Six-time NHRA champion (1992-93, 1995, 1998-99, 2001) Warren Johnson will be making his fourth post-season tour with the troops. Commonly referred to as "the Professor" of Pro Stock, the legendary racer, innovator and engine builder has captured 96 victories (second all time to John Force's 125), 138 No. 1 qualifying awards, six U.S. Nationals crowns, and made 150 final-round appearances in a career that dates back to 1971. Johnson became the first professional driver in the history of the NHRA to compete in 500 races, and in April 2007, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Ala.
"It's an honor for me to be able to do this," Johnson said. "We owe so much to those that serve in the military and this is just a small way for me to say thank you for all that they do for each and every one of us. This is something we need to do to support the people that give us the freedoms we have back here at home."
Jim Yates drives the Wiley X Eyewear Pontiac and is a two-time NHRA champion, winning back-to-back Pro Stock titles in 1996-97. In a career spanning 20 years, the Virginia resident has captured 25 victories, advanced to 58 final rounds and earned 29 No. 1 qualifying awards. Yates has finished second in the NHRA points standings three times (1995, 2001-02), in the top five of the Pro Stock standings eight times and in the top 10 of the points standings 14 times. Yates was part of the NHRA contingent that visited American troops in Germany in 2005, '06 and '07.
"We get so much out of this trip," Yates said. "It's the highlight of my year, visiting the troops and thanking them for all the wonderful things they've done for us. Without their heroic efforts we wouldn't have the freedoms we have today."
Cory McClenathan drives the Fram/GMC Top Fuel dragster and has compiled an impressive record during his tenure as an NHRA competitor. In his 17 years as a Top Fuel driver (excluding 2001 when he entered just one event), the Indianapolis resident has 30 wins, has raced in 53 final rounds and earned 32 No. 1 qualifying awards. McClenathan has ended the season in second place four times (1992, 1995, 1997-98), in the top five of the points standings nine times, and 16 times in the top 10 (the most top 10s by any current Top Fuel driver). McClenathan will be making his fourth USO trip this year.
"It's an opportunity for us to let the troops know how much we appreciate what they're doing," McClenathan said. "I speak for the whole racing community when I say we're very lucky to do what we do for a living, and thank you to the fighting men and women for protecting our freedoms. Once again, the USO trip is going to be awesome and I'm looking forward to it."
Jason Line, a former USAF airman, will be making his first USO tour with the drivers' group. Line clinched the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock title in only his third full season of racing in the class by driving his Summit Racing Pontiac to four victories in nine final-round appearances in 2006. Line was the 1993 NHRA Stock eliminator national champion and previously worked as an engine-dyno operator for the Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR program. Line has 15 career national-event victories in 34 final-round appearances, has five straight top-10 finishes and set the most recent national top-speed record (211.69 mph) at the 2007 ACDelco Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.
"I feel very fortunate and grateful to be able to go," Line said. "I'm a former airman so I can relate to some of the things the troops are doing. It's going to be fun and if we can brighten somebody's day while we're there, and let them know we're thinking about them, then it's a mission accomplished."
In times of peace and war, for more than 67 years the USO has consistently delivered its special brand of entertainment and comfort to service men and women. As the bridge between the American people and their troops, the USO supports the nation's armed forces by providing needed services, including entertainment, rest and recuperation, education, supplies and connections to home. USO tours are an essential part of the USO's mission of boosting troop morale. To learn more about the USO and how to support the troops, visit www.uso.org.
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WILEY X® EYEWEAR PROVIDES RARE TREAT FOR RACE FANS THE CHANCE TO MEET A REAL AMERICAN HERO
Retired Lt. Colonel James “Maggie” Magellas Greets Racing Fans, Signs Copies of His Book at Indy Motor Speedway
People come to Indianapolis Motor Speedway to see their favorite
racecar drivers in action. And while millions around the world look up
to these famous racers as role models and even “heroes” — a unique
opportunity recently coordinated for racing enthusiasts by Wiley X®
Eyewear and NHRA Pro Stock driver Jim Yates put a fresh perspective
on what true heroism really is.
At a special tent set up for Wiley X Eyewear — sponsor of Jim Yates
Racing — those in attendance had the opportunity to meet a true
American hero, Retired Army Lt. Colonel James “Maggie” Magellas. Magellas, a 91-year- old World War II veteran,
is the most decorated officer in the history of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. His impressive collection of
medals includes the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and the
Master Parachutist medal. In addition, a bill was recently introduced in congress to authorize and request the
President award Magellas with the Medal of Honor for extraordinary acts of valor during WWII’s Battle of the Bulge.
Magellas, who has spent much of his time of late
visiting with U.S. troops in Afghanistan, was joined on
this trip by SGM. Colin Rich and Sgt. George Perez,
two soldiers and friends — tent mates, in fact — who
were seriously wounded while serving their country in
the Middle East. SGM. Rich was shot in the head by a
sniper, suffering serious impairment to his vision. After
returning to the states and receiving treatment, Rich was able to stay in the Army and returned to Iraq. Sgt. Perez lost
his leg to an IED. He also chose to return to the service. “They’re both badly wounded, but it’s a credit to the
82nd Airborne that they still saw them as useful and had a purpose for them. It’s certainly an inspiring story for our
young troops today,” said Magellas.
Magellas’ appearance with fans and admirers at the Wiley X tent in Indianapolis was an ideal “fit.” Wiley X Eyewear
not only has a very active professional racing sponsorship program, this leading innovator also provides High Velocity
Protection (HVP™) eyewear to Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other U.S. Special Forces Units in action around the
globe. This level of advanced protection, combined with superior eye comfort and heightened visual acuity, have
made Wiley X Eyewear the leading choice for challenging environments, whether on the battlefield, on the racetrack,
or in the great outdoors.
Magellas graciously chatted and swapped stories with visitors, and signed copies of his book All the Way to Berlin; a
Paratrooper at War in Europe. Many of those who stopped by expressed their sincere gratitude to Magellas, Rich and
Perez, for their service and sacrifice. Even the racers, celebrities in their own right, were in awe.
“It’s neat for us,” said Yates. I’m a drag racer, I’ve been out here a long time and I’m kind of like a hero out here.
But when you meet these guys, these guys are the true heroes. It might be a treat for these guys to come out here to
the races, but it’s a real treat for us to have them here,” added Yates.
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Jim Yates Enters 400th Career NHRA Pro Stock Race in a Pontiac
Two-Time NHRA Pro Stock Champion
Jim Yates Will Enter 400th Career National
Event Driving a Pontiac
LAS VEGAS, October 29, 2008 - Veteran Pro Stock driver Jim Yates will reach a career milestone at this weekend's ACDelco NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. When the two-time NHRA champion (1996-97) breaks the staging beams with his Wiley X GXP for his first qualifying attempt sometime around 1 p.m. local time on Friday, he will officially enter his 400th national event behind the wheel of a Pontiac.
"It's been an awesome relationship that we've developed over the years with Pontiac and GM," Yates said. "As the years have gone on, it's grown even more. Through the championship years, and the tough times, they've stuck it out with me, and given me the opportunity to come back and do well again. Plus, you benefit from all the technology that GM puts into their racing program and that's something that you just can't buy. They've made it a priority to develop better race cars and engine parts for both Pro and Sportsman competitors, and being with them for as long as we have helps us to be on the leading edge when it comes to the new technology that GM has developed."
Yates first national event in a Pontiac came in March of 1990 at the NHRA Nationals in Houston Since then, he's never missed a race or driven anything else in competition. In fact, Yates 400 national events are the most ever by an NHRA professional driver in a Pontiac and his 25 national event victories put Yates third on the all-time Pontiac Pro Stock win list behind Greg Anderson (54) and Warren Johnson (42).
"When Pontiac comes out with a new car for our Pro Stock program it's always better," Yates said. "It's actually a yardstick that the other manufacturers try and match and that's because Pontiac has been a leader for as long as I've been involved with them."
In a sterling career spanning 19 seasons, the 55-year-old Virginia resident has captured 25 victories, advanced to 58 final rounds, earned 29 No. 1 qualifying awards and won 417 eliminator rounds (.568). Yates gave Pontiac its first NHRA Pro Stock championship in 1996 with an eight-win season, but his best year came in 1997 when he won his second points title, scored nine national-event victories, advanced to 12 final rounds, captured nine No. 1 qualifying awards and won 58 eliminator rounds (.817).
Yates also has finished second in the NHRA points standings three times (1995, 2001-02), in the top five of the Pro Stock standings eight times and in the top 10 of the points standings 14 times. He's won NHRA national events racing Firebirds, Grand Ams and GTOs, and hopes to get his first victory in a GXP at one of the season's final two contests at Las Vegas or Pomona (Calif.)
"That's a tribute to the technology that Pontiac and GM put into their racing programs," Yates said. "GM is responsible for the aerodynamic design of the vehicle. They take some input from the race teams, but ultimately, it's their engineering staff that comes up with a competitive racecar. We did really well with the Firebird, we did well with the Grand Am, we did well with the GTO and we're hoping we can put our Wiley X GXP in the winner's circle at Las Vegas.
"Richard's (Maskin) coming up with a little more power each week which was evident when we ran the 6.56 (career-best e.t.) at Richmond. We're learning how to get that horsepower down the track and our performance continues to get better with each race. We're looking at the last two races of the season as not the last two races of 2008, but the first two races of 2009. There are some teams that are in test mode, and other teams that are uptight because they're trying to win the championship, but we're out there swinging for the fences because we want to see how fast this Pontiac GXP will run with these new Dart engines. That will give us a good indicator on how well our cars will run next year."
Even if Yates comes up short on race day at Las Vegas, he will still have a lot to celebrate this weekend. His first grandchild, Ryan James Yates was born at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27 to proud parents Jamie and Cynthy Yates, and the new grandpa is pleased to report that mom and baby are doing great.
WATCH VIDEO - Jim Yates warms up the Wiley X Pontiac GXP at Dallas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_Sfhtg80Og
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91-Year-Old WWll Decorated Veteran to be Guest of Wiley X Pro Stock Team at U.S. Nationals
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 26, 2008) – Wiley X Eyewear, sponsor of Jim Yates’ Pro Stock entry, has invited a special guest to this weekend’s NHRA U.S. Nationals, drag racing’s richest, oldest and most prestigious event.
The invited guest, who will be in attendance on Saturday at Indianapolis Raceway Park, is James Megellas, a 91-year-old World War II veteran who is the most decorated officer in the history of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
A retired lieutenant colonel, Megellas, also known as “Maggie”, was awarded more than 20 medals, including The Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and Master Parachutist.
A bill was introduced in Congress on July 8, 2008 to authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas for acts of valor on Jan. 28, 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
"I wanted to have an inspirational personality at this event and Maggie is about as inspiring as they get,” said Myles Freeman, president of Wiley X's sales division. “His real life encounters of honor and courage are truly amazing and one of the motivating factors why Wiley X takes so much pride in developing revolutionary ballistic eye protection for our soldiers."
Two-time Pro Stock champion Yates is also looking forward to Megellas’ visit.
“It’s going to be an honor to have Mr. Megellas as a guest of our Wiley X Pro Stock team,” said Yates. “His service to our country and his continuing support to our brave men and women in uniform are a benchmark for all Americans to follow. I can’t wait to meet him. He is a true hero.”
Megellas also authored a book -- All the way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe.
Megellas made his second trip to Afghanistan in December 2007 to meet with soldiers. He shared his battlefield experiences from World War II, participated in combat patrols, including a ride-along in a humvee. He also spoke to staff members from the Combined Joint Task Force, addressing leadership in combat while serving overseas.
Megellas is scheduled to make another trip to Afghanistan next month.
A native of Fond du Lac, Wis., Megellas resides in Colleyville, Texas with his wife Carole.
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WILEY X® EYEWEAR SPONSORS UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SOLAR CAR TEAM
IN 2008 NORTH AMERICAN SOLAR CHALLENGE
Team Wins Fifth National Championship in World’s Longest Solar-Vehicle Competition
Vision protection innovator Wiley X® Eyewear is proud to announce
that its sponsored 2008 University of Michigan Solar Car Team just
won its fifth National Championship. With the recent victory, the
non-profit student organization team has solidified its reputation as
one of the best, as this year’s race was the longest solar-vehicle
competition in the world. The team has also placed third in the world
on three different occasions — an impressive feat given the nature of this competition and the caliber of students it
attracts from around the world.
When the newest solar-powered creation from the minds of University of Michigan’s best design, engineering,
business, literature, art, and science students took to the starting line for a grueling, 2,500-mile race from
Dallas, Texas to Calgary, Alberta, Wiley X Eyewear was along for the ride. As part of its sponsorship agreement,
Wiley X agreed to outfit all members of the team — drivers, mechanics, designers, support staff and others — to
provide the clear, comfortable vision they needed to see their way to victory.
Wiley X knows a thing or two about the sun — after all, the
company’s unique products are used to protect and enhance
wearers’ vision in some of the toughest environments on earth.
Whether it’s American combat troops, law enforcement officers,
racecar drivers or mountaineers, Wiley X’s combination of High
Velocity Protection™, 100-percent UVA/UVB protection,
distortion free clarity and glare-cutting performance make these
glasses the choice of demanding users.
“We’re very proud to support the University of Michigan Solar
Car Team,” said Myles Freeman Jr., President of Sales for
Wiley X Eyewear. “The importance of this race, however, goes
far beyond the competition. This event is about furthering our
understanding of clean solar energy and the potential it has to improve our planet. This race isn’t just about who gets
to the finish line first, it’s about taking another step closer to a better future. We’re solidly behind this worthy endeavor
and the attention it draws to solar energy.”
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Edwards, Logano Give Team Wiley X 1-2 Finish in Milwaukee Nationwide Race...Kenseth is Top Wiley X Driver in Sonoma Cup Race...
Carl Edwards led Team Wiley X to four top-five finishes in Saturday night's NASCAR Nationwide race in Milwaukee, Wis.
Edwards, who shuttled between Sonoma, Calif. and Milwaukee, Wis. to compete in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide weekend races, captured his 14th career Nationwide win and his first since June 2007.
Finishing second to Edwards was rookie sensation and Wiley X driver Joey Logano, who won the week before in Kentucky. Rounding out the top five in Milwaukee were two more Wiley X pilots -- David Ragan (fourth) and David Reutimann (fifth).
"It’s very nice to get back into Victory Lane," said Edwards about his Nationwide win. "This is what Jack [Roush] pays me to do, that’s what the sponsors are all counting on and that’s what the whole team works for – to win.”
In Sunday's Sprint Cup road race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Matt Kenseth was the top finisher for Wiley X with an eighth-place result. Edwards was ninth and Greg Biffle was 11th.
Kenseth's finish was his first career top 10 at Infineon.
"I feel like we won," offered Kenseth "This is the only track on the circuit that we never had a top-10 at, and we fixed that today."
In the Sprint Cup point standings, Wiley X now has four drivers in the top 12 -- Edwards is fourth, Biffle seventh, Hamlin eighth and Kenseth 12th.
Wiley X Team Results
Sprint Cup Race
June 22, 2008
Toyota Save Mart 350
Infineon Raceway
Sonoma, Calif.
(starting position in parenthesis)
Greg Biffle, No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 11th (10th)
Point Standing: 7th
Carl Edwards, No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 9th (12th)
Point Standing: 4th
Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Finished: 27th (13th)
Point Standing: 8th
Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 8th (33rd)
Point Standing: 12th
Aric Almirola, No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet
Finished: 28th (40th)
Point Standing: (No. 8 team is 18th in owner points)
Kyle Petty, No. 45 Petty Enterprises Dodge
(Terry Labonte drove the No. 45 in Sonoma)
Finished: 17th (11th)
Point Standing: (No. 45 team is 41st in owner points)
David Ragan, No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
Finished: 24th (38th)
Point Standing: 14th
David Reutimann, No. 44 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
Finished: 40th (42nd)
Point Standing: 28th
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JOEY LOGANO BECOMES YOUNGEST-EVER NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES WINNER
Newest Wiley X® Team Member Races to Victory in Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway
Only twenty-one days after turning eighteen, legally qualifying him to race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Joey Logano won the Meijer 300 in Kentucky, becoming the youngest NASCAR Nationwide Series winner in history. In only his third NNS career start, Logano crossed the finish line uncontested after passing Kyle Busch on Lap 147. Having recently signed a two-year contract with Wiley X® Eyewear, Logano’s future seems so bright, he’s got to wear shades.
Logano isn’t the only racing superstar to reach for the distinctive advantages offered by Wiley X. Earlier this year, Wiley X Eyewear announced its 2008 racing partnerships in which the company supplies drivers and their teams with a collection of its extremely durable, high performance eyewear. For 2008, Wiley X Eyewear is serving as the Official Sunglass Supplier for the crews and mechanics of Roush Fenway Racing (excluding one team), Michael Waltrip Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Logano is in good company, as Wiley X has also joined forces with some of the NASCAR industry’s leading drivers, including Denny Hamlin, David Ragan, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, David Reutimann, Michael McDowell, Kyle Petty and Mark Martin.
“Joey's been a star in every race series in which he’s competed, so we jumped at the chance to add him to the Wiley
X Team roster,” says Myles Freeman Jr., President of Sales for Wiley X Eyewear. “Like Mark Martin said, Logano
has natural ability and more raw talent then anyone he’s ever worked with at such a young age. I expect to see him
wearing our shades in Victory Lane frequently in the coming years.”
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Former Champions Yates and Maskin to Rejoin Pro Stock Forces
OCCOQUAN, Va. (May 23, 2008) – Jim Yates and Richard Maskin, who teamed to win the 1996 NHRA Pro Stock championship, have partnered for the duration of the 2008 NHRA POWERade season. Maskin will join the WileyX Eyewear Pontiac GXP Pro Stock team effective immediately.
Yates and Maskin boast one of the most successful partnerships in NHRA Pro Stock history. The former championship duo first proved as a lethal driver/crew chief combination from 1994-‘97 where they combined to win 10 races in 23 final round appearances, along with five No. 1 qualifying efforts. They twice won three consecutive races in a season. The WileyX team will next compete at the O’Reilly Summer Nationals, May 30-June 1, at Heartland Park Topeka. Yates is a three-time winner at Heartland Park, 1996, ’97 and ’02.
“We are truly excited about reuniting with Richard (Maskin) and the entire Dart Machinery Team,” Yates said. “With the successes we’ve shared in the past and the knowledge and development our team has attained, we expect to have a lot of fun the rest of the season. We can’t wait to put this Wiley X Sunglass Machine back in the winner’s circle.”
Three time Pro Stock champion engine builder Richard Maskin commented “We’ve proven that we can be successful in the past, and we are looking forward to the rest of the season. Pro Stock is a highly competitive class, and we intend to be a winning team.”
"I'm excited beyond words, said Myles Freeman, President of Sales for Wiley X, Inc. Jim and the team have been working hard behind the scenes to elevate their engine program. That's what I appreciate most about Jim, it's not smoke and mirrors when he says they're trying to get better every week. This is a huge victory for Wiley X Dealers everywhere."
Yates, a two-time NHRA champion (1996-’97), has attained some of the more impressive stats in the popular door-slammer division. The University of Maryland graduate has carded 25 career Pro Stock wins in 58 final round appearances. He also has claimed 29 poles. His last win came during the Pontiac Performance Nationals at National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio, in 2006. The 388 career races, Yates has won 412 elimination rounds. He currently ranks 12th in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock standings.
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® SELECTED AS OFFICIAL SUNGLASS SUPPLIER FOR DALE EARNHART INC. 2008 SPRINT CUP TEAMS
#01, #1, #8 AND #15 Teams on the Right Track with High Velocity Protection™
(April 8, 2008) Wiley X Eyewear® is no stranger to the rigors of the racetrack — from partnerships with some of NASCAR’s superstar drivers and top teams, to their crews and mechanics nationwide — its tough and great looking shades have been turning heads and protecting
faces on the track and off for years. So it’s no surprise that thanks to the company’s proven High Velocity Protection™ (HVP) and edgy good looks, Wiley X Eyewear has now been named the Official Sunglass Supplier of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhart, Inc. (DEI)
for four of this year’s Sprint Cup Teams.
Look for Wiley X’s signature styles on all DEI Sprint Cup teams, featuring drivers
Regan Smith, Martin Truex Jr., the legendary Mark Martin, (with whom Wiley X also has a
one year Endorsement Contract in effect) and Paul Menard. “Wiley X Eyewear is a top
flight organization that provides an outstanding product line that we are proud to have an
association with,” said Max Siegel, President of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc. “They have been
around NASCAR for a number of years, and are associated with several military branches such as the U.S. Army,
which highlights just how strong of a product they have available.” The company recently introduced several
exciting new lines that will be right at home on Pit Road, from the fashion forward new Wiley X Men’s Series
to the elite Street Series, there’s a winning combination of both style and performance that will resonate with
drivers and fans alike.
"We are extremely fortunate to supply one of the most respected organizations in all of NASCAR,” says
Myles Freeman, President of Sales at Wiley X. “This is a match made in heaven as DEI is as driven to win
as we are to support the thousands of Wiley X Dealers around the country."
Wiley X Eyewear provides these upper echelon NASCAR drivers and their teams a real edge, from the removable
Climate Control Series™ gasket that forms a seal around the eyes to keep out wind and debris to the ultimate in
ballistic protection, far exceeding ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards.
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® BECOMES OFFICIAL SUNGLASS SUPPLIER OF PREMIER RACING ORGANIZATION MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING
(03.07.2008) Wiley X, Inc., a leading supplier of fashionable, high-end protective eyewear, is pleased to announce its 2008 partnership with renowned Michael Waltrip Racing. With Wiley X as the Official Sunglass Supplier, all crewmembers, mechanics and employees from all Michael Waltrip racing teams will be supplied with the company’s High Velocity Protection (HVP™) — perfect for protecting the eyes of those both on and off the track. Wiley X Eyewear will provide both unparalleled ballistic features as well as an edgy new look for these high velocity teams.
Wiley X Eyewear has been deeply involved in supporting the NASCAR industry and recognizes the strong marketing tie-in between high profile racing teams and the company’s line of high-performance sunglasses. Wiley X Eyewear is a favorite among motorcycle riders, NASCAR and NHRA fans, hunting, fishing and extreme sports enthusiasts, as well as serving as a leading provider of protective eyewear for the US Military’s Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other U.S. Special Forces Units in action around the globe. The company’s HVP eyewear is manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses that offer full ultraviolet protection and far exceeds ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSIZ80.3 optical standards. The family-owned company offers these unique lenses matched with a variety of high-performance, unbreakable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
Michael Waltrip Racing began its rise to fame as a modest family-owned NASCAR Nationwide Series, formerly NASCAR Busch Series, team in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina nearly a decade ago. It has now become a globally recognized top-notch winning organization, housing three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams (NSCS) and one NASCAR Nationwide Series team, all within a 140,000 square foot shop. Teams under the Michael Waltrip Racing umbrella include: Aaron’s Dream Machine — #00 a NSCS entry, UPS — #44 a NSCS entry, NAPA Auto Parts — #55 a NSCS entry and Aaron’s Dream Machine — #99 a NNS entry.
With five NASCAR Nationwide Series victories to its credit, Michael Waltrip Racing is a leading organization looking to capture its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win in its second season of full-time competition with their entries. Plus, Wiley X also recently signed an exclusive contract with a rising star in the racing industry, driver David Reutimann. This newly appointed driver of the #44 UPS car for the Michael Waltrip Racing team will have the added advantage of wearing Wiley X’s distinctive shades all season.
“We’re extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with Michael Waltrip Racing,” said Wiley X Eyewear’s Vice President of Sales, Myles Freeman. “I have been a fan of the MWR organization since I first became interested in NASCAR — there is not a better organization in the sport. We’re thrilled to begin working with all of the MWR teams and are hopeful that this will lead to a long-term, successful partnership.”
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Jim Yates Racing And Wiley X Eyewear To Debut The New “Sunglass Machine” At The CARQUEST Auto Parts WINTERNATIONALS In Pomona, California
(January 31, 2008) It’s lightning speed fast, too hot to handle, yet so cool it has to wear shades — enter Jim Yates Racing’s new Pontiac GXP pro stock car — the Wiley X Eyewear® Sunglass Machine. The creative tour de force / speed demon will make its debut at the 48th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., on Feb. 7-10, where drag racing enthusiasts will finally get their first look at the show-stopping good looks of the new Jim Yates Pontiac GXP. Race fans will be sure to hit the brakes and take notice of the edgy new 2008 design, from its enflamed skull sporting a pair of Wiley X’s on the hood, to the extreme barbwire wrapping the car’s frame, the new Wiley X Sunglass Machine boasts the industry’s most intense custom paint job on the strip.
Wiley X Eyewear, a leading manufacturer and provider of protective eyewear, has teamed with Jim Yates Racing to design and construct the new 2008 Pro Stock Pontiac for the NHRA POWERade season. Designing the new custom painted GXP involved an enormous investment in time — beginning approximately 17 months ago — and resources on behalf of Wiley X, Pontiac and GM Racing. The final racing product combines sleek, sporty, aerodynamic features that closely resemble the racecar's Pontiac G6 GXP showroom counterpart — but with a very bold new paint job.
"We are truly excited about the evolution of our marketing partnership with Wiley X Eyewear,” says Jim Yates. “The exciting new graphics on our recently unveiled Pontiac GXP Wiley X ‘Sunglass Machine’ is the next step in our mission to really get the fans fired up about High Velocity Protection and 200 mile per hour shades."
No stranger to exciting a crowd, Jim Yates Racing is a top-notch, race team in the NHRA. Over the past 17 years, Yates has won two POWERade Pro Stock Championships, finished in the Top 2 five times, the Top 5 eight times and the Top 10 fourteen times. He has won 25 NHRA national events and finished runner-up at an additional 33 events to date and captured 29 poles. Behind the wheel of the new Wiley X Sunglass Machine, 2008 will prove to be yet another successful year for the Jim Yates Racing team.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the new 2008 Wiley X Sunglass Machine: the sleek, edgy design is the perfect on track representation of the Wiley X brand,” said Myles Freeman, Vice President of Sales at Wiley X Eyewear. “Our partnership with Jim Yates over the past year has proved to be a great success and we look forward to continuing to expand our relationship. Jim Yates has the Wiley X Sunglass Machine Team moving in a direction that is sure to help further develop Wiley X branding for our dealer network around the country."
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Wiley X Eyewear® To Sponsor Team Veterans Of Valor For The 2008 Primal Quest Race
Wiley X Eyewear® is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Team Veterans of Valor for the 2008 Primal Quest
Expedition Adventure Race®, formerly known as the Eco-Challenge, that will take place June 21 - July 2, 2008.
Primal Quest is an environmentally-friendly wilderness race in which teams compete for over $100,000 in cash
and prizes.
Wiley X Eyewear, a leading manufacturer of protective eyewear for enthusiasts across a broad range of
categories, has donated a sizable contribution toward the team’s entry fees, making it possible for the team to
enter the 2008 competition. Wiley X has also provided the team with a supply of unique eyewear, which — like
these extreme athletes — is durable, dependable and able to perform in severe conditions. As standard issue for
FBI, DEA, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other elite Special Forces units around the world, all Wiley X models
meet or exceed the ANSI Z87.1-2003 requirements for High Velocity Impact Standards.
Team Veterans of Valor is competing in 2008 in honor of Maj. Douglas Zembiec USMC and to raise money for
the Veterans of Valor Organization, a group that supports service members wounded in the field of duty.
Formerly Team Semper Fi, Team Veterans of Valor is ready to take on the myriad challenges that this 8-10 day,
500-600 mile expedition race throws at them. The team finished the 2007 race in 44th place out of 90 teams (with
55 teams finishing), and was the first all-military team to cross the finish line. As a result of its 2007 efforts, the
team received two distinctive honors — the Media Personality Award and the Eco Friendly Award.
Co-ed teams of four experienced back country adventure athletes journey across rugged miles of terrain using
only a map, a compass and their team members’ combined skills. The members of the team must travel together
at all times and must finish together in order to be officially ranked. Additionally, in accordance with the
Adventure Racing Ecological Standards publication from the United States Adventure Racing Association, all
teams must follow environmental guidelines — this includes only traveling where permitted, not building campfires
and strictly adhering to the “pack it in, pack it out” rule.
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Wiley X Eyewear® Becomes Official Sunglass Partner Of World Champion Off-Road Race Team — Spectrum Off-Road Racing
Livermore, Calif. (November 7, 2007) – Wiley X, Inc. a leading manufacturer of protective and casual eyewear, will serve as the official sunglass partner of the world champion off-road race team — Spectrum Off-Road Racing — for the 2007 Tecate / SCORE Baja 1000. As the final event of the six-race 2007 SCORE Desert Series, this marks the 40th anniversary of the Baja 1000.
The Baja 1000 race runs November 11 – 16, 2007 and starts in Ensenada-Baja California, Mexico, ending in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The race will be televised on a delayed basis as a one-hour NBC Sports special, which airs at 3 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, December 30th on the NBC Television Network. It will also air on a delayed basis outside the U.S. on ESPN International.
Driving for the Spectrum Off-Road Racing Team during the 2007 Baja 1000 are drivers Todd Welling and Greg “Boomer” Hukari. Capturing first place in the 2006 Baja 1000 sportsman class during their inaugural race together, Welling and Boomer proved immediately that they were a force to be reckoned with. For 2007 the team will enter into Class-1 and drive the team’s brand new Ilmor Viper V-10 powered vehicle.
As part of the sponsorship agreement, the Wiley X logo will appear on the new Class-1 car and Wiley X will be providing Welling and Boomer with its top-of-the-line eyewear for the race.
In honor of its 20th Anniversary and new corporate name, Wiley X, Inc. is ramping up its sponsorships in the Racing industry and having great success in this market. As a leading provider of protective eyewear for Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other U.S. Special Forces Units in action around the globe, Wiley X recognizes the strong marketing tie-in between high profile racing teams and the company’s line of extremely high-performance eyewear.
“The opportunity presented to us by the Spectrum Off-Road Race team was something we couldn’t pass up,” said Wiley X Eyewear’s Vice President of Sales Myles Freeman. “Sponsorships are the perfect opportunity for Wiley X to further expand our strong presence within the market. We are certain that establishing relationships with successful teams like Spectrum will prove to be mutually beneficial for both parties.”
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WILEY X EYEWEAR To Sponsor Jim Yates' Pontiac For 2008 POWERade Season
LIVERMORE, Calif., Oct. 30, 2007 - WILEY X EYEWEAR®, a leading manufacturer and provider of protective eyewear, has announced that they will be the primary sponsor on Jim Yates' Pro Stock Pontiac for the 2008 NHRA POWERade season. The full 24-event sponsorship package continues a successful race-marketing partnership between Wiley X Eyewear and Jim Yates Racing.
"This is an exciting time for Wiley X Eyewear as we're not only celebrating 20 years as a family-owned business, but we are also coming off our biggest growth year in the commercial market," said Myles Freeman, vice president of sales and co-owner of Wiley X Eyewear. "In addition, Jim Yates has the Wiley X Sunglass Machine Team moving in a positive direction, so this commitment should only further help develop Wiley X branding for the thousands of Wiley X customers around the country."
Wiley X has more than 20 years of innovation in providing advanced eyewear solutions to the military - Army Rangers, Navy SEALS and US Special Forces - as well as many other commercial markets. Its functional line of eye protection is a favorite amongst motorcycle riders, hunting, fishing and extreme sports enthusiasts, to name a few, because of its sleek styles and patented removable gaskets that seal out wind and debris. The California-based company also sells its products in over 50 countries around the globe.
Wiley X's High Velocity Protection (HVP™) eyewear are manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses and far exceed ANSI Z87.1- 2003 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards. These lenses are available in 14 lens tints to provide eye comfort and protection in any environment and can be matched with a variety of high-performance, unbreakable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
One of the most recognizable names in NHRA Drag Racing, Jim Yates is a two-time POWERade Pro Stock champion winning back-to-back titles in 1996-97. In 379 career races spanning 18 years, the 54-year-old Virginia resident has captured 25 victories, advanced to 58 final rounds, earned 29 No. 1 qualifying awards and won 409 eliminator rounds (.578). Yates has finished second in the NHRA points standings three times (1995, 2001-02), in the top five of the Pro Stock standings eight times and in the top 10 of the points standings 14 times (third best among full-time Pro Stock racers). Yates best season was in 1997 when he won the points title, scored nine national-event victories, advanced to 12 final rounds, captured nine No. 1 qualifying awards and won 58 eliminator rounds (.817).
Yates was part of an NHRA contingent of drivers that visited American troops in Germany in 2005 and '06. On October 3 of this year, Yates joined Alcohol Funny Car team owner/crew chief Jay Blake in a USO-sponsored visit with American combat-wounded troops at the Mologne House which is a part of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. On Nov. 10, Yates and his fellow NHRA drivers will make their third postseason trip to Germany to visit with American troops at the Kaiserslautern Military Community and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
"We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the great family at Wiley X during the past two years," Yates said. "Wiley X is a family-owned and -operated business, very similar to our own, and we are very excited about the opportunity to grow our marketing partnership through their involvement with our racing team throughout the 2008 POWERade season.
"It is awesome to be able to work with the owners of Wiley X on a day-to-day basis in developing and executing their marketing strategies. Not only does Wiley X have a strong presence in our armed forces, they also have an incredible line of eyewear to fit everyone from the fashion conscious to the extreme sports enthusiast. I have the best of both worlds. I am involved with a great family and I get to promote the excellent line of Wiley X eyewear through the NHRA. It doesn't get any better than that."
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Wiley X Eyewear® Comes On Strong With Wood Brothers/JTG Racing
Wiley X Expands its Support of NASCAR With Premier Racing Partnership
LIVERMORE, Calif., June. 22, 2007 - After years of protecting the eyes of America’s military, Wiley X Eyewear has successfully crossed over to
protecting the eyes of America’s leading racing teams. Pretty soon you won’t be able to watch NASCAR without
seeing Wiley X’s highly innovative eyewear, just as many premier teams can’t see themselves without the
company’s advanced eye protection. The perfect fit between the high velocity sport and Wiley X’s patented High
Velocity Protection (HVP™) has just been extended to another of NASCAR’s top racing teams as Wiley X has
signed to provide their industry leading eye protection for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing.
With top teams in the Nextel Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series, Wood Brothers/JTG Racing joins
the ranks of Wiley X’s other premier NASCAR team sponsorships of Roush Racing and Ginn Motorsports for the
2007 race season — along with key partnerships in IndyCar and NHRA. The combat-proven protection will now
help exclusively protect Wood Brothers/JTG Racing team members at all of their Nextel Cup, Busch Series and
Craftsman Truck Series events.
The Wood Brothers/JTG Racing organization includes five separate race teams — the Nextel Cup No. 21 Little
Debbie/Air Force/Motorcraft Ford; two Busch Series teams, the No. 47 Clorox Ford and the No. 59 Kingsford Ford;
and two Craftsman Truck Series teams, the No. 21 Ravenswood Winery/Bush’s Baked Beans Ford F-150 and the
No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford F-150. Drivers for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing include such top competitors as Bill Elliott,
Ken Schrader, Jon Wood, Marcos Ambrose, Kelly Bires, Mark Martin, Stacy Compton and Joey Clanton.
Wiley X has really exploded onto the racing scene by building its key sponsorships in honor of its 20th anniversary, to
include the company’s second primary sponsorship featured in this years Toyota/Save Mart 350. The benchmark of
quality eye protection for those in combat around the globe, the company’s shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™
polycarbonate lenses, which offer full ultraviolet protection and far exceed ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSIZ80.3 optical
standards, coupled with a variety of high-performance and nearly unbreakable TR90 frames, have found a new home in
the exciting world of NASCAR.
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® WILL GET SOME HIGH VISIBILITY “SEAT TIME” BEFORE HOMETOWN CROWD
LIVERMORE, Calif., June. 22, 2007 - Wiley X Eyewear® will proudly display its colors as primary sponsor for Ginn Racing’s Number 14 Chevrolet in the
NEXTEL Cup’s only Northern California race, the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on June 24th. Sporting the same sleek
black and red Wiley X paint scheme as in its first primary sponsorship at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway last
year, this time the company’s industry-leading, High Velocity Protection (HVP™) will be highlighted before a
hometown crowd near the company’s headquarters in Livermore, California.
“The folks at Ginn Racing have been so great to work with and we are so excited about this second opportunity to
race our Wiley X Chevy before such a large audience,” said Wiley X’s co-owner and Vice President of Sales
Myles Freeman. “The performance-driven team behind this excellent racing program is an ideal showcase for our
performance-driven eyewear.”
Wiley X’s combat-proven eyewear, which made the company a leading provider of tactical eye protection for the
FBI, DEA, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other elite Special Forces Units, is a perfect crossover to the
demanding and dangerous race environment — protecting the eyes of many top racing teams in NASCAR,
IndyCar and NHRA. In its third year as an associate sponsor of the Ginn Racing owned U.S. Army Chevrolet, this
is the second time Wiley X has taken the lead in sponsoring the Army’s sister car driven by racing veteran and fan
favorite Sterling Marlin.
This primary sponsorship proudly displays the company’s continued growth and success in all aspects of the
tactical and commercial eyewear markets. With stylish new offerings in the optical, motorcycle, active sports and
outdoor markets, Wiley X continues to develop its highly advanced Selenite™ polycarbonate lens technology,
which has made the company’s eyewear a standard in eye protection the world over. As serious about racing as
they are about eyewear, Wiley X’s proud partnerships and dedication to some of the finest teams in motorsports
clearly demonstrate the company’s commitment to “take the pole” amongst other eyewear brands competing in
the garage and in the pits.
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Wiley X Eyewear® Announces Sunglass Endorsement With Roush Racing Crew And Drivers Greg Biffle And Carl Edwards
Livermore, Calif. (April 23, 2007) – Wiley X Eyewear® initially made a name for itself in answering the call for critical tactical eye protection for those serving in uniform around the globe. In the ensuing 20 years, the company has expanded their rugged and attractive designs into racing, motorcycling, fishing, boating and bicycling markets. That is why Wiley X is excited to announce another perfect fit for their high performance eyewear by teaming with premier drivers Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle and the Roush Racing team. This collaboration with the exhilarating world of NASCAR will propel Wiley X to new heights in safety and appeal by supplying high performance sunglasses to all of Roush Racing drivers, mechanics and crews in all three NASCAR series — Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck.
In honor of its 20th anniversary this year, Wiley X is ramping up its race sponsorships with two of NASCAR’s most impressive drivers. The 36-year-old Biffle, winner of Rookie of the Year and Championship honors in both NCTS and Busch Series, is well on his way to his third major NASCAR title as a part of the Nextel Cup. The younger Edwards has raced in two full schedule seasons in both the Nextel Cup and Busch Series last year, finishing 12th overall in the Nextel Cup, with ten top five finishes, and 2nd in the Busch Series, where he is currently the points leader this season — including four wins and fifteen top five finishes. While Biffle’s laid-back personality is very different from Edward’s now famous victory car-door back-flips, both drivers’ high-energy and competitive attitude on the track are a perfect fit with Wiley X. The company’s High Velocity Protection (HVP™) eyewear is manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses that offer full ultraviolet protection and far exceed ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSIZ80.3 optical standards. These lenses are matched with a variety of high-performance, unbreakable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
"I am totally pumped up to wear the Wiley X brand of eye protection and I'm starting to see them all over the place down here on pit road,” says Carl Edwards. “The products are comfortable and well made — and a company like this that supports the military the way they do is something I'm proud to be associated with.”
Biffle added, “Wiley X has a unique story surrounding the history of their products and I like the fact they're family owned. It can get chaotic and dangerous down here on pit road and I know our pit crews have a bit more peace of mind knowing they’re wearing the same shatterproof protection our troops use.”
“I can’t tell you how exciting it is to supply our tough brand of high velocity eye protection to one of motorsports’ premier organizations,” said Myles Freeman, Vice President of Sales at Wiley X Eyewear. “And by signing two Nextel cup fan favorites like Carl and Greg to Personal Services Agreements, we help to further solidify our brand amongst nearly 75 million brand loyal NASCAR fans — this is just another way we proudly support our dealer network nationwide.”
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® INKS FIVE-RACE PRIMARY SPONSOR DEAL WITH TOP NHRA PRO STOCK DRIVER JIM YATES
High-Performance Glasses Keep Yates Protected and Looking Cool As He Burns Up The Quarter Mile
Livermore, Calif. (February 9, 2007) – Leading protective eyewear manufacturer Wiley X has announced a five-race, primary sponsorship agreement with top NHRA Pro Stock driver Jim Yates. Wiley X Eyewear will be supporting Yates and featured on his lightning-fast Sea Ray Pontiac GTO beginning with this weekend’s big Winternational races in Pomona, California (to be televised on ESPN2). The sponsorship agreement will also include high profile NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) events to follow in Phoenix, Houston, Las Vegas and Atlanta.
Wiley X is ramping up its race sponsorships in 2007 as a way of honoring its 20th Anniversary this year. Wiley X also recognizes the strong marketing tie-in between high profile racing teams and the company’s line of high performance sunglasses. Wiley X Eyewear is a leading provider of protective eyewear for Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and other U.S. Special Forces Units in action around the globe. The company’s High Velocity Protection (HVP™) eyewear is manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses that offer full ultraviolet protection and far exceed ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSIZ80.3 optical standards. These lenses are matched with a variety of high-performance, unbreakable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
“About 18 months ago, some friends of mine in the military recommended Wiley X glasses to me, and I started wearing them during races,” said Yates. “I was amazed at the incredible quality of their products and immediately noticed a marked improvement in my visual clarity, which meant better reaction time and racing ability. In a sport where success is measured down to a thousandth of a second, every advantage you can get is very important.
“We’re extremely excited about stepping up in a bigger way this year with Jim Yates Racing,” said Wiley X Eyewear’s Vice President of Sales Myles Freeman, Jr. “There’s not a classier guy in the sport then Jim. After Jim and his team had such a successful year in 2006, it pretty much cemented our commitment to get more involved this year. Jim also paved the way for a business relationship with Sea Ray (a luxury boat manufacturer). We’re very appreciative of this, and are hopeful that the success of this program could lead to a long-term relationship.”
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Wiley X Eyewear to Sponsor Jim Yates on NHRA’s Western Swing
LIVERMORE, Calif., January. 10, 2007 - Wiley X Eyewear is increasing its involvement with Jim Yates’ Pro Stock team and will become the primary sponsor of his Pontiac GTO for the next three races – NHRA’s traditional Western Swing that features events at Denver, Seattle (July 21-23) and Sonoma, Calif. (July 28-30).
Yates’ Wiley X Eyewear GTO will make its first appearance Friday when qualifying begins for the Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
“Wiley X has been involved with our program for more than a year. The company was pleased with the response and exposure it received during that time,” said Yates, a two-time NHRA POWERade champion. “It plans to expand into the retail market and we are happy they chose our team and drag racing to help raise brand awareness. I wear their glasses. They have been instrumental in improving my starting-line reaction times.”
Wiley X makes protective eyewear, supplying glasses to the U.S. Military in the Middle East.
Yates, who has a win in two final rounds this year) is in the midst of a tense championship chase. He currently is fourth in points, just 93 points out of first place.
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Wiley X Eyewear Takes the Lead in Supporting Our Troops with U.S.O. Donation at Nextel Cup NASCAR Race
Industry Leader in Protective Eyewear Sponsors Sterling Marlin’s No. 14 Chevy in Las Vegas
LIVERMORE, Calif., March. 10, 2006 - Wiley X Eyewear™ (pronounced Why-Lee-X),
a leading manufacturer of tactical, sports and casual eyewear, is proud
to announce its primary sponsorship of Sterling Marlin's No. 14 Chevrolet
for the March 12th NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
In keeping with Wiley X Eyewear’s long tradition of providing the ultimate
in protective tactical eyewear for military and law enforcement applications,
the company is commemorating its most recent NASCAR sponsorship by donating
500 pairs of their revolutionary High Velocity Protection (HVP™) tactical
goggles along with a check for $5,000 to the U.S.O. to support the men
and women serving our country overseas.
The MB2 Motorsports entry is emblazoned with the black and red colors
of Wiley X, which was recently applauded by the New England Journal
of Medicine, which listed the company’s shatterproof ballistic eyewear
as one of the main reasons for the decreasing amount of eye injuries
suffered by today’s soldiers.
Along with being a major supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement
agencies, Wiley X produces innovative and sophisticated sunglasses for
both casual and active wear as well as specialty eyewear for the motorcycle,
mountain/street bike, hunting, boating and fishing markets.
"It's hard to contain our excitement after finalizing a deal with the
good folks at MB2 Motorsports to have our very own Nextel Cup car competing
in Las Vegas," said Myles Freeman, co-owner and vice president of sales
for Wiley X Eyewear. "And we couldn't have a better role model than
Sterling Marlin to drive the No.14 Wiley X Eyewear car. This race is
dedicated to all of our retail customers who have helped us achieve
an aggressive goal in our quest to further raise brand awareness and
the brave men and women of our armed forces.”
Marlin, the 2002 winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, feels his new team
is ready for a breakthrough race in the Wiley X Chevy. "We had a good
test in Las Vegas (in January) and I think we're ready to jump out and
run up front," said Marlin. "We're banking on a red-hot performance
to go along with our cool-looking car and our cool-looking Wiley X shades.”
Wiley X is no stranger to the motorsports industry — the company is
in its second season as an associate sponsor on the MB2-owned U.S. Army
Chevrolet driven by Joe Nemechek. Wiley X has also established an official
status with the International Race of Champions (IROC) circuit.
“Wiley X has been a great partner and we appreciate them stepping up
for this opportunity,” said Jay Frye, MB2’s CEO and general manager.
“It’s always exciting when we are able to provide a company with its
first experience as a primary sponsor."
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Wiley X Re-signs with Army Racing for 2006 & 2007
Wiley X Eyewear proudly announces it has resigned with MB2 Motorsports and
continues as a major sponsor of the #01 U.S. Army Chevrolet and Army Racing for
the 2006 Nextel Cup Season. The Wiley X logo will appear on the rear deck lid
and B-pillars of the car. The #01 Army Car, driven by Joe Nemechek, is looking
forward to great things this year. The U.S. Army is the primary sponsor of the
#01 MB2 Motorsports Chevrolet.
Wiley X was created in 1986 to produce shatterproof eye gear for U.S. Military
Special Forces and Law Enforcement agencies nationwide. Shatterproof,
Selenite™, polycarbonate lenses define the ballistic qualities of their HVP
(High Velocity Protection) Series. Some models have been tested to withstand a
12 gauge shotgun blast from 10 yards away, helping the company gain not only
national but international notoriety. Wiley X Eyewear currently supplies the
FBI, DEA, Army Rangers, Navy Seal Teams and Military Special Forces. Wiley X
has supplied over 1 million frames to the 4 services protecting this great
nation.
Since 1990, Wiley X has taken a vigorous approach to promoting and advertising
in retail markets. They have developed fashionably functional lines and gained
tremendous recognition supplying eyewear to the motorcycle, mountain and street
bike markets, as well as optical, boating and fishing markets across the
country. Using their experience with Military Special Forces, lines like their
Seal-Tek™ and Magna-Seal™ Series have made them a household name with sportsman
who demand performance driven eyewear.
"We're excited about our relationship with Army Racing," says Dan Freeman, V.P.
of Marketing. "We felt like we needed to give something back. We are very proud
of this sponsorship and we want the world to know it."
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