| Orlando SpeedWorld's Rusty Marcus Named Lowe's Promoter of the Year | by Dave Westerman
 In his very first year as General Manager and Promoter of Orlando Speedworld, Rusty Marcus has been named the 2005 Lowe's Motor Speeedway Promoter of the Year.
The annual award honors a promoter who excels in presenting affordable short track racing in a family atmosphere.
In a letter addressed to Marcus from H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, President and General Manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, Wheeler says: "Rusty, your tireless efforts and dedication have transformed Orlando Speedworld into one of the nation's premier short tracks. While many tracks in your area continue to struggle at both the front and back gates, you are able to produce two successful nights of racing each week.
Combine this with your dedication to running a tight, efficient program and emphasis on low admission prices and reduced costs to racers, and it is clear why our blue ribbon panel selected you to receive this year's award."
Marcus, a long-time race fan, got started working at his old home track, the now defunct Thundercross Motorsports Park in Okeechobee while a full-time employee of the State Water Management office. At Thundercross he earned his nickname "Rusty the 50/50 Guy" while selling raffle tickets to the crowd at the small dirt track.
After cutbacks eliminated his regular job and Thundercross closed, Marcus moved north and basically volunteered his services to both Orlando Speedworld and New Smyrna Speedway, often working for no pay.
Marcus turned some heads not only among competitors and fans but the FASCAR brass as well. When former track GM Dick Westfall retired after the 2004 season, Marcus was named the new General Manager and the rest is history.
"This award isn't just about me, it's about everybody who is a part of Orlando Speedworld from Robert Hart down through Don and Sandy Nerone to our weekly staff that work together to make this thing happen," says Marcus.
"We have absolutely the best group of racers any track could have and whether they race a Super Late Model or a Strictly Stock, I like to say everyone is treated the same and it makes for what I consider one big racing family," he says.
Marcus will receive his award on the pre-race stage prior to the running of the Dollar General 300 NASCAR Busch Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Friday night, October 14th.
[Editors Note: Rusty Marcus can be heard in a 1/2 long intervew with Short Track America. He discusses winning the award, his racing history and the future of Orlando Speedworld.  Use this Link!.]
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