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While there may be a lot of hoopla and fretting over the proposed sale or non-sale of Bradenton’s DeSoto Speedway, one driver is spending the time preparing for the 99 season in earnest. Patrick Hughes has been racing in the very tough Pro Figure Eight Series at the Desoto And Auburndale Speedways for the last several years, thrilling fans with the intense competition between he and Rockin’ Rodney Davis of Lakeland. Many a Saturday night has ended at those two speedways with the fans on their feet, some screaming their lungs out and some holding their breath as the super fast Figure Eight Cars flew through the ‘X’ at 70 plus miles an hour, coming within inches of other cars. Nerves of steel is probably an understatement. Today Patrick Hughes signed a sponsorship and marketing agreement with Yuffe’s Restaurant in Bradenton for the Open Wheel Modified at DeSoto, and will include races at some other tracks as well. The sponsorship agreement ensures Hughes will have the equipment and backing to be competitive right from the start. Patrick Hughes won the 1998 championship in the very tough figure eight class. The agreement will fund the Patrick Hughes Motorsports team throughout 1999, and include a number of public appearances, both at the Restaurant and in the community, as well as some high profile events currently being planned.
Wally Staack, the owner of Yuffe’s, realizes he is breaking the mold by providing the level of sponsorship needed to enable a local race team to be fully competitive. He said today “ we hope to use this as a vehicle to improve our bottom line, and have some fun.” He said he is planning weekly video shows at the family oriented sports bar and restaurant, along with party bus trips to DeSoto Speedway, and “maybe a few surprises”.
Pat’s number #13 Open Wheel Modified will sport the Yuffe’s blue and orange colors, and expects to be ready mid April. Pat, who lives in Parrish, Florida, said his wife Mary will have very heavy involvement with the team. Mary is a former Street Stock Champion, and has been involved with racing for a number of years. Pat raced high powered boats, as well as working for some of the top engine builders, before turning to stock cars. The marketing package was designed and arranged by KARNAC Motorsports Marketing, and KARNAC will also be an associate sponsor with Patrick Hughes Motorsports. -Jack Smith |
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