KIDS READING PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT SPEEDWAY
& CREDIT UNION COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY IN 2008
SAN BERNARDINO, CA (March 19, 2008)
– When it comes to short tracks and their surrounding
communities, one thing stands out above and beyond; there complete intertwined
with its growth and recession. The track’s continues in its intentions
of being an affordable and fun and family orientated option while partnering
up with its sponsors to help. Orange Show Speedway announced today a
partnership with 1st Valley Credit Union in the development of a youth
reading program. The ‘Race to Read’ reading program will
run as a pilot, with hopes of running a permanent program every March/April
in subsequent years.
"Race to Read", is a reading program
designed to encourage literacy by providing an exciting race-themed
incentive for elementary-age students. The program can also be customized
to fit most any special education requirement for K-6 students. "Race
to Read" slated to start in the middle of August, runs for five
weeks, and concludes two weeks prior to the speedway’s 1st Valley
Credit Union/OSS Race to Read Recognition/Family Night race event, scheduled
for September 27, 2008. In 2008, the dates for the program are August
4-September 12. Prizes are awarded when students complete Take Home
Reading sheets provided by the program. Del Taco, Fiesta Village Fun
Park, Blackhawk Protection, Lucas Oil and Industrial Metal Supply are
just a few of the companies partnering in on the project and assisting
for providing incentives for the program. Complimentary tickets for
the reader and one accompanying adult to the September 27 celebration
are offered as prize incentives during the reading program. 1st Valley
Credit Union President Gregg Stockdale, the board of Directors and management
team have coordinated with OSS and created an impressive incentive schedule
that includes the classrooms as well.
As an incentive for the schools, the top five individual
classrooms will receive desktop computers. The criteria will be a combination
of hours read, class size and percentage of participation. For the individual
students, the top three readers will receive scholarship IRAs for their
continuing education. Gregg Stockdale felt that the schools and teachers
would help drive the program;
“The real catalyst to the program’s success
will be the school’s administration and the teachers. Many of
our banking family here at 1st Valley Credit Union are public servants
and teachers; we know their unyielding commitment to the children and
our future. We wanted to find a way to show our support of them and
we felt this would be a nice addition to the program.” Said Stockdale
"Race to Read" has set a goal of 20 schools
to participate, but have set up the program to be available and ready
to serve as many schools as necessary. Also, Orange Show Speedway has
a list of racers on file who have indicated they are willing to display
their race vehicle(s) at schools participating in the "Race to
Read" program as well as at other events throughout the city. Greg
Cozzo, Director of Broadcasting/Partnership Development, has been spearheading
the program from its inception and will serve as coordinator for the
program’s pilot. Greg spoke of his previous work with projects
like this;
“During my time with the Stampede (now IE 66ers)
Baseball club, we did a similar program. When the players would go to
the schools and read, I remember how much the children enjoyed it. The
thing that will really make this program special is that the racecar
drivers participating will actually be the children’s neighbors,
or even have children attending the same school. When they come out
to the track, these families now have someone to root for immediately.
That makes it personal, that makes it so much more fun. I am just thankful
for Joe’s (Ganino) support to let me pursue this.”
Joe Ganino, Director of Motorsports for Orange Show
Speedway, sees this program as just the beginning of many other opportunities
to work with communities;
“These are difficult times for many of our race
fans when the economy is in the state it is. One of the things I’ve
stressed on, is that every component that makes up an event. Whether
it is fans, staff or drivers, each is so very important. 2008 has been
earmarked the ‘year of the driver,’ but this is an example
that nobody will be left out as we, and I emphasize we, will work toward
making this an affordable and fun location for families to enjoy a Saturday
night.”
"Race to Read" rewards AT HOME reading by
elementary age students. After working with schools on what they felt
was an additional, yet reasonable amount of reading for the average
student, the "Race to Read" program requires kindergarten
through second graders to read (or be read to) in 15 minute intervals,
while third grade through sixth grade students need to read in 30 minutes
intervals. Each Take Home Reading Sheet allows K-2 students (primary)
four hours of additional reading and 3-6 grade students (intermediate)
eight hours. In order to complete the program’s requirements,
primary students complete four Take Home Reading sheets or an additional
16 hours of reading and intermediate students complete an additional
32 hours of reading during the six-week program. Of course, they can
continue reading past the pre-set requirements in order to secure a
position as the top reader of their school and be eligible for additional
prizes. Each time a student turns in a Take Home Reading Sheet, they
are presented with a fun prize. The program provides these prizes through
their fourth Take Home Reading Sheet, with the Orange Show Speedway
tickets being the prize for turning in the third sheet. Schools are
encouraged to solicit their own additional prizes for their students
who turn in five or more Take Home Reading Sheets. The two top readers
in each school – one from K-2 and one from 3-6 – are publicly
recognized during the Race to Read Recognition Night at the Speedway.
(SHOWN ABOVE) 1st Valley Credit Union President,
Gregg Stockdale & OSS Director of Broadcasting / Partnership Development
Greg Cozzo along with newly created ‘Race to Read’ logo
Orange Shoe Speedway is a proud member of the ASA
Member Track program, which is comprised of a network of short tracks
around the United States. For more information, call (386) 258-2221
or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from
all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com
. Drivers, Racers and Fans are encouraged to keep abreast will all the
updates and exciting news during the off season by checking out www.nosevents.com
and keep an eye on the speedway page for more information.
Racing at Orange Show Speedway is sponsored by
Lucas Oil, Pick A Part Auto Recyclers, Blackhawk Protection,
Del Taco, KTTD radio (AM 1350), Leno’s Rico Taco, JAM Sportswear,
Budweiser, Hoosier Racing Tires, Frank’s Radio Service, 1st Valley
Credit Union, Parker Pumper/BSR West, Eibach Springs, Star Auto Parts,
Matich Corporation, Industrial Metal Supply, L. Curti Truck and Equipment,
One Stop Landscape Supply, Extreme Exhibits & Logistics, ASA Member
Track Program, CEC Embroidery, NixaCountry.com, Little Green Onions
Family Restaurant.
For further information, contact Orange Show Speedway
at 909-888-6788, X438, or visit the web site at www.nosevents.com.
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