Hacking to Make Charlotte-Area Appearance to Promote VIR Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Charlotte, NC (July 29) Motorcycle racing superstar Jamie Hacking will make a personal appearance on Wednesday, August 3, at the Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant at 7731 Gateway Lane NW in Concord, N.C., just off Speedway Boulevard between Concord Mills Mall and Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Hacking, the 2003 AMA Supersport Champion, will be on hand to promote the upcoming Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIRginia International Raceway, scheduled for August 26-28. Hacking will be on hand from 7:00-9:00 p.m. to sign posters for fans, raffle off free race tickets and a replica helmet and participate in a question-and-answer session that will be moderated by Speed Channel personality Ralph Sheheen, who will serve as the public-address announcer for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals. Quaker Steak and Lube is one of the hottest new nightspots in the Charlotte area, and its Wednesday “bike nights” customarily attract in excess of 1,000 motorcyclists. As a resident of nearby Lake Norman, Hacking is well aware of the popularity of the Wednesday-night motorcycle gatherings at Quaker Steak and Lube. “I know that ‘bike night’ at Quaker Steak and Lube is very popular,” he said, “because I’ve driven by and seen the parking lot packed full with bikes. I’m looking forward to going down there to meet the fans and get them pumped up to come to VIR for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals.” Hacking, who races for Yamaha, has been unable to race since May after a bicycling accident resulted in two dislocated elbows, is planning to be back in action for the first time at the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals. Sheheen, who also lives in the Charlotte area, said that the Southeast is a great place for motorcycle enthusiasts, and that he is looking forward to his appearance at Quaker Steak and Lube. “Motorcycle enthusiasts in the Southeast are very fortunate to have some of the best roads in the country to ride on, for example the Blue Ridge Parkway,” he said. “But we’re also very fortunate in that we’ve got 2.25 miles of great asphalt for racing at VIRginia International Raceway. The Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals is going to be a wonderful opportunity to experience a great racetrack for motorcycle racing with some of the best motorcycle racers in the world. A great opportunity to get involved ahead of time is to come by Quaker Steak and Lube, meet one of the best riders in the business in person and possibly get a chance to get some free tickets, a couple of autographs and get the excitement built up as everybody prepares to head up to VIR at the end of the month.” Chip McWhorter, the assistant general manager at Quaker Steak and Lube, said that he and his staff are looking forward to the event. “This is a great opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts in the Charlotte area to learn more about Superbike racing and VIR, and to meet one of the sport’s top stars,” he said. “‘Bike Night’ has been one of our most popular promotions at Quaker Steak and Lube, and we’re really looking forward to having Jamie and Ralph on hand to meet the fans on Wednesday.” The event schedule for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, which is being promoted by Colorado-based Race Promotion Management (RPM), will include three days of racing action, including two feature races for the headlining AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited as well as feature races for supporting classes including the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei, AMA Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. There are a number of advance ticket packages available for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR. Advance packages include the Flag Room (three-day admission, paddock access, car parking pass, official event program and hospitality on Saturday and Sunday), for $140; Youth Flag Room (5-12 years of age) for $50; the Big Kahuna Super Ticket (three-day admission, paddock and pit walk pass, lap of track, car parking pass and official 2005 Big Kahuna t-shirt) for $99; three-day general admission with paddock access for $55; and pit walk passes (limited availability, good for all practice and qualifying sessions, requires closed-toe shoes) for $30. At the gate, ticket availability will be limited to three-day passes for $60, single-day tickets (Friday only) for $10 and pit walk passes for $40. To purchase advance tickets, visit www.virclub.com or www.rpmcolorado.com. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a sales showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The 2.25-mile VIR North Course circuit on which the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals will take place has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days. For more information on VIRginia International Raceway, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or contact VIR at 434-822-7700. For more information on Race Promotion Management, visit their website at www.rpmcolorado.com or contact them via telephone at 303-377-3278. For more information on the AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited, visit their website at www.amasuperbike.com.