Posted (06/02/2011) -
For the 2011 Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, Joe Sahlen will be driving a special “Soccer Themed” Mazda RX-8. The #49 Mazda RX-8 will be painted to resemble the Western New York Flash Women’s Soccer Team logo.
The Flash logo of a waving Red Flag, with Yellow Lighting bolts are incorporated into the sides and hood of the RX-8. Then just like the Flash logo, the roof of the car will be a giant soccer ball.
The Western New York Flash is Sahlen’s Women’s Professional Soccer team. The team is in their 3 year of competition. Last season the team won the W-League National Championship vs 38 other North American Women’s teams. And this year they have moved to the elite Women’s Professional Soccer league, where they are on top of the standings at the mid point in the season.
“I am very excited to have the Flash themed Mazda at the track. This is a great platform to promote the Flash team and the entire Women’s Professional Soccer league. We will be entering 3 cars in the event, with #42 and #43 being our primary focus for the weekend. Then we plan to be able to place the Flash race car in our Hospitality suite for the our family and friends to take turns sitting in and getting their picture taken.” – shared Joe Sahlen
Not to be left out of the unique themes for the fans, the #42 and #43 will have the “Fueled by Hot Dogs” branding on the sides and hoods of each Mazda. This theme parlays the New York state famous Sahlen Hot Dogs, that have been around since 1869.
Driving the #42 will be Wayne Nonnamaker and Memo Gidley. And in the #43 will be Joe Sahlen accompanied by Joe and Will Nonnamaker.
“For the past 2 seasons, Joe and I have finished in 10th place in the Sahlen’s 6 Hours. Hopefully we will have the same luck in finishing this grueling 6 hour event, and even maybe move up the finishing order.” – shared Joe’s long time co-driver Will Nonnamaker
The Team Sahlen crew will be very busy leading up to the Sahlen’s 6 Hours, having just raced at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut on Monday. This will be a quick turn around, and an extended amount of time that the entire crew will have spent on the road away from their families.
The Sahlen’s 6 Hours of the Glen to be Televised on SPEED TV on June 4th at 4:30 pm est.
The 2011 Team Sahlen GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 is supported by Mazda, Mazdaspeed, HRPWorld.com, Cool Shirt, Racetech Seats, BBS, Racing Print Media, Alcon, Mothers Polish, EMCO, NGK Spark Plugs, TheRaceSite.com, Western New York Flash, Grassroots Motorsports, Castrol Oil, Holliday Canopies, ASC Industries, Muscle Milk, Iannetti Design Ideas, CM Racing