ST: LOGO UNVEILED FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF IWK 250

The new look embodies the iconic brand of previous years with the addition of two key elements to mark the occasion, a banner that reads ‘Celebrating 10 Years Together’ and a special message that reads ‘Champions of Women’s & Children’s Health Care’.”This ties it all together'” said Paul McLean, general manager of Riverside International Speedway. “It has been such an important partnership for us. And we are proud that we have been able to grow the event since 2007 to the point the IWK 250 is instantly recognized in racing circles near and far, resulting in far-reaching exposure for the IWK Health Centre.”

The IWK 250 was created in 2007 by co-founders Steve Lewis and the late John Chisholm, builder and promoter of Riverside International Speedway. Both well-know philanthropists, they came together to help raise exposure and funds for the facility with the IWK 250 after experiencing the care and compassion of the IWK Health Centre personally when their mutual granddaughter, Emily, was born pre-maturely.

“Steve Lewis Auto Body has been supporting the IWK Health Centre for 25 years and the IWK 250 has become an integral part of that,” said Steve Lewis who, along with his wife Marie, own and operate Steve Lewis Auto Body. “We are both proud and excited to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of what has become such a huge event and would like to thank our 31 employees, family, friends and clients for standing with us in supporting our community for over 40 years. This is an invitation from Marie and me for all race fans to come out and help us make this 10th anniversary edition of the IWK 250 the best one yet.”

Besides raising awareness for the IWK Health Centre the IWK 250 has raised more than $300,000 for the IWK Foundation, not including the surprise one million dollar donation made by the late Mr. Chisholm as part of the pre-race festivities in 2013.

“We are so pleased to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the IWK 250 with the Chisholm and Lewis families,” says Liz LeClair, Manager of Annual Giving, IWK Foundation. “This annual celebration raises funds in support of the most urgent priorities at the IWK Health Centre and is an amazing legacy in honour of the late John “Nova” Chisholm. Donor support helps to ensure the IWK provides excellence in care to Maritime patients and their families. “

The IWK 250 is more than a race, it is an event. Celebrity NASCAR drivers visiting the IWK Health Centre and challenging the best regional racers on track, more than 15,000 fans, more than 800 RV’s on-site, contests, autograph sessions, off-track entertainment, and more – excitement is in the air.

Kent Vincent (Crapaud, PE) is the defending champion of the IWK 250, joining John Flemming (Halifax) as the only two-time winners in the modern-era of the event. The IWK 250 has a storied history being known for more than three decades as the Riverside 250 and boasting a champion list featuring the best known racers in Canada.

The highlight of the two-day event is the IWK 250 on Saturday, July 16, widely recognized as the most entertaining stock car race in Canada. The weekend will kick off Friday (July 15) featuring the Napa Sportsman Series in the Highland Home Building Centres 100 and the Maritime Legends Tour. Saturday is a pro-stock only show as teams prepare their cars in hopes of ending the day in Victory Lane enjoying all the glory that goes with being an IWK 250 champion – the custom winner’s trophy, seeing their name on the prestigious John W. Chisholm Memorial Cup, the money, and the lifelong prestige that goes with being an IWK 250 champion. The IWK 250 is a championship points event for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour.

This year’s NASCAR celebrity driver will be announced in the coming months. Campsite renewals are in the process of being mailed out, and tickets will be available in mid-June.

The 2016 season at Riverside International Speedway kicks off June 11 with the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour and the Napa Sportsman Series.

Riverside International Speedway is recognized as a premiere stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a year for special events. It is the home for eastern Canada’s only NASCAR event, and of the IWK 250 – widely known as the best stock car race in Canada. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104. For more information call 902.863.2410 or click www.riversidespeedway.ca.