MELANIE SIMMONS IS AN AMBASSADOR FOR HER SPORT
CAYUGA, ONTARIO (June 6, 2012) - One of drag racing's greatest
ambassadors does her talking on the track with her
supercharged Top Dragster, but off the track Melanie Simmons
spends her time talking to fans and the media about her
sport.
Now in her fourth year of Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by
NAPA Auto Parts, Simmons, of Orillia, Ontario, takes time between
rounds to speak with spectators, sign autographs, and explain the
intricacies of her 509-cubic inch supercharged
dragster which is capable of obtaining over 200 mph in just over
six seconds on the quarter-mile.
Simmons and her Toyrific Racing Team will be ready for action
both on and off the track this weekend as part of the Summer
Showdown at US 131 Motorsports Park at Martin, Michigan. "I
love racing," said Simmons, "but I love meeting with the people at
the tracks we go to. Children are especially impressed when they
see the car in the pits." "And I truly enjoy signing autograph
cards and shirts for them," she continued. "I hope I am fulfilling
my off-track time as a role model. It is an important part
of my racing."
Simmons has been behind the wheel of a drag car since 1996, starting out in Junior Dragsters and working her way into the faster cars. Her father Roger Simmons has been with her since the beginning of her racing career, and continues to this day as crew chief for the team. But don't let the off-track attitude fool you. When she pulls up to the line to stage her dragster, she is all business. "When I'm racing, I am focused on winning and nothing else," she said. "And I want to win as much as anyone else."
Toyrific Racing thanks all of its loyal sponsors and supporters
for the 2012 season. Jackson Transportation Systems, Delta
Faucet Canada, Barrie Harley Davidson, Auto Sense Auto Parts, Auto
Logic Service Expert, Castrol, Extreme Collision Centre, NGK Spark
Plugs, Resolution Racing Services, G-Force Race Cars Inc., Brampton
Pallet Inc., J&M Recycling Inc. and RS Performance Auto
Service.
The Toyrific Racing Team will be one of many this weekend for the inaugural race at the storied Michigan facility. The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is comprised of Top Dragster and Top Sportsman cars. Each side is made up of 16 qualified cars, which compete against each other, and the finalist from each side is pitted in a final round which determines the event winner.
Along with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, the two companion series, the Pro Modified Racing Association, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, will take to the Martin track this weekend in the second of six events for 2012, offering a well-rounded and exciting package of drag racing action.
Qualifying in all three series takes place Friday, June 8 beginning at 7 pm. Final qualifiers will be held Saturday June 9 at 2 p.m., with round one of eliminations scheduled for 3:30 pm.
General admission tickets for Friday's show are $12 and $20 on Saturday. Children 6-12 are $5 for Friday and $7 for Saturday ages 5 and under are admitted free both days. As part of its 50th anniversary, US 131 Motorsports Park is offering exclusive Champions Club VIP seating Saturday. This $50 package includes admission, a pit pass, unlimited catered meal with drinks, and a special commemorative 50th US 131 Motorsports Park hat.














