Chub Frank Racing Conducting Sponsorship Search After Loss Of Lester Buildings Backing

Dirt Late Model star Chub Frank is searching for a primary sponsor to back his race team after learning that his four-year association with Lester Building Systems will not continue into the 2009 season.

Lester Building Systems LLC, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of pre-engineered post-frame buildings, announced that it is discontinuing its primary sponsorship of Frank’s No. 1* team due to recession-related economic factors. The company, which has facilities in Minnesota, Illinois and Virginia and distribution in nearly 35 states, began its partnership with Frank in 2004 and had a successful four-year run as the title sponsor of the Bear Lake, Pa., driver’s racing operation.

“We’re certainly disappointed with the news, but everyone with Chub Frank Racing is appreciative of everything Lester Buildings has done for our team over the last four years,” said Frank, who has carried the company’s logo on his Rocket machines in World of Outlaws Late Model Series and selected other events. “Lester Buildings came on board after our shop fire in 2004 to help get us through a difficult time, and the company’s support since then made it possible for me to enjoy some of the most successful seasons of my career.”

Frank won 29 features during his four-year stint with Lester Buildings, including 14 WoO LMS events including the 2004 prestigious World 100 and a $50,000 score in the 2007 Dirt Track World Championship at Ohio’s K-C Raceway. He also finished as high as second in the WoO LMS points standings, in 2007.

“It was a pleasure to be associated with a company like Lester Buildings,” said Chub. “They really got behind our racing effort, not only o n the track but also off it with promotions, contests for fans and special days for us at their facilities. We were happy to promote their product for four years.”

According to Lester Buildings spokesman Tom Borgman, the company remains convinced that the WoO LMS’s combination of the right consumer demographics, excellent value and return on investment made sponsorship of Chub Frank Racing a sound marketing strategy. However, economic conditions forced them to discontinue the sponsorship package.

“While it took a bit longer for the recession’s effects to be felt at our company, recently it has become apparent that we’re in for very challenging times over an unknown period of time,” said Borgman. “We’ve had to make some hard short-term decisions to reduce long-term programs like this. In no way is our decision based on our feelings for Chub and his team, for whom we have only the highest regard. They have done everything we’ve asked and more since day one.

“It’s been a real pleasure to work with Chub and to see how engaged his fan base is with him! He’s a hard worker, professional in his approach and respected throughout the industry. We wish Chub and his family the very best of luck in whatever is down the road for him.”

Chub is currently retooling his equipment for a busy 2009 season and actively looking for a primary sponsor to replace Lester Buildings.

Chub and The 1* team would also like to thank the following for their support and services without them we couldn’t do it. Lester Buildings, Corry Rubber, Corry Laser, Slavic Corporation, Farr MotorSports, Custom Race Engines, Rocket Chassis, AllStar Performance, Area Auto Racing, ARGO Mfg., ATL, Aurora Bearing Company, Brinn, DANO, Dyer’s Rods, Fel-Pro, Fluidyne, Frankland, Genesis Racing Shocks, Hedman Hedders, Hoosier, Hyperco, Jones Racing Products, KB Carburetors, KRC Steering, Nystroms Auto Sales, Mason Racin, Motul, MSD, Outerwears, Performance Bodies, Performance Friction, Racing Optics, Race Pumps, Ringers, Rush Filters, Safety Solutions, Simpson, SpeedBear, Speedway Illustrated, Tarpco, VP Racing Fuel, Wiles, Weld Wheels, Woodward Machine, Wrisco Industries.

And Happy Holidays from the Entire 1* Team