(Pulaski, PA)…With the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Series nearly doubling in size over its first two years, the addition of the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modified Series in 2014, and the pilot Sweeney RUSH Pro Stock Series added in 2015, Series Directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone are proud to welcome Doug Kennedy to its media staff, effective immediately. Kennedy will write frequent spotlight stories, bringing 30 years of experience in video production to the Series as well.
The Pittsburgh, Pa. resident’s name may already be familiar to many in racing as he’s been a feature writer the past 12 years for magazines such as Dirt Late Model, Late Model Illustrated, Late Model Racer, Dirt Modified, and Flat Out, and has written several stories on many racers in our Series.
“We’ve grown from what was just a regional touring series with 20 or so races to a sanctioning body that includes several hundred RUSH events at well over 20 speedway encompassing three different Series,” stated Emig. “It’s not just about pre and post-event tour event recaps, but now providing a service to some 400 racers, numerous speedways, and of course all of our great corporate sponsors. The addition of Doug to our staff will bring a new and exciting element to our Series as he will be focusing and informing on all of the numerous facets of RUSH that have helped propel the Series to its present status. I think everyone is really going to enjoy the variety and uniqueness of his contributions.”
Kennedy, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, also brings his expertise in video production. He has produced, wrote, and directed original sports programming for television broadcasts for professional and college sports teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, the Philadelphia Eagles, Penn State, Pitt, and Texas A&M.
Kennedy has also produced and directed live broadcasts for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates, Dallas Stars, Buffalo Sabres, Atlanta Thrashers, and the Big Ten Network for over 35 years. Kennedy was a video instructor at The Art Institute for 14 years and served as the school’s Articulation Coordinator for another two years. He also was an instructor and executive producer at Robert Morris University where he taught undergraduate video courses and organized and supervised the students’ live video shows.
“With Doug’s talents and expertise in other areas besides writing, the sky’s the limit for what we can utilize him for,” said Leone. “The timing is right to get him involved now with our growth. We’ve known Doug for many years dating back to Vicki’s tenure as owner of Mercer Raceway Park; however, never formally met him until recently. Ironically he was interested in getting involved with a racing series, speedway, or a driver team so we know this relationship will work out great.”
“This is a great opportunity for me and it is something I have wanted to do for quite some time, now I have it with a great and up and coming series like RUSH,” said Kennedy. “This group is one of the most dynamic and professional in the racing industry and I am proud to become part of it not only for the present, but for the future as well. I think you will see this series soar to unbelievable heights.”
The Sweeney RUSH Racing Series will also continue to utilize the services of Jim Zufall, who joined the staff in 2014. Zufall will write the weekly recaps in addition to possible other stories. While RUSH will miss working with longtime announcer Dow Carnahan at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway, the Series is thrilled for the opportunity for Zufall to be the track’s announcer in 2015.
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, MSD Ignition, Maxima Racing Oil, Jones Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, The Brake Man, K&N Filters, Lincoln Electric, TurboStart, Beyea Headers, FK Rod Ends, Bobby Lake Motorsports, Crate Innovations Inc., Moroso Performance Products, Velocita-USA, High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.
RUSH Sportsman Modified marketing partners: Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Bicknell Racing Products, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, MSD Ignition, Maxima Racing Oil, Jones Racing Products, VP Racing Fuels, FK Rod Ends, AERO Race Wheels, Velocita-USA, Precise Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, K&N Filters, Rocket Racing, and B.R.A.K.E.S.
E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
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