News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

For more information contact: Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo (518) 786-4581 (On site cell) (518) 225-6649

New York National Guard Recruits in NASCAR Bobsled Challenge

Media Advisory

LATHAM, NY (01/03/2008; 1130)(readMedia)-- New York National Guard Recruits will participate in the Bodine NASCAR Bobsled Challenge in Lake Placid as “brakemen” on the sleds. This is the second time NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine has invited military members to participate in his event.

WHO: New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the North Country and Saratoga region will team-up with NASCAR drivers as brakemen for two-man bobsled team competition

WHAT: New York Army National Guard participation in 3rd Annual Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge

WHEN: Saturday, January 5, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Center, 421 Old Military Road, Lake Placid New York, 12946

VISUALS: Bobsled competition & NASCAR #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. display car.

BACKGROUND: Since 2005 NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and New York State resident Geoff Bodine, has conducted the Bodine Bobsled Challenge at the world famous Mt. Van Hovenberg Olympic Center site. The Challenge involves NASCAR drivers functioning as bobsled drivers and is intended to draw national and international support and attention to U.S. Olympic Bobsled teams.

Since the inception of the race, Mr. Bodine has invited military members to participate. In 2006, returning Iraqi War veterans were invited to participate in recognition of their service and sacrifice. New York Army National Guard recruits also participated as the brakeman on the bobsleds.

Once again this year, Mr. Bodine has asked New York Army National Guard recruits to be members of the bobsled teams as a way to recognize their military service. Approximately 20 New York Army National Guard recruits have been invited to be part of the event.

NOTE: To coordinate interviews with participating National Guard Soldiers, contact Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo at (518) 786-4581 or (cell phone) (518) 225-6649. Media representatives will require Olympic Regional Development Authority Press Credentials coordinated through the NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs by contacting (518) 786-4581, no later than 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2008.

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