Markham wins at Wayne County Speedway 2001-04-14

ASHLAND, OH --- Popular Ohio dirt Late Model racer Flyin' Ryan Markham, of Ashland, OH, defending track champion of Wayne County Speedway, picked up his first win of the 2001 season on Saturday April 14 at that Orrville, OH race track after coming out of the B Main and starting the main event back in 17th position. Markham, 29, who is celebrating his tenth season as a dirt Late Model racer, also announced the launch of a new website for the team.

Markham is no stranger to victory lane at Wayne County Speedway, where he claimed the championship points titles in 1999 and 2000. Last season Markham picked up eight feature wins at WCS. He also scored his career first MACS Late Model series win in 2000 at Raceway 7 in Conneaut, OH.

Markham, who scored a second place finish on opening night at WCS, had a rough night on April 14 yet fought hard to work his way through the field to take an impressive win, passing 16 cars on his way to victory lane.

"It was a roller coaster night," Markham understated. "I got a fairly good starting spot in the heat, which is rare, and I threw it away and spun-out on the last lap with little opportunity to advance. This started me eighth in the B Main. I was confident in my Rocket Chassis because it was good all night."

"I was just doing my job. I have one job...to drive that car to victory lane. I really like to hear what people have to say. Like the guy who was sitting behind (crew chief) Mike (Stuart) who said, 'I can't believe he won from all the way back there!' And I didn't have to move anyone to do it. I don't know why people are amazed. They have seen me do it before."

Markham has plans to compete at Wayne County Speedway on Saturday nights while using Friday and Sunday nights to travel throughout the OH-PA-WV region entering various MACS, STARS, UDTRA and Sunoco ALMS events, as well as various high-dollar independent races. Markham plans to compete in a wide variety of MACS races. In 2000, despite traveling part time with the MACS series, he managed a 12th place finish in the final season points standings to go along with his impressive Raceway 7 MACS feature win. Selected STARS, UDTRA and Sunoco ALMS events will be scattered throughout the team's schedule as well.

Signing on as sponsors on the #5m Rocket Chassis are Craiger Race Engines of Clymer, NY, Stu's Place, The Beer Barrel and P.B. Supply & Paintball.

Markham Racing also consists of his wife, Lora Markham, who serves as marketing and public relations director, and Mike Stuart, who serves as crew chief.

Markham also announced a new website devoted to his team located at : www.dirt-racers.com/markham. Markham's site is part of the DIRT-RACERS family of websites and was created and is maintained by the talented and acclaimed Stacy Scheers of DIRT-RACERS.COM.

The new website is now online and Markham is delighted with the results thus far.

"I think Stacy has done a very nice job with my site," commented Markham.

Markham Racing, which has implemented a fairly aggressive marketing and publicity campaign the past couple seasons, sees the new website as another tool in furthering the awareness of Flyin' Ryan Markham and Markham Racing to potential sponsors and the dirt Late Model racing community and fans.

"I think Stacy has done a wonderful job on our site," stated Lora Markham. "She is a real joy to work with and puts lots of creativity and effort into our site. I hope the fans like it as much as I do."

"I think the site is going to be an excellent marketing and communication tool. We have wanted to do one for a long time and the fans have also been asking for one. So, I am glad we found the right person to work with and get this program going. I think it will be a great asset to our racing program."

Markham Racing regularly issues team newsletters, team color postcards, press releases and other promotional material to ensure their sponsors get the exposure and coverage they deserve. Besides aiming for feature wins each and every week, Markham Racing also places an important commitment to their public relations and marketing programs.

"Marketing and P.R. are very important to our team and also our sport," commented Lora Markham. "The more people that we can get involved and interested in this type of racing the better it is for everyone: drivers, tracks, sanctions, fans and sponsors! I want people to know who we are and what we are all about. I try really hard to get our name out. I am glad Ryan is so exciting because he always gives me something to write about. It isn't hard to promote something and someone you believe in."

Markham Racing also have new 2001 Flyin' Ryan Markham tenth anniversary T-Shirts and sweatshirts for sale this season. The new T-Shirts are available for $15.00 each for sizes Youth-Adult Extra Large. $17.00 for sizes XXL and XXXL. Info can be found on the website or by E-mailing the team.

For additional information on Flyin' Ryan Markham and Markham Racing visit their new website at: www.dirt-racers.com/markham or E-Mail the team at: markham@bright.net.

-MR-