09/10/2003

"MIGHTY MIKE" MORTIMER TO HOOTERS CUP IN 2004

After several weeks of rumors and speculation it was formally announced Saturday night that Michael Mortimer will be driving for Panda Racing in the USAR – Hooters Pro Cup Series southern division in 2004.

A fan favorite in the late model division at Riverhead Raceway “Mighty” Mike Mortimer will be driving the Panda Racing NTN Bearings Chevy Monte Carlo in all 13 southern division races as well as the 5 race championship series that will be worth over 1 million dollars. “Bringing Mike on as part of the team has been very exciting. Said Panda Racings owner Anthony Osias. “Mike is not only an outstanding competitor but he is also a class act both on and off the track.  He interacts well with the fans and exhibits a professionalism that makes Mighty Mike the person I want to represent my team and my sponsors.”

The celebration started in the Mortimer pits right after the late model feature with USAR and Hooters Pro Cup give-aways and continued Sunday night at the Hooters restaurant in Hauppauge where Mortimer and the Panda Racing Chevy were present signing autographs and promoting Mike’s involvement the upcoming season. The event was attended by several Riverhead Raceway drivers and their crew, as well as many fans, friends and family members.

Mortimer who hails from Mastic Beach has 2 wins, 3 top fives and 5 top tens thus far in 2003 and plans to run his popular late model at Riverhead when his Hooters schedule permits during the 2004 season.

The celebration which began at 7pm included an autograph session and giveaways and was by all accounts a huge success. “I would like to thank the management and staff of Hooters of Islandia for helping us make this event a success.” Osias added. “I would also like to thank all the fans and friends of Mike who came out and showed their support and of course our sponsor NTN Bearing, without whom none of this would be possible.