Governor unveils Marshall University-themed stock car at Capitol

 

Nearly two weeks before it will possibly race on a grueling track in Bristol, Tenn., a Marshall University-themed stock car took a practice run on the Capitol grounds in Charleston on February 28.

 

Gov. Joe Manchin, who unveiled the sleek green and white Dodge Charger emblazoned with the Marshall logo and Number 75, said majority shareholders Dana and Tonya Tomes are using the car as a vehicle to shine a positive light on their alma mater and the State of West Virginia.

 

“You are among the first to see – and hear – this car,” Manchin said. “It’s truly a nice touch that the number 75 serves as a tribute to those who perished in the Marshall plane crash of 1970.”

 

Manchin also introduced Brett Rowe, a Barboursville native and former ARCA Lincoln Welder Truck Series national champion and 2004 Rookie of the Year. Rowe will race the Marshall car for Herd Racing, hopefully as early as March 15 in the Sharpie Mini 300 at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

 

“A lot of people know about Marshall because of the ‘We Are Marshall’ movie, but I think NASCAR can bring even more exposure to the university,” Rowe said. “At Herd Racing, we really are Marshall. Everyone on staff has strong ties to the school as well as the Tri-State area. It is exciting to see how much exposure we can get for both as we compete nationally.”

 

Herd Racing LLC is a West Virginia-based NASCAR-sanctioned Nationwide Series team. The Tomes family approached university officials about using official Marshall logos on the hood of the car as well as in sponsorship materials at no cost to the school.

 

Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp is excited about the unique opportunity to reach new audiences and tell Marshall’s story.

 

“Once people see this car and meet the amazing team involved in Herd Racing,” Kopp said. “They will naturally want to learn about Marshall. It is a great partnership for us and we appreciate all of their efforts.”

 

Dana Tomes said Herd Racing is still working to sign more sponsors for the new team.

 

“I feel confident that sponsors see the great opportunity here,” Tomes said. “Not only are they  supporting Marshall University but they are also helping put West Virginia in the national spotlight in one of America’s most popular sports.”

 

Note: The car will make its racing debut at Lowe's Motor Speedway in the Carquest Auto Parts 300 on May 24. 

 

For more information on Herd Racing, go to http://www.herdracing.com.