Australian Michael Lia Gaining Momentum; Attention After Promising 2011 Season

Australian Michael Lia Gaining Momentum; Attention After Promising 2011 Season

Topics: Michael Lia

Australian Michael Lia Gaining Momentum; Attention After Promising 2011 Season

Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
November 22, 2011

“Aussie Planned For Full-Time Move To United States In 2012”

MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (November 22, 2011) - - After a quiet but successful limited scheduled at Ace (N.C.) Speedway in 2010 which included gaining notoriety attention from NASCAR icon Junior Johnson, Australian Michael Lia returned to the United States thirsty for more success in 2011.

Under the leadership of Motorsports veteran Travis Sharpe of Racing Dynamiks, the duo mutually agreed to step up the ante to compete at Franklin County (Va.) Speedway, known for its aggressive no holds barred racing. Quickly finding his niche at the intimidating racetrack, a series of strong efforts would lead up to a flawless night on September 10 when Lia in his No. 47 Chevrolet Impala led flag-to-flag and captured his first checkered flag, sending the Aussie to victory lane for the first time in his career in the United States

“That night meant so much to me,” Lia recalled. “From my team, Travis (Sharpe), my wife (Hayley) and all of our supporters, who continued to stand behind us, we were able to deliver them an exceptional performance and it was something that we will not forget for many, many years to come.”

Not only did celebration erupt from pit road, but also from the grandstands as local followers and die-hard race fans praised Lia’s performance that night with a thunderous applause. It was evident that Lia was quickly and still is building a fan base.

“I love the fans,” Lia sounded. “One of the neatest things that we’re able to do is have on-track autograph sessions with them before the race and that is a chance not only to meet new fans but also reconnect with others. Without them, there would be no racing.”

With his 2011 racing season wrapped-up, Lia and his team have been hard at it, pounding the pavement in both Australia and the United States looking to enhance Lia’s presence on the track in 2012.

In addition to returning to Franklin County (Va.) Speedway on a limited basis, Racing Dynamiks along with Lia would like to propel themselves into the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, a development stock car series for NASCAR. Additional intents next year include a few NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) contests towards the end of their 22-race campaign.

“A lot of 2012 is sponsorship dependent,” explained Lia, who plans to make the full-time move to the United States early next year. “The good thing is that we have a lot in the bowl with companies in both Australia and the United States. It just takes time for everything to come together, we’re optimistic – but dedicated, so we’re not going to stop until we make something happen.”

He added, “I believe, I would be the first Australian to compete full-time in the ARCA Racing Series, if everything materializes. I think we’ll have a good team foundation that should enable for us to contend for Rookie of the Year honors.”

Additionally, Michael Lia Racing (MLR) recently aligned themselves with Knight Motorsports Management (KMM) who has leaped aboard in a consultant role in trying to make Lia’s future in racing a successful one.

For more on Michael Lia and marketing partnership opportunities for 2012, please visit michaeliaracing.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: Australian racecar driver Michael Lia.

UNITED STATES CONTACT INFORMATION:

NAME: Chris Knight, Knight Motorsports Management
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: chris@chrisknightpr.com

AUSTRALIA CONTACT INFORMATION ONLY:

NAME: Michael Lia Racing
PHONE: (+614) 88 480 099
EMAIL: marketing@michaelliaracing.com