FitzBradshaw Racing announced today that its organization has been certified by the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council as a certified minority firm. The certification is recognized by NASCAR which makes FitzBradshaw Racing the first minority-owned team that competes in NASCAR’s top-three national series to receive such a certification. “We were delighted to hear our company was accepted to join the council,” said team co-owner Armando Fitz. “Our entire organization will work to encompass the true spirit of this distinction. We know it is the right thing to do and we’re glad to be part of the grassroots efforts to offer minorities the ability to get more involved in motorsports. We’re the first team ever to be able to offer this forum. In addition, our joining the council now certifies that FitzBradshaw Racing’s sponsors are doing business with a minority-owned company.” Fitz and his wife Mimi Fitz are Hispanic and launched the North Carolina-based FitzBradshaw Racing in 2001 with one, full-season car. The team now fields three, full-season cars in NASCAR’s Busch Series. Art Sabates, CEO Vericorr Packaging, facilitated Fitz in securing this partnership. Sabates’ company, which specializes in packaging for the automotive industry, is a certified member of the Carolinas council. The minority supplier distinction is granted by the Carolinas branch and automatically qualifies FitzBradshaw Racing for the national network. “The Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council is extremely pleased and excited to be a part of this history making effort. This will truly be a ‘win-win’ for FitzBradshaw and NASCAR. The economic impact is potentially tremendous and beneficial with the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in minority communities across the United States,” noted Julian Brown, president of Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Councils, Inc. “NASCAR commends Armando and his whole team for taking this important step that is likely to open doors and opportunities for other certified vendors,” said NASCAR Director of Diversity Tish Sheets. “To be certified by the Carolina Minority Supplier Development Council offers FitzBradshaw Racing, and the NASCAR industry, a greater opportunity to work with minority-owned businesses and vendors.”
FitzBradshaw Racing is owned by NASCAR veterans Armando and Mimi Fitz and Pro Football Hall of Fame member and FOX broadcaster Terry Bradshaw. The team fields three Dodge Chargers in the NASCAR Busch Series: the #12, sponsored by Supercuts and HOT TAMALES; the #14, sponsored by the Navy; and the #40 sponsored by Jani-King, Goulds Pumps, Cottman Transmissions and Ferris Industries. FitzBradshaw Racing is the only Busch Series team that offers its sponsors exposure in NASCAR, the NFL and on reality television. FitzBradshaw is one of two teams featured on the SPEED Channel show NBS 24/7. The show airs Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. and re-airs several times weekly.(FitzBradshaw Racing PR)(7-1-2005)
