Audi covers the 24 Hours of Le Mans Race stateside on social media websites
Audi looks for a historic ninth outright victory at Le Mans
Enthusiasts will get updates directly from Le Mans through social media sites
Tom Kristensen, Dindo Capello and Allan McNish, the winning drivers from 2008, are back in the Audi R15 TDI #1 car
The R15 TDI features clean diesel technology available in Audi showrooms today
Audi aims to continue its proud success story on June 13 and 14 in the world’s toughest sports car endurance race with the newly developed R15 TDI diesel sports car. Audi has competed at Le Mans 10 times, crossing the finish line as winners eight times.
Since Audi team members arrived in France to prepare for the race, their efforts have received unprecedented coverage via social media Web sites. The Audi race team is posting news feeds, video and images as events unfold from Le Mans on Facebook (fb.audir15tdi.com), Twitter (tw.audir15tdi.com), YouTube (yt.audir15tdi.com) and on Audi’s own Le Mans site, audir15tdi.com. Using social media outlets, Audi is keeping race enthusiasts current on events in Le Mans 24 hours a day throughout the week and during the entire 24 hour race this weekend.
The Audi R15 TDI designated as car number “1″ will be driven by last year’s winners Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland), the same squad that already won the 12-hour race at Sebring (USA). A ninth victory, with only eleven participations, would see Audi draw level with Ferrari in the French endurance classic’s all-time winners list. Only Porsche has achieved more victories in its Le Mans history.
The heart of the brand’s drive to win Le Mans this year, the Audi R15 TDI features a newly developed V10 TDI engine producing more than 600 hp, with a maximum torque output in excess of 1,050 Newton meters (774 lb-ft of torque), reflecting the latest version of the TDI Technology invented by Audi. This diesel technology is not limited to the race track, however.
Audi TDI technology marks its 20th anniversary year by offering U.S. consumers the world’s cleanest diesel system in the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI. This ground breaking vehicle, on sale now, combines efficiency and performance with styling and luxurious appointments to open up the discussion over America’s alternative fuels options. Audi TDI is a technology certified to meet emissions regulations in all 50 U.S. states. That includes the California ULEV II (Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle) standards that also apply to conventional gasoline vehicles and represent one of the world’s most rigorous motor vehicle emission requirements. Audi will further showcase the fuel-economy and emissions benefits of clean diesel later this year with the introduction of the Audi A3 TDI.
Audi achieved its clean diesel technology goals without sacrificing the outstanding performance that TDI has brought to European motoring and in racing competitions worldwide, such as Le Mans where the Audi R10 and R15 TDI have excelled.
Taking its racing efforts and online communications a step further, Xbox and Audi have announced that they will host an exciting and exceptionally unique AXF-24 Audi-Forza Challenge on June 13 and 14 at the Audi Forum in New York City. The event is open to fans who register online at http://audiexp.com/. The R10 TDI will be on display, as well as R8 FSI chassis 605, which won the R8 FSI’s final race worldwide at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT in 2006. The R8 FSI competed at Le Mans from 2000-2005 and the first half of the 2006 American Le Mans season, just as the successor R10 TDI was being phased into operation for its first race at Le Mans. As model year 2010 vehicles go on sale in Fall 2009, Audi will become the first automobile manufacturer in the United States to sell 100% of its gasoline engines with direct injection technology, branded as FSI. This high tech direct injection technology simultaneously maximizes power and fuel efficiency.
Xbox has selected nine of its top North American Forza competitors as determined by rankings on Xbox Live. Entrants will compete in a 24-hour endurance competition using the game “Forza Motorsport 3″ running concurrent to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France. The winning team at the end of the 24 hours on Sunday morning will win an all-expenses paid trip for them and a guest to the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans race where they will be hosted by Audi. Xbox and Audi will work together on several additional upcoming cross-promotional opportunities and events, including the Audi Centennial Celebration in August and the “Forza Motorsport 3″ launch in late October.
Source: Audi of America Inc.
Philadelphia Independence Runs Training Camp For Its 2010 Womens Pro Soccer Team
Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill College Hosts June 23-25 Independence Tryouts In Advance of August WPS Player Drafts
The Philadelphia Independence announced a unique opportunity for 32 local female soccer players hoping to play for the Independence in next year’s Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league. In a show of its commitment to the fans to build a team that represents the tradition and work ethic of Philadelphia and its surrounding communities, the Independence will run a mini-camp in hopes of finding its first player to be signed. This event will complement the WPS expansion draft and international draft in August, and the WPS college draft in January — at which the Independence has first pick. From this series of player selections, the Independence will build its roster.
“The WPS has the absolute best female soccer players in the world,” says Coach Matt Driver, “and I know that this talent-rich Delaware Valley region has quality, world-class players right here amongst us who deserve a shot at the big leagues…. I see them in the Independence minor league programs. If we sign our first player from this mini-camp, that’s a super story of a local kid making good; if we don’t see the play we are hoping for, it will be a fun event for the players and coaches nonetheless.” Newly-selected team General Manager Terry Foley added, “Since launching this franchise, we have focused the organization on bringing the best female athletes in the world to the Independence, and on serving this city’s communities through a grass-roots partnership. What better demonstration of that grass-roots commitment than to open our roster to local players that have a history in these schools, neighborhoods, and soccer clubs.”
The Independence is proud to have this training camp hosted by Philadelphia’s own Chestnut Hill College. The College’s impressive academic, sports, and student facilities will be home to the players from June 23-25, as they attempt to impress the Independence coaches enough to get a developmental player contract for the 2010 WPS season. The mini-camp will begin with check-in on Tuesday, June 23rd, 8:30-9:00AM at the College’s Fitzsimmons Hall. Training sessions and scrimmages will go until Thursday, culminating in evening games to showcase the talents of the 32 player participants.
A unique feature of the mini-camp is the fact that the Independence organization, in partnership with Chestnut Hill College, is covering all costs for the participants. The 32 players will need only to provide their own travel to and from the area. Unlike most other combines and team tryouts, this arrangement is intended to make certain training camp costs do not prevent a talented player from pursuing the dream of playing women’s professional soccer.
As an expansion franchise starting play in the spring of 2010, the Philadelphia Independence is permitted under WPS league rules to hold this camp in order to exercise its option to obtain pre-draft rights for up to two domestic players. Within the mini-camp rules, participants must have played youth, high school, college, or adult soccer in this Delaware Valley region. Players must also have been on the previous draft board and must not have their rights held by any other WPS team. If selected, the player(s) are guaranteed a development contract on the Independence 2010 roster. Top talent already signed up to attend the mini-camp are several Philadelphia Independence youth development/WPSL minor league players, such as: Tara Davies, Penn State; Mandy Moraca, UNC; Kelly Rowland, Florida State University; and Dani Collins, College of William and Mary.
“I love the idea of this training camp!” said Independence Assistant Coach and Olympian Staci Wilson. “It will allow the determination and persistence of a local female to elevate herself in pursuit of her dream to play professional soccer. There will be no agents, no international players, and no politics in a setting like this. Everyone gets a fair look. Skill and work ethic will be thoroughly evaluated, allowing us to pick players who have the tenacious attitude and confidence that will be the stamp of the Philadelphia Independence.”
Team President/CEO David Halstead added, “The Independence has an exciting few months ahead. The mini-camp may provide this team’s first player, then we will be unveiling our team logo right around Independence Day and our club affiliation program shortly thereafter. Then in August, we begin the much-anticipated player draft and selection process. Finally, on the heels of all that action, we launch our ticketing program and kid’s membership program in early-September. Luckily, we’ve got a great staff that will ensure we deliver the best players and the best fan experiences possible.”
The Independence has gotten off to a terrific start with tremendous support from those buying season tickets as well as community and fan groups such as Daughters of Betsy. If you have not yet reserved your Independence season tickets, or signed up for our monthly newsletter — The Independence Insider — visit our website to sign up and to see what else is going on: www.wpsphillyindependence.com.
Independence Mini-Camp Event Information
- June 23-24-25, 2009
- Event registration June 23rd at 8:30-9:00AM, Fitzsimmons Hall, Chestnut Hill College
- Key Event: June 25th Scrimmage 5-8PM, Chestnut Hill College Athletic Field
- Press/Spectators: Parking at lower lot near tennis courts (Brennen Drive)
- Chestnut Hill College, 9601 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA. 19118
Deja Vu: 10 More Aflac All-Americans Picked in First Round of 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft
For the second year in a row, 10 former Aflac All-Americans were selected today in the first round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Donavan Tate, regarded as the top high school player in this year’s draft, went No. 3 to the San Diego Padres.
Aflac All-Americans have been well represented in the first round since the Aflac All-American Game’s inception in 2003. Overall 62 Aflac All-American alumni have been selected in the first round, including current major leaguer Justin Upton (No. 1 overall, 2005) of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Last year, Tim Beckham was the first of 10 All Americans selected when the Tampa Bay Rays made him the draft’s top pick.
The annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game showcases 38 of the nation’s top high school players in an East versus West matchup following their junior year. Aflac All-Americans are chosen by official selection partners Baseball America magazine and prep scouting service Perfect Game USA.
Aflac All-American players drafted in today’s first round included:
3 – Donavan Tate, OF, Cartersville HS, Carterville, Ga. (San Diego)
6 – Zack Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga. San Francisco)
9 – Jacob Turner, RHP, Westminster Academy, St. Charles, Mo. (Detroit)
11 – Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, Ca. (Colorado)
14 – Matthew Purke, LHP, Klein HS, Spring, Texas (Texas)
21 – Jiovanni Mier, INF, Bonita HS, Pomona, Ca. (Houston)
29 – Slade Heathcott, OF, Texas HS, Texarkana, Texas (New York Yankees)
30 – LeVon Washington, INF, Buchholz HS, Gainesville, Fla. (Tampa Bay)
36 – Matt Davidson, INF, Yucaipa HS, Yucaipa, Ca. (Arizona)
39 – Kentrail Davis, OF, Tennessee (Milwaukee)
Source: Aflac
NBA Referees Jim Clark, Luis Grillo and Jack Nies to Retire
NBA officials Jim Clark, Luis Grillo, and Jack Nies have announced that they will retire following the 2008-2009 NBA Season. Combined they have officiated 73 seasons in the NBA.
Jim Clark officiated 21 seasons in the NBA. During his career he officiated 1,345 regular season and 96 playoff games, including one Finals game. Jim was also a member of the crew that worked the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, the 1999 Japan Games in Tokyo and the 1996 Mexico Challenge.
Luis Grillo officiated 21 seasons in the NBA. During his career he officiated 1,171 regular season and 41 playoff games. He was a member of the crew that worked the 2003 NBA All-Star Game and the 1993 Legends Game in Utah. Luis was also drafted as a player for the ABA in 1970.
Jack Nies officiated 31 seasons in the NBA. During his career he officiated 2,046 regular season and 150 playoff games, including 10 NBA Finals games. He is one of only six NBA officials who have worked over 2,000 games in their career. Nies was also a member of the crew that officiated the 1997 McDonald’s Championship in Paris, the 1995 and 2005 NBA All-Star Games and the NBA Legends game in Seattle in 1987.
“The NBRA and the NBA are losing three great officials,” said Lamell McMorris, spokesman for the NBRA. “They have served the basketball community graciously over their careers and we wish them the all the best.”
Source: National Basketball Referees Association
NHL Team would boost Southern Ontario and Hamilton economies new poll shows
Majority feel team would bring added excitement to the region
More than 90 per cent of residents of Hamilton and the rest of Southern Ontario think a seventh NHL franchise located in that city would be a boost to the region’s businesses and economy, a new survey shows.
The survey of residents of Hamilton and the Southern Ontario Region, including the GTA West, Peel and Halton, was commissioned by PSE Sports & Entertainment (PSE) and it found that a total of 94 per cent on average agree that an NHL franchise would be good for area businesses, and 96 per cent said the team would bring excitement to the region.
“This research of residents in Hamilton and Southern Ontario reflects a receptive, affluent, educated consumer marketplace that believes an NHL franchise will boost the region’s economy while making it a more exciting place to live,” said Bill Walker, spokesperson for Jim Balsillie’s PSE Sports and Entertainment, which has tabled a $212.5 million (US) bid to purchase the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes NHL franchise and move it to Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum.
Elsewhere, the poll also found:
- An average 83 per cent of the region’s residents believe the Coyotes franchise would be more successful in Hamilton than it is in Phoenix;
- A total of 77 per cent in Southern Ontario and 81 per cent of Hamilton residents support Balsillie purchasing the team and moving it to Hamilton. Most of these supporters say their reason for backing the bid is because it would be good for the local economy and good for the city and region.
- Three-quarters of respondents (74 per cent in Southern Ontario and 76 per cent in Hamilton) agree that the region is one of the best unserved hockey markets in the world.
The survey was conducted by leading public opinion research firm POLLARA Inc. The research was conducted among a nationally representative random sample by telephone between May 11-14, 2009. Results are accurate to within plus or minus 3.1%, nineteen times out of twenty.
BACKGROUNDER – POLLING QUESTIONS & RESPONSE BREAKDOWN
Southern Hamilton GTA West
Ontario City (Peel + Halton)
Q: Now, I am going to read you some arguments people may make about this proposed move. For each, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the argument. “This move would be good for local businesses in Hamilton?”
Total Agree 94% 94% 95%
Strongly Agree 70% 76% 70%
Somewhat Agree 24% 19% 25%
Total Disagree 3% 4% 3%
Somewhat Disagree 2% 3% 2%
Strongly Disagree 1% 2% 1%
Don’t Know 2% 2% 2%
Q: If the Coyotes did move to Hamilton, do you think this would have a positive impact, a negative impact, or no impact at all on the local economy in Southern Ontario? Is that a major or a minor positive/negative impact?
Total Positive 88% 88% 91%
Major Positive Impact 52% 60% 52%
Minor Positive Impact 36% 28% 38%
No Impact At All 5% 4% 4%
Total Negative 2% 3% 2%
Minor Negative Impact 1% 2% 1%
Major Negative Impact 1% 1% 1%
Q: Now, I am going to read you some arguments people may make about this proposed move. For each, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the argument. How about “An NHL team would bring a lot of excitement to Hamilton and Southern Ontario?”
Total Agree 94% 96% 95%
Strongly Agree 71% 78% 72%
Somewhat Agree 23% 18% 23%
Total Disagree 4% 2% 4%
Somewhat Disagree 3% 2% 3%
Strongly Disagree 1% (less than)1% 1%
Don’t Know 2% 2% 1%
Q: Now, I am going to read you some arguments people may make about this proposed move. For each, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the argument. How about “This move would be good for the NHL and other NHL teams, since a team in Southern Ontario would be more successful than one in Phoenix?”
Total Agree 83% 85% 81%
Strongly Agree 54% 61% 53%
Somewhat Agree 28% 24% 28%
Total Disagree 8% 6% 9%
Somewhat Disagree 4% 4% 5%
Strongly Disagree 3% 2% 4%
Don’t Know 9% 9% 10%
Q: Now, I am going to read you some arguments people may make about this proposed move. For each, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the argument. How about “Southern Ontario is one of the best unserved hockey markets in the world?”
Total Agree 74% 76% 74%
Strongly Agree 48% 56% 45%
Somewhat Agree 26% 20% 30%
Total Disagree 13% 10% 14%
Somewhat Disagree 12% 8% 12%
Strongly Disagree 2% 2% 2%
Don’t Know 13% 14% 12%
Refused (less than)1% (less than)1% (less than)1%
Q: Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie has made an offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, an NHL franchise facing bankruptcy. He has indicated he wants to move the team to Southern Ontario. Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose, Balsillie purchasing the Coyotes and moving them to Hamilton?
Total Support 77% 81% 76%
Strongly Support 55% 65% 54%
Somewhat Support 22% 16% 22%
Total Oppose 6% 5% 7%
Somewhat Oppose 3% 1% 4%
Strongly Oppose 3% 4% 3%
Don’t Care/No Opinion 16% 12% 15%
Q: What would you say is your main reason for supporting this move?
Canada Deserves Team 12% 9% 9%
Good For Local Economy 18% 23% 17%
Would Be Good For Hamilton/Area 20% 28% 17%
Hamilton/Southern Ontario
Deserves Team 10% 14% 12%
Canada Better Hockey Market Than US 7% 2% 7%
I’m A Hockey Fan 5% 7% 3%
Hamilton/SE Ont Better Hockey
Market Than Phoenix 5% 2% 7%
Q: Now, I am going to read you some arguments people may make about this proposed move. For each, please tell me if it you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the argument. How about “Jim Balsillie is a successful businessman and would be a good NHL owner?”
Total Agree 73% 78% 71%
Strongly Agree 46% 52% 46%
Somewhat Agree 27% 26% 25%
Total Disagree 4% 4% 3%
Somewhat Disagree 2% 1% 2%
Strongly Disagree 2% 2% 1%
Don’t Know 23% 19% 26%
Source: Jim Balsillie
Chicago Patent Attorneys Take 3rd for the U.S. in 2009 Patent Cup Sailing Race
Co-skippers and fellow patent attorneys, Gary M. Ropski, president of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, and Leif R. Sigmond, Jr., a partner at McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP, brought in a third place victory for their U.S.A. team when they crossed the finish line in the 2009 Patent Cup sailing regatta held May 27-30 at the Yacht Club de Ilhabela, Brazil, located on the island of Ilhabela on the northeast coast of the Brazilian state of Sao Paolo. The crew also consisted of Marcus J. Thymian, a partner at McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP, and Derek Minihane, in-house counsel at Intermolecular, San Jose, California.
“This is a wonderful event that allows patent attorneys from around the globe to develop contacts and friendships, sail in exciting new locations and participate in friendly competition,” said Mr. Ropski. “We were glad to place among a field of excellent competitors.”
Participating for the third time in this event, Ropski, Sigmond and their crew sailed an HPE 25, manufactured and sailed in Brazil. All of the boats were identically rigged. The regatta was organized by the Brazilian intellectual property firm of Dannemann Siemsen. First place this year went to Mark Robinson of the European Patent Office. Second place went to Henrique Steuer I. de Mello of Brazil.
In 2006, the Ropski-Sigmond team earned the first-ever first place U.S.A. victory in the Patent Cup race which was held at the Chicago Yacht Club in Chicago, Illinois, and in 2007 the team placed third in Venice, Italy. Thymian and Minihane were also part of the 2007 team.
“Representing the United States in this international regatta was an honor for our whole team,” said Mr. Sigmond.
Twelve teams representing the U.S. and other countries, including Canada, France, Germany and Brazil, as well as several teams from the European Patent Office, competed in this competitive, but friendly, sailing race. There were also two “international” boats with teams from different countries. The Ropski-Sigmond team was the only all-USA team.
Established in 1989 by two friends, a German patent attorney, Peter Franck, and a French patent attorney, Frederic Benech, the Patent Cup was created to foster camaraderie and help cultivate strong relations among patent attorneys from around the world as well as provide opportunities for new sailing venues. According to the Patent Cup charter, each sailing boat must have a crew consisting primarily of patent professionals. Every year the race is held in a different country with the host country responsible for the organization, terms and conditions of the race, the boats chosen and all other arrangements for the event. Next year’s race is planned to be held in either Denmark or Sweden.
Source: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Wounded Soldiers Cycle Wisconsin and Illinois
Soldier Ride is a program of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) that provides key rehabilitation opportunities for this generation of wounded warriors and raises public awareness for those that have been injured while fighting overseas.
Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP offers services and programs like benefits and career counseling, advocacy initiatives, and combat stress seminars to aid in the transition from hospital bed to an independent, productive life. All participants with a disability or missing a limb or limbs are provided the adaptive equipment they need to cycle.
NOTABLE GUESTS:
- Governor of Wisconsin, Jim Doyle
- Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn
- US Paralympic Athlete Greta Niemanas, cyclist in the Beijing Games
DATES AND TIMES:
Waterloo, WI
- Thursday, June 11, 10:00am: The ride will begin at the Trek Bicycle headquarters for the opening launch ceremony, then cycle about 40 miles to end outside Oconomowoc.
Milwaukee, WI
- Friday, June 12, 12:00pm: The Ride will tour the Underwood Creek region around Wauwatosa, passing through the towns of Honey Creek Parkway and Bluemound Heights along Bluemound Road between Glenview Road and 52nd Street before passing by Miller Park, and ending along Canal Street to the Harley Davidson Museum around 12:00 pm.
- Friday, June 12, 7:00pm: The riders will be on the field at Miller Park, thanks to the generosity of MillerCoors, as they’ll throw out the first pitch for the Brewers vs. White Sox game.
Chicago, IL
- Saturday, June 13, 11:00am: Following breakfast at Snap-on Tools in Kenosha, the North Shore segment will launch from downtown Highland Park at the Highland Park Fire Station at 1130 Central Avenue.
- The Ride will travel along Central Avenue to turn south onto Green Bay Road and ride through the downtown of Glencoe, Hubbard Woods, and cycle along Green Bay Road through Kenilworth and Wilmette before stopping for the riders lunch at Dawes Park in Evanston on Sheridan Road along the lake (this event is not open to the public but supporters are welcome to visit with the ride participants at the War Memorial Flagpole).
- The Ride continues down Sheridan Road to Chicago, where participants will follow the roads adjacent to Lake Shore Drive to the McCormick Place Hyatt.
- Sunday, June 14, 9:00am: This final segment will begin at the historic Stockyards at 42nd and Packard (open to the public), with Chicago Ald. Jim Balcer (11th) conducting a Retiring of the Colors ceremony. The riders will travel along 39th Street to Archer Avenue for about 12 miles, to a reception hosted by the Chicago Firefighters Union at Sundown Meadow Park. This is a ticketed event.
Source: www.woundedwarriorproject.org