JAMES RIVER, NS (August 2, 2013) – The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Riverside International Speedway on August 17 has been rebranded the Wilson Equipment 300 Supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief. The move comes as the new president of Wilson Equipment, Jim Wilson, looks to expand the event to create visibility and assistance for the emergency preparedness division of Canadian Red Cross Disaster Relief Services.

“Wilson Equipment and our employees are delighted to be supporting Red Cross, a leader in disaster relief in our province and around the world.” said Jim Wilson, President of Wilson Equipment. “It is a natural fit for us. Whether it is a flood or a fire, or any other natural or man-made large-scale incident the Canadian Red Cross responds immediately – and more often than not, heavy equipment is an integral part of the immediate response and clean-up.”

A new event logo has been created integrating the new Wilson Equipment brand with the Red Cross Disaster Relief mark. The logo and rebranded event name will appear in event advertising and promotions over the next three weeks helping to raise awareness for the charitable service; on race day spectators will have the opportunity to visit with  Canadian Red Cross representatives to learn more about their services, as well as how they can help.

The disaster relief services provided by the Canadian Red Cross offer a layer of support for people during times of hardship and help give them the resources that they need to overcome challenges. With help from Canadians, the Canadian Red Cross is able to respond to emergencies and disasters wherever they strike and give assistance to those who need it most. To show your support for the Canadian Red Cross, and to make a difference in someone’s life today, visit online at www.redcross.ca or in-person at your local Canadian Red Cross office. Each contribution can benefit people in the aftermath of crises and give them the ability to better prepare for future emergencies.

“We are proud to be part of bringing awareness to something as important as the Red Cross,” said McLean. “It is great to have event sponsors that are as passionate about their communities as they are in their business. ”

The Wilson Equipment 300 Supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief sees the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series makes its one and only annual visit east of Quebec to Riverside International Speedway. The August 17 date is a new slot on the series calendar for Riverside, with the six prior editions of the event (2007 to 2012) held in September. The earlier date should provide event more excitement for race fans with increased car count and easier access during summer vacation.

Besides the popular NASCAR Canadian Tire Series the one-day show will include the Highland Home Building Centre 50 for the Napa Sportsman Series. Both divisions will see qualifying determine starting lineups for the features. The NASCAR racers will see time trials and the sportsman racers will run heat races to kick things off for the day, starting at 2:30 p.m.

NASCAR qualifying goes green at 4 p.m. followed by the Highland Home Building Centres 50 at 5 p.m. A NASCAR autograph session is set for 6:30 p.m. followed by opening ceremonies and the Wilson Equipment 300 Supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Discounted advance tickets are available until August 16 – ticket information is on our event page. Race day tickets can be purchased at the track box office starting at Noon August 17.

Wilson Equipment is an authorized dealer for Komatsu, Takeuchi, and Dynapac. Since 1955, with their incredible team of proud Nova Scotians, they have established a reputation for providing top notch service and selling quality equipment to road builders, foresters, mining companies and other industries. They have a new leader with the same commitment to service. Visit them at 66 Atlantic Central Drive in Truro, NS, online at www.wilsonequip.ns.ca, or call 902.895.1611.

Riverside International Speedway is recognized as a premier stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a year for special events. It is the home for eastern Canada’s only NASCAR event, and of the IWK 250 – widely known as the best stock car race in Canada. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104. For more information call 902.863.2410 or click www.riversidespeedway.ca.