After 29 years in El Dorado County race supporting Family Auto Center has closed
[i Media Release from Placerville Speedway]
[b PLACERVILLE, CA –] Over the years Family Auto Center has been a stalemate in the way of sponsoring and promoting the events at Placerville Speedway. Today, it is with great sadness that we bid farewell to this longtime supporter of El Dorado County's only professional spectator sport. After 29 years, Family Auto Center has closed their doors in the wake of the economic times and the reorganization of General Motors.
Owned and operated by longtime El Dorado County resident Tony Montalbano, Family Auto Center was originally located across the street from the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Through the decades, the family owned dealership has shown great support for Placerville Speedway in many different fashions. Family Auto Center has sponsored a number of different drivers through the years as well as various events at Placerville Speedway.
The most notable event that Family Auto Center will be remembered for is the annual Tribute to Al Hinds that has become one of Placerville Speedway's biggest events. This race pays tribute to the late race promoter that brought a rural business community together with a newly built speedway. Just days after Hinds' passing seven years ago it was a simple conference call between Montalbano, his longtime sales manager Mike Dent and the management of Placerville Speedway that created this fabulous event. Much like Hinds, Montalbano always believed in sponsoring community strong events and participating in them.
"That's what Tony and his staff were all about, supporting those in the community who support them and they did a fabulous job at that. It wasn't just about writing a check to sponsor a race, it about community involvement and working together," said Bill Sullivan, Communications Director at Placerville Speedway. "This is very sad to see them close their doors after all these years. This is a tremendous loss to both the residents of El Dorado County and the racing community."
The Annual Tribute to Al Hinds began seven years ago with a bonus to the winner the annual Civil War race courtesy of Family Auto Center. Through the years the event grew into the largest public display of race cars in El Dorado County as Montalbano teamed with Placerville Speedway and presented a gigantic car show at their dealership in Shingle Springs along with a free bbq that fed thousands of race fans and live music. The event was a great opportunity for race fans and future race fans to get an up close look at dozens of sprint cars and meet their drivers.
"I would like to personally thank all of the race teams, the fans and everyone at Placerville Speedway for the great support they gave Family Chevrolet and myself through the years," said Dent. "The racing community really supported the dealership through the years and their gratitude will never be forgotten by any of us. I hope in some way I can stay involved with the Hinds race once I land on my feet somewhere."
On behalf of all of the great race fans, teams and the staff of Placerville Speedway, Handy Racing Promotions Incorporated wishes the best for Montalbano and all of the associated of Family Auto Center. Thank you for being a part of our family for the last 29 years and your gratitude and support will never be forgotten.
"The 2010 Family Auto Center event was bigger than ever before," added Sullivan. "At that time Tony and his staff were well aware of what the future held for them. The fact that they continued their support is a true testament of their love for local motor sports and the community."
In 2011, Placerville Speedway plans to continue the Annual Tribute to Al Hinds with or without the support of area sponsorship. The event that was born thanks to Montalbano has grown into one of the most recognized local races annually. Tony Montalbano was the founder of this great event and we invite him and his "family" to always be involved with it each and every year in some capacity.
- Bill Sullivan on Sep 23, 2010
- Article Date: 9/23/2010