INSIDE TRACK EXCLUSIVE:
Steve Snowden: “Lucas Oil is remaining in Canada at its current location… and will continue to support motorsports in Canada.”
By Greg MacPherson
MISSISSAUGA, ON – In the past few weeks, speculation has swirled about the future of Lucas Oil in the Canadian motorsports market. Lucas Oil has made a huge impact on the Canadian racing scene in recent years with its aggressive sponsorship of several series, racers and events north of the border.
In April, Don Baker – the face of Lucas Oil in Canada – went on "indefinite leave of absence" from the company. The reason for the move was not disclosed.
The situation with Baker caused speculation to run rampant in recent weeks, including rumours that Lucas was canceling all of its Canadian motorsports-related sponsorships and closing shop in Canada.
Reached today at Lucas’ Mississauga, Ont. office, Steve Snowden addressed these rumours and the issues that gave rise to them.
“Lucas Oil is remaining in Canada at its current location and will be running business as usual out of Canada,” said Snowden. “And we will continue to support motorsports in Canada.”
Snowden underlined these themes on several occasions during the on-the-record interview.
As for Don Baker’s status, Snowden said, “Don [Baker] is no longer with the company, and I am in charge.”
Asked about the various sponsorships that Lucas has been involved with, Snowden said, “We are still going forward with our NHRA commitments. We are still going forward with the Can-Am Midgets and the Canadian Vintage Modifieds and Brighton Speedway.”
Snowden also confirmed that the company’s sponsorship of the recently announced Lucas Oil Shootout dirt oval racing series would proceed, as would the Festival of Horsepower.
After itemizing the series and programs that would remain, Snowden commented on the remaining properties that have yet to be settled, including the Weekend Warrior Series.
“Yes, there’s that and a couple of deals with individual drivers that are still being negotiated, as well as some facility agreements out west.”
Snowden said he hoped to have something more concrete regarding the WWS in “about a week”, and that “We are endeavouring to honour most of our commitments.”
While Snowden didn’t confirm that Lucas was ending its sponsorship of the WWS, more than one WWS track promoter contacted today said it was their understanding that the Lucas deal with the WWS would not continue into 2006.
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