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Thu February 22, 2007

Team revs up to expand audience
Capitol: State's centennial is off to the races

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A Century in the Making
See NewsOK's special Web site dedicated to Oklahoma's Centennial.


Gov. Brad Henry; Brad Keselowski, driver of the Oklahoma Centennial sponsored race car; J. Blake Wade, Oklahoma Centennial Commission executive director; and Al Smith III, executive vice president of Keith Coleman Racing, pose with the No. 23 NASCAR Busch Series race car sporting the Oklahoma Centennial logo at the state Capitol on Wednesday. By PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND, THE OKLAHOMAN

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By Brian Sargent
Staff Writer
Al Smith III has always had a passion for motor sports and NASCAR racing. It began when Smith and his father watched stock car races at State Fair Speedway in Oklahoma City.



Smith will share that enthusiasm with the Sooner State through the No. 23 NASCAR Busch Series team owned by Keith Coleman Racing.

The team's race car, which will be driven by Brad Keselowski in 2007, will be decked out with the Oklahoma Centennial logo prominently displayed on its hood, trunk lid and above the rear bumper.

Smith, of Edmond, serves as the team's executive vice president.

The centennial logo also will be put on the team's 18-wheel car transporter, pit equipment, driver and crewmember uniforms and the Keith Coleman Racing Web site.

The season ends in November.

There is no cost to the state of Oklahoma for the centennial sponsorship. Space was donated by Smith and Keith Coleman Racing.

"This car is a unique way to bring attention to Oklahoma's centennial before a national audience and is yet another wonderful demonstration of Oklahoma's pride,” Gov. Brad Henry said.

A centennial logo-adorned car and transporter was displayed Wednesday on the state Capitol's south side.

In November, Smith and team owner Keith Coleman began brainstorming for sponsorship opportunities.

Smith mentioned the Oklahoma Centennial as a possibility and contacted centennial commission officials.

They agreed to Smith's proposal after talking with former Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick, who owned a NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series team.

"They discussed the exposure the state could get by being a part of the race team and they decided to come on board,” Smith said.

"We're hoping (the race car) will attract people to the state of Oklahoma. And they'll come here and celebrate with all the other Oklahomans for the centennial year we are having. Hopefully, this will give outsiders a perspective on the historical and heritage background of the state.”

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