Wittenberg earned attention in the winner’s circle thanks to sponsor Eugene Miller, a 1965 Wittenberg graduate. Miller, a Rochester, N.Y. businessman, sponsored two cars emblazoned with his alma mater’s logo. The #1 Wittenberg car developed mechanical problems and dropped out early in the 62-lap race. With live national television coverage on NBC, the sponsorships were calculated to gain attention for the university Miller credits with making him successful.
Car #44's driver Tom Carey, Jr. started at the pole position but led only one lap, the final lap of the race. It was the biggest win of Carey’s career and the richest purse in the 14year history of the NASCAR Busch North Series. The #44 car also won a race in last year’s Busch North Series race at Watkins Glen. The #1 car was a four-time winner in the 2000 series.
“I couldn’t be happier for Wittenberg,” said Miller. “I think the Busch North program offers a great deal of visibility for a great university and gives me a prime opportunity to give back a little of what Wittenberg offered me.” Of his enthusiasm for the school, “It was an awesome experience,” said Miller. “Wittenberg educates the whole person - the programs are designed to prepare young people for success in their careers, their families and their communities,” he added
Miller, who is chairman and president of E.F. Miller & Company, a financial advisory institution, and Rochester Steel Treating Works in Rochester, N.Y. will take time out of his busy schedule to cheer both cars to victory from the sidelines.
Both cars sported the school logo on the quarter panels while the crews for both teams also wore T-shirts with the Wittenberg logo.
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