USO of NC Collaborates with Manpower to Horsepower

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 17, 2010) - SMP Motorsports announced collaboration with the USO of North Carolina on Friday. The mission of the USO of North Carolina and the mission of the Manpower to Horsepower program align in with the ultimate goal to support America's veterans.

SMP Motorsports and the USO of NC will work together to form strategic alliances with military organizations to continue to build the Manpower to Horsepower program into a nationwide effort. The program works to encourage America's wounded veterans by providing a unique ride-along experience.

"The mission of the USO of NC is to serve and support America's military and their families," stated John Falkenbury, President and COO of the USO of NC. "The USO of NC relies on the generosity of North Carolinians to support our programs and vital services across the state."

"I think Sue's passion to help our wounded military is extremely commendable," Falkenbury explained. "The USO and the USO of North Carolina have well-established relationships with our wounded warrior battalions across the country, to include North Carolina, and are looking for ways that we can assist those connections or allow them to establish their vocation. What SMP is doing provides a visible outlet for our troops who are wounded, to show that they can still remain engaged and productive despite their injuries."

Sue Roberson, President of SMP Motorsports, is thrilled to join forces with the USO of NC. "This is huge for the Manpower to Horsepower program," said Roberson. "I have to pinch myself at night to remind me that this program is becoming a reality. All the pieces are falling into place, and I couldn't be happier that such a strong organization like the USO of NC is embracing this program and working toward developing a program that can touch our wounded warriors nationwide."

To kick-off this collaboration, all four SMP Motorsports race cars and the Manpower to Horsepower ride-along car will carry the USO of NC logo at the Manpower to Horsepower debut at The Dirt Track at Charlotte on May 28. The USO of NC has arranged for Marine veteran Ed Salau to take the first ride in the Manpower to Horsepower car and continues to work to get more military involvement at theevent.

SMP Motorsports will compete in the FASTRAK Triple Crown at The Dirt Track at Charlotte on May 28, set to start at 7:40 p.m. EST. Gates open for the event at 1 p.m. EST. Drivers will participate in an autograph session from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with the Manpower to Horsepower car on hand for photo opportunities.

About Manpower to Horsepower

Manpower to Horsepower is a unique program founded by Sue Roberson and SMP Motorsports to give back to disabled veterans. The program provides a ride-along program that is handicap accessible to those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The program utilizes custom-made late model cars which allow a handicapped passenger the opportunity to ride shotgun around dirt tracks. The goal for 2010 is to provide this experience at 48 events throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

For more information about Manpower to Horsepower and SMP Motorsports, visit manpowertohorsepower.com.