CONTACT: Alan Edstrom (518) 587 1935 x22 alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.org

Saratoga Springs, New York - The Saratoga Automobile Museum today announced the installation of four HotSeat Racer GTX Simulators that will be part of a January 17, 2009 driving event called “SAM’s Racing Battle Royale.” To celebrate their installation, the Museum will be pitting twenty-four 16 -18 year olds against each other in a series of simulated races in a marathon, eight-hour contest.

” We really wanted to celebrate a whole new level of interactivity at the Museum and the partnership that we have developed with HotSeat Surround Sound Simulation offers us that opportunity,” said Alan Edstrom, Director of Programs and Events. “For the next six months, we’ll be able to give young drivers a chance not only to compete, but to learn new safe driving skills with a curriculum developed specifically for the HotSeat Racer GTX .”

The staff at the Museum and HotSeat Chassis are teaming up for the inaugural event in January with Automotive Engineering Students from RPI’s Formula SAE Racing Team, racing professionals from the Sports Car Club of America, and a team of teen Museum Volunteers lovingly referred to as “The Dudes.” The assembled team will facilitate the organization and operation of the marathon.

Additionally, High School students throughout the Capital Region will be offered the opportunity to try out their driving skills through the end of May in simulated events in preparation for the “24 Hours of Saratoga,” a marathon race session set for the museum’s Spring Auto Show. Teachers can contact the Museum, located in the Saratoga Spa State Park, to schedule trips that offer free admission for their students.

Any student who would like to be entered in the January 17, 2009 “SAM’s Racing Battle Royale” (you must be 16-18 years old and live in the Capital Region) can contact Alan Edstrom at the Saratoga Automobile Museum by e-mail at alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.org until 5pm on January 5, 2009. Please include your name, address, and phone number in the text of the e-mail message to be eligible. The twenty-four racers plus two alternates will be chosen at random from all entrants for this premier event.

If you’d like to add a HotSeat Chassis Surround Sound Simulator to your personal collection, or as a great gift for your “Car Guy’s” man-cave, you can buy one through the Saratoga Automobile Museum, with a generous portion of the proceeds going to help programs and exhibits at the Museum.

A presentation by Jeff Mahl, the Great-Grandson of George N. Schuster

CONTACT: Alan Edstrom (518) 587 1935 x22 alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.org

Jeff Mahl  jeffmahl@aol.com or  http://www.thegreatautorace.com/

Saratoga Springs, New York - In conjunction with its unique “All That Glitters - 100 Years of Brass Era Antique Automobiles” exhibit, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will present historian and actor Jeff Mahl in a one-man show that brings the legendary 1908 New York to Paris Automobile Race to life. The nationally acclaimed performance will take place on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 7:30 pm at the Spa Little Theatre in the Saratoga Spa State Park, with the audience hearing first hand the experiences of an American who changed the course of automotive history a century ago.

“Based in fact, and richly illustrated with over 70 original photographs (many unpublished), Jeff Mahl’s presentation brings to life the events of 1908’s New York to Paris Great Automobile Race,” said Alan Edstrom, Director of Programs and Events at the Museum. “The performance is based on Mahl’s recollections of his great grandfather, George N. Schuster, driver and chief mechanic of the winning American Thomas Flyer. With Mahl dressed in period automotive garb, the audience feels like they’re actually hearing his great grandfather tell his story.”

Mahl’s story of the epic International event, which matched the best in automotive technology of the world’s super powers - Germany, France, Italy, and the United States - illustrates a time when there were few roads and very few automobiles to use them. In fact, most of the world’s population had never seen an American, much less a motor car.

Schuster was the only American to make the full distance, starting from Times Square that cold morning of February 12 and arriving triumphantly in Paris on July 30, 1908 to claim the win for the United States. His story is told in the “first person,” a unique perspective mirroring the way Jeff heard the story told to him by “Great Gramp.” The tale includes glimpses into what really happened, with many stories never before published. It shows the human side of the participants as well as giving a true appreciation for the marvelous machines that propelled those daring men around the world.

Who would have guessed that a quiet mechanic from Buffalo, NY would win a race between automobiles that most felt would never reach Chicago, much less Paris? “All this in an era when a motor car, after a woman, was considered the most fragile and capricious thing on earth,” said Mahl in a recent interview. “The stirring event demanded wit, ingenuity, courage and pure will to achieve what had never been done before. And besides winning the race to Paris, my great grandfather overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to become the first person to drive an automobile across the US in the winter time.”

While the presentation is delivered using the latest technology, the sense for the audience, according to Mahl,
“… is one of being immersed in time and events of 1908.” It also tells what followed after the Race, including the launch of the automobile as an accepted and viable means of worldwide transportation and looks at what happened over the decades to both the winning Thomas Flyer and its determined driver.

Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members, and are available beginning November 15^th at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, or online at http://www.saratogaautomuseum.org/ . Tickets for a special 6:30pm cocktail party are available for $35 per member, $50 for non members, which includes V.I.P. seating.  All other seating is General Admission.

2009 Upcoming Events

March 8, Metuchen, NJ - 12pm to 3 pm - 6th Annual The Slant Six Club - Winter Get Together/ Annual Meeting.To be held at the YMCA, Lake Avenue & High Street, Metuchen, NJ. You are encouraged to bring your “Slant Six” vehicle. Presentation of Last Year’s “Best of Show” Winner. An Indoor Flea Market, Q&A Session & A Presentation by the members. For more info: Bob Deutschman at 732-549-2478.

May 3, Merrick, Long Island, NY - 9 am to 5 pm - The Long Island & New York City Oldsmobile Club presents the 33rd Annual Spring Dust Off 2009. Car Show and Swap Meet. (raindate May 17). To be held at Four Towns Firemans Training Center, Merrick Road, Merrick, Long Island, NY. Meadowbrook Parkway, Exit M-9 East. All makes and models welcome, DJ, swap meet vendors, and refreshments. Dash plaques to first 300 registered, Judging and trophies for all classes. For more info: Fred at 516-561-9000 or islauto@aol.com .

May 16, Altamont, NY - 8 am to 5 pm - Helderberg Mountain Nationals Car Show,Craft Fair, and Swap Meet. To be held at the Altamont Fair Grounds. Registration fee: $10.00 which includes the driver and one passenger. $5.00 for each additional passenger over 12. Spectators: $5.00. Favorite 50 awards. All years, makes and models are welcome. There will be lots of things to see and do. For more info: Bob (Bear) Messercola (518) 355-0541 or Burnie and Mary Armstrong (518) 355-1387.

May 17, Saratoga Springs, NY - Spring Auto Showto be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

May 17, Saratoga Springs, NY -   10 am to 3 pm -  New Country Toyota’s 5th Annual Show and Shine Car Show.To be held at the New Country Complex - The Toyota Building - Exit 15 of the Adirondack Northway - I87. 2002 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY. Don’t miss this super fun event. All vehicles welcome. Judged Show with Trophies, dash plaques, music, and a bar-b-que. For more info: rneumann@newcountry.com

May 23 & 24, Plattsburgh, NY - 8 am to 4 pm - 11th Annual Champlain Valley Spring Nationals. Hosted by the Champlain Valley Classic Cruisers and to be held at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, Plattsburgh, NY. Saturday - Nifty 50+ top 10 Awards and Sunday - 41 classes with 2 Best of Show. 50/50 drawings, raffles, muffler rap, swap meet, crafts & flea markets. Saturday cruise & live music at A&W at 6:30. For more info: Jerry Seymour at 518-563-6657 or seymourd2@charter.net .

May 30, Schenectady, NY - 10 am to 3 pm - Spend your day in one of the city’s finest parks, Vale Park. All vehicles welcome. Trophies, dash plaques, music, food and more. Registration fee: $10.00. Don’t miss out on this fun event. For more info: mfinch@mvphealthcare.com. or Monica Finch at 518-388-2077.

June 12-13, Saratoga Springs NY- NYAutoguide.com celebrates their 25th Anniversary with an event at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. Show Car Entrant Fee - $20.00 which includes one ticket to tour the Automobile Museum. Food, music, trophies, dash plaques. Take the day and celebrate our past 25 years and our next 25 with us on the grounds of the Saratoga Automobile Museum. For more info: Tracy Paige 518-753-6610.

June 20, Saratoga Springs, NY - Citroen Rendezvous to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

June 20, Saratoga Springs, NY - Z Club Auto Show to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

June 21, Scotia, NY - 11th Annual Cruizin on  the Avenue Car Show. This quaint village closes down their streets one more time to spend the afternoon with you. All vehicles welcome. Food, shopping, good music and friends. There is no better way to spend your Fathers Day then on Mohawk Avenue in Scotia with your friends. For more information email: msnilloc62@yahoo.com

June 27, Saratoga Springs, NY - Adirondack Corvettes, Inc. Show - to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

July 4, Saratoga Springs, NY - American Hot Rods and Muscle Cars Extravaganza - Sponsored by Ensign Auto Body - to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

July 11, Saratoga Springs, NY - 9 am to 3 pm - 7th Annual All Firebird Lawn Show presented by Firebird Nation of North America  -(raindate 7/12) to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. Dash plaques and goodie bags to 1st 150 Firebirds, Judged Best of Show jumbo trophy. Trophies to be judged - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place for each generation plus Athlete choice, Coaches choice, Dealer Choice & Museum Choice trophies. DJ, 50/50 raffle, hotdogs, drinks & Show Tshirts available for purchase. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com. or Thomas Smith of the Firebird Nation of North America Club at 518-587-8215 or tsmith24@earthlink.net.

July 18, Saratoga Springs, NY - Mid Hudson Champlain Porsche Club of America - to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

July 25, Latham, NY - 4 - 10 pm - Rain date: August 8th - Cruzin’ The Moon Car Show,to be held at Latham Green’s Family Fun Center. Registration is $10 per vehicle. Favorite 40 Awards, dash plaques, much more. This year’s show is to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

August 1, 2, & 3, Saratoga Springs, NY - Art of Ferrari -to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

August 2, Ticonderoga, NY - 9 am to 4 pm - The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Showto be held at the Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga, NY. 35 Classes, 3 trophies each class. Special Awards to include: Best of Show Car, Truck, Motorcycle and Streetrod. Club Participation, Longest Distance, Most Likely to Get Pulled Over. Food, Music, vendors, swap meet, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, muffler rap, piston toss. And don’t forget this is a **Super Wheels Showdown qualifer show. ** For more info: Joe Conway 518-585-6619 or tacc@bluemoo.net .

August 2, Tribes Hill, NY - 9 am to 3 pm - New Wave Cruisers Annual Car Show to be held at Karen’s Produce on Route 5S in Tribes Hill, NY. Proceeds to benefit a charity. Over 100 vehicles, nitros Harley Drag Motorcycle Demo, 50/50 raffle, chinese auction, DJ, driver prizes, unique trophies. Favorite 35 (1989 & older) 3 Newer Vehicle Trophies, 3 Bike Trophies, and 11 Specialty Trophihes.  For more info: Debbie Kosiba (518) 842-4046.

August 8 & 9 , Saratoga Springs, NY - Hemmings Sports & Exotic Show - to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

August 14, 15, 16, & 17  Saratoga Springs, NY - Airstream Trailers - to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

August 16, Marion, NY - 8 am to 4 pm - 32nd Annual Car Show and Flea Market to be held at the Marion Town Park, Marion, NY. Hosted by the Wayne Drumlins Region, AACA. 22 Classes with thropies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place and 11 special awards. New unique trophies, food service available. For more info: Dave Dorf (315)926-5003.

August 23, Saratoga Springs, NY - ATA British Motorfest (raindate - August 24) to be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

October 9, 10, & 11, Saratoga Springs, NY - Morgans Showto be held at the Saratoga Automobile Museum - located at 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY. For more info: Alan - 518-587-1935 or email alan.edstrom@saratogaautomuseum.com.

October 4, North Brunswick, NJ - 10 am to 4 pm - The New York/New Jersey Slant Six Club of America present their 22nd Annual Meet. To be held at the NJ Agricultural Museum, located just off Route 1 South, North Brunswich, NJ. (College Farm Road) Raindate - October 11. Cost: $8.00/Carload - members - $10.00 non members. 50/50 Raffle. Trophies for 1st and 2nd place. Certificates for 3rd place. For more info: 732-549-0188 - 7-9 pm Monday thru Friday.

Cruise Nights - 2009-

Friday, May 22 - Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. 50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, May 29 - Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. 50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, June 5- Latham, NY - 6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. 50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, June 12-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, June 19-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Right Coast Association Night.Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Saturday, June 20, Cairo, NY - 6:30 pm - Held at the Angelo Canna Park in Cairo, NY. Free admission, free t-shirt to Cruiser Cars, Rock n’ Roll with Dawn to Dusk bank at 7 pm. For more info: Bill (518) 622-3430.

Friday, June 26-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. (Rain date for Right Coast Association Night.) Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, July 3-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, July 10-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, July 24-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, July 31-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Saturday, August 1, Cairo, NY - 3:00 pm - To be held at the Angelo Canna Park in Cairo, NY. Free admission, free t-shirt, free Cruiser meal (burger & cola) to cruiser cars. DJ 4 pm to 6 pm. Rock n’ Roll band The Greyhounds at 7 pm. Free swap spaces, muffler rap contest, awards, & more. For more info: Bill at 518-622-3430.

Friday, August 7-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, August 14-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, August 21-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, August 28-  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

Friday, September 4 -  Latham, NY -6-9 pm - Latham Greens Family Fun Center Classic Car Night. Free ice cream to the driver & other surprises. Music by DJ Andy.  50/50 drawing at 8:00 pm. For more info: Rich Miller 518-872-2889 or Phil Liddle 518-295-7756.

August 2, Tribes Hill, NY - 9 am to 3 pm - New Wave Cruisers Annual Car & Bike Show to be held at Karen’s Produce on Route 5S in Tribes Hill, NY. Proceeds to benefit a charity. Over 100 vehicles, nitros Harley Drag Motorcycle Demo, 50/50 raffle, chinese auction, DJ, driver prizes, unique trophies. Favorite 35 (1989 & older) 3 Newer Vehicle Trophies, 3 Bike Trophies, and 11 Specialty Trophihes.  For more info: Debbie Kosiba (518) 842-4046.