News Director 
Story By: MIKE LEONE / RUSH RACING SERIES – PULASKI, PA – Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series powered by Pace Performance is proud to announce that FK Rod Ends will increase their support of the Series’ dirt car divisions, as well as the new Asphalt Racing Series! The 2017 season will mark the fifth straight year for FK’s involvement with the Series, and their support will substantially increase as they will distribute over $10,000 in cash and contingencies via becoming the “Official Rod End” of RUSH as well as the presenting sponsor of the “Shock the Clock” & “Beat the Heat” program at all Sweeney Late Model Touring Series qualifying events.
This respected and nationally recognized company is led by the Fragola family and based in Southington, Connecticut. In 2014, FK Rod Ends became the first company to participate in both the RUSH Late Model and Sportsman Modified Series as a Major Contingency Sponsor and has now expanded its involvement to include all of the divisions on the Dirt and Asphalt Series.
As part of their “Official Rod End” sponsorship package, FK Rod Ends will award a total of 12 complete sets of Rod Ends valued at over $6,000 throughout the Series as well as becoming the new presenting sponsor of the “Shock the Clock” and “Beat the Heat” program where $100 will be awarded to the fast qualifier and $25 to each heat race winner at all Sweeney Late Model Touring Series events. The program will get underway at the opening $2,000 to-win Sweeney Tour event on Saturday, April 22 at Winchester (VA) Speedway.
“We are proud to be back again this season working with RUSH,” expressed Maria Fragola of FK Rod Ends. “RUSH is one of the best run series that we have the pleasure of working with. Vicki (Emig) and RUSH always deliver on what they promise. From running all of their weekly races, to awesome events, and promoting their sponsors in magazine ads, etc., it has definitely helped our company grow. RUSH always takes that extra step to keep their drivers safe and happy, and the series are run with respect to its sponsors as well. RUSH is the ‘real deal!”
“I cannot thank Maria enough for her support of our Series.” stated Emig. “Our partnership with FK Rod Ends now spans five years and she has continually increased her support as we have grown. Maria is a strong believer in making sure FK’s support goes directly back into the hands of racers. She has always complimented us on the way our RUSH programs are designed, taking note that regardless of the level of racers there is always some type of benefit for their participation. The FK Rod End giveaways are always one of the most popular at our Manufacturers Nights, and every year we receive rave reviews from the competitors that won these packages on how they were treated and the extras they received from FK.”
“We’re also very thankful FK Rod Ends stepped up to present our ‘Shock the Clock’ and ‘Beat the Heat’ programs,” continued Emig. “We would be remiss if we didn’t thank Bobby Lake for his involvement the past three years with this program. This program was actually his idea and he funded approximately $7,000 back into the hands of RUSH racers in three years. With his grandson Michael progressing on in his Super Late Model career, Bobby gave an early notice he wouldn’t be continuing the program in 2017. We can’t thank FK Rod Ends enough for stepping up to continue this great program that we know the racers certainly appreciate.”
F.K. Bearings came onto the scene quietly over 30 years ago. They did not make a huge splash, but quickly won the customers over with a high quality product offered at a competitive price, and plenty of stock. While the industrial market struggled to get product from the old stand-bys, the racing market embraced a supplier that could deliver a great product while maintaining inventory throughout the limited season. To further assure timely delivery, F.K. set up two regional warehouses. Filled to the brim with inventory, these warehouses can offer localized service for emergency orders.
Over the years the F.K. Bearings product line has grown to encompass many different industries all over the world. From the wilds of Baja Mexico, to the “good old boys” of NASCAR….from mowers to care for your lawn, to fitness equipment to groom your body, you’ll find F.K. Rod Ends!! Check out their website at www.fkrodends.com. Also, be sure to “like” their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fkrodends and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @FKrodends.
