Mike Bliss

MIKE BLISS TO DRIVE NO. 36 WAVE ENERGY DRINK CAR IN 2010

Michael McDowell to Remain a Representative for Wave Energy Drink

(MOORESVILLE, NC) December 1, 2009 - Mike Bliss will pilot the No. 36 Wave Energy Drink race car for Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2010 and Michael McDowell will continue his marketing relationship with the sponsor.

Bliss, a 44-year old native of Portland, Oregon, has 476 combined starts in all three NASCAR series with a record of 15 wins, 89 top-fives, 181 top-10’s and 21 pole positions.  Bliss also drove in the International Race of Champions (IROC) Series in 2003, garnering one win (Chicagoland Speedway), two top-fives and four top-10’s in four total starts.  Bliss began his racing career in quarter midgets at the age of nine.  He’s married with one nine-year old daughter and restores custom hot rods in his spare time.  Among his collection is a bright yellow 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda with a Hemi Engine.

After careful consideration, Baldwin chose Mike Bliss to lead his 2010 program.  “Mike brings a lot of experience to the table and next year, we’re stepping everything up,” said Baldwin.  “He gives us the best chance to qualify for the Daytona 500 and get ourselves in the top-35 in points after the first five events of the 2010 season.   I’m very excited to have him on board along with our sponsor, Wave Energy Drink,” he added.

Driver Michael McDowell, who closed out the 2009 season for Tommy Baldwin Racing, will still play a vital part of sponsor Wave Energy Drink’s future marketing plans.  McDowell is slated to drive in several select Sprint Cup events in a Wave Energy Drink-sponsored car in 2010. 

Wave Energy Drink executives are delighted with the plan of action for their 2010 NASCAR Season.  “We’re thrilled with the arrangement that has been put in place for next year,” said Jason Wolter, VP of Marketing for Wave Energy Drink.  “As a sponsor, we still get the best of both worlds.  We have Mike Bliss to lead the competition side and we’re retaining the personal representation services of Michael McDowell.  In the end, everyone is on the same page and the stage is now set for Wave Energy Drink’s most successful year ever,” he added.

With the driver lineup and sponsor representation secured for next year, Baldwin is revved up about the future of his race team and relationship with sponsor, Wave Energy Drink.  “We’ve got a great deal of energy coming together at the right time,” said Baldwin.  “Our plan is to keep Bliss and McDowell involved in our racing program and as brand ambassadors for Wave Energy Drink.  Both of these guys are very talented both on the racetrack and off the track.  Now we’ll be able to take this program to the next level with our own version of the ‘Mike and Mike Show’,” he added.

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About Wave Energy Drink:

Founded in 2008, Wave Energy Drink was created to provide consumers with the best-tasting energy drink on the market today.  Created with a lowered caffeine content and higher balance of B-vitamins, Wave Energy Drinks provide an all-natural boost, which is both a healthier and safer source of energy than the competition.  Available in regular and sugar-free varieties, 16 oz. singles and family packs of Wave Energy Drinks are sold in convenience stores, grocery chains, restaurants, bars, drug stores and coffee shops.  Wave Energy Drink is also heavily involved in sports marketing, sponsoring two NASCAR teams, a Professional Angler and a touring band for its promotional event tours.  Wave Energy Drink is headquartered in Mooresville, NC.  Visit Wave Energy Drink on the web at: www.tastethewave.com.

About Tommy Baldwin Racing:

Tommy Baldwin Racing (www.tommybaldwinracing.net) competes as a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, fielding the No. 36 Wave Energy Drink Toyota Camrys.  The team was formed in 2002, sold in 2005 and revived in early 2009 by former Daytona 500 winning crew chief Tommy Baldwin.  The team is headquartered in Mooresville, NC.