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As a previous drag racer and a stock car racer, the noise generated by the tractor pulls at the Ohio State Fair was music to Carl Bilski's ears. The tune he heard was so alluring, Carl decided to get back in the game by opening The Sandman Motorsports in 1983. Together with his wife Judy and their son Chris Salmonski, Public Relations Manager, Carl has built an impressive reputation in the motor sports industry. In the past twenty-two years they have drawn attention to Medina County while working tirelessly to ensure a bright, safe future for local youths. We stopped by The Sandman Motorsports recently and listened as Carl outlined the offerings and activities of his many-faceted venture;
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The Sandman Motorsports competes in both unlimited modified tractor and two-wheel drive truck pulls throughout the United States. In addition to taking part in these competitions, the company also includes Sandman Classic Repair which builds street rods, restores classic cars, and also sells BIG BLOCK Chevy motors and parts. Sandman Sandblasting cleans vehicle parts for reconditioning and painting.
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Premier Powder Coating of Medina provides these parts with a coating that is much more durable than paint.
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Sandman Marketing specializes in marketing, meeting the motorsports world by displaying sponsors names and logos in competition events and non-competitive gatherings such as the Autorama in Cleveland and Norwalk Raceway Park. Throughout our travels, we've become an extension of our sponsors' sales forces. We carry brochures of their product or service line and pass out their business cards wherever we go.
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Through our Exibitus division, we take our motor sports equipment to open houses, grand openings, new product promotions, trade shows, and many other functions held by local businesses to give their employees an opportunity to see first hand some of the ways their company's products are used. Our five-engine tractor is always very popular at these events. Most people have never seen five blown engines producing 7,000 horsepower on a tractor before, and the looks of disbelief on their faces when they see the tractor for the first time is amazing.
We're also involved in a tractor safety certification program for youngsters ages fourteen to sixteen. At the end of every session, we give each graduate a yellow Sandman key chain and explain that the yellow color is to symbolize caution. After they place their keys on that yellow key chain, we hope that every time they place one of those keys in a tractor, truck, or automobile, the yellow tag reminds them of the importance of being careful. Many local parents are now insisting that their child take this tractor safety course as a prelude to getting their drivers license.
Hopefully, some of the students will realize how cool it is to have access to this gourmet buffet of knowledge. Many young people come back and say, "You know, I just wanted to thank you for that information because it has really helped me a lot!" Their parents get excited because it's the same message they're trying to send. We use the fancy equipment and the excitement it generates in an attempt to influence the young people at the most important time in their lives -- now!
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One of our main goals at The Sandman Motorsports is centered around giving back to the youth of today. In conjunction with local career centers, we hold open houses for young folks who are still in school and haven't chosen a career yet. We use our modified vehicles to gain the students' attention, and then we explain that if they're interested, something like this could be in their future. We want them to know that being in school is the most perfect place for them at this time in their lives. They get to attend school for free, they get a ride there, fed there, and their books are furnished free of charge. Their minds are their personal toolboxes and they have the opportunity to fill those toolboxes with all the tools they want, and use those tools throughout their entire lives at absolutely no cost to themselves.
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Each year with the help of sponsors such as Channellock, Lincoln Electric, and Matco Tools, The Sandman Motorsports is very proud to present an Exceptional Merit Award to a local youth. This award recognizes excellence in home and school life, community service, and creativity, and helps provide the recipient with tools that will enable them to extend their hobbies through creative pastimes. Last year's winner, Bill Shomada, has been utilizing his mechanical expertise in preparation for a career in engineering and welding robotics. We take great pride in the knowledge that our help enables a young person to achieve their dreams.
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Whenever we have youth groups such as the Boy Scouts, high school students, tractor safety classes, or vocational school students come here, I always take them to the corner of our display area dedicated to Honoring All Veterans of All Wars to teach our young people about the incredible sacrifices that have been made on their behalf. We want them to realize their grandfathers, grandmothers, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors have given their lives and limbs to protect and defend the freedom we enjoy today. By understanding our history and the dedication of our country's veterans, I feel that today's youth will gain an appreciation and respect for not only those who have given so much in the building of our nation, but also for all the people, animals, and land that make up this great country.
We're very proud to be from Medina County and to represent so many wonderful local businesses. At sixty-eight years of age, I firmly believe in the phrase you'll see across the back of my semi-truck that reads, "You're never too old to enjoy your childhood!" From playing in the dirt as a child to running Bilski "The Sandman" Excavating, Henry J Gassers & Stock, The Sandman Motorsports, The Motivator, and Honoring All Veterans of All Wars, and I've been playing my entire life and won't be stopping any time soon!
I would be happy to discuss the many wonderful sponsorship opportunities available to your company through The Motivator.
Judy and I would like to give special thanks to our crew - Lee, Bruce, and Barry Brunner, Scott Gomel, Dale Plute, Ron (Choo-Choo) Piotrowski, and Tom Pelham.
Due to the efforts of people like Carl and Judy Bilski, the future of Medina County has grown brighter with each passing day. Call The Sandman Motorsports today and don't forget to tell them The Advocate sent you!
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