Press Releases

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- International Speedway Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) ("ISC") announced today the mailing of the redemption notices for the previously announced full redemption of all of its outstanding 5.4 percent Senior Notes due April 2014.

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As previously noted, the redemption date for the 5.4 Senior Notes will be March 15, 2012.  The Company intends to use additional borrowings under its 2010 Credit Facility to redeem and retire all of its outstanding 5.4 percent Senior Notes, for an aggregate price equal to the $87.0 million principal amount currently outstanding plus a redemption premium in the amount of approximately $9.0 million (combined the "Redemption Price") and accrued interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Redemption Price has been calculated in accordance with the related indenture under which the 5.4 percent Senior Notes were issued.

Holders owning Notes through a broker, bank or other nominee should contact that party for information. For more information, holders of the Notes may call the Bondholder Communications Group of the Paying Agent for the redemption, U.S. Bank National Association, at 1-800-934-6802.

Statements made in this release that express the Company's or management's beliefs or expectations and which are not historical facts or which are applied prospectively are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company's results could be impacted by risk factors, including, but not limited to, weather surrounding racing events, government regulations, economic conditions, consumer and corporate spending, military actions, air travel and national or local catastrophic events. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's SEC filings including, but not limited to, the 10-K and subsequent 10-Qs. Copies of those filings are available from the Company and the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be needed to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by International Speedway or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities.  The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway® in Florida (home of the DAYTONA 500®); Talladega Superspeedway® in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway® located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway® in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway® in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway® in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway® and Route 66 Raceway(SM) near Chicago, Illinois; Homestead-Miami Speedway(SM) in Florida; Martinsville Speedway® in Virginia; Darlington Raceway® in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International® in New York. 

The Company also owns and operates MRN® Radio, the nation's largest independent sports radio network and Americrown Service Corporation(SM), a subsidiary that provides catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produces and markets motorsports-related merchandise.  For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com. 

SOURCE International Speedway Corporation

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Social media users are weighing in with their Oscar® picks and pans, according to the University of Southern California Annenberg Innovation Lab, IBM (NYSE: IBM), and the Los Angeles Times who are measuring social media sentiment related to the 84th Academy Awards.

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The project relies on new sophisticated analytics and natural language recognition technologies to gauge positive and negative opinions shared in millions of public tweets.

Focused on the Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture categories, the goal is to establish a model for measuring the volume and tone of worldwide Twitter sentiment to better understand moviegoers' opinions. The results are intended to illuminate how advances in technology can help identify important consumer trends.

The Times has published information about the project including an infographic illustrating ongoing sentiment. The analysis will be updated at www.latimes.com/senti-meter as sentiment evolves over the weeks leading up to the Academy Awards on February 26, 2012.

"This project is about identifying 'The People's Oscar,' which means moving beyond pundits' opinions of who the winners may be, to understanding who real moviegoers want to see receive the highest accolades of the industry,"� said Professor Jonathan Taplin, Director of the USC Annenberg Innovation Lab. "We want to illustrate how new technologies can capture valuable information and opinions derived from the voices of influential movie fans."�

As social media tools become more prevalent, those participating in the online conversation become increasingly influential, especially as their opinions travel faster and to a wider group of consumers. The work between the USC Annenberg Innovation Lab and IBM is part of an ongoing collaboration to explore how technology can be used by organizations from news outlets and journalists, to movie studios and retailers, in order to better understand, respond, and predict public sentiment.

"The ability to apply a quantified measurement to social media chatter surrounding the top films and performances of the season, and to do so over a period of time, adds a valuable new dimension to The Times awards coverage," said Times Assistant Managing Editor Arts and Entertainment, Sallie Hofmeister. "We're very interested in developing and embracing new technologies to inform our reporting and working with IBM and USC has made this early stage social sentiment tool possible."

In the case of the Oscar race, innovative analytics and language software from IBM is being used that distinguishes nuance and sarcasm in order to pinpoint relevant opinions of the nominated films, actors and actresses and show noteworthy trends. To date, USC Annenberg and IBM have also applied similar techniques to film forecasting, sports and retailing in an effort to identify social media trends and better understand public opinions.

"Modern technology and social media platforms are changing the way consumers and organizations communicate,"� said Steve Canepa, General Manager of Media and Entertainment, IBM. "The collaboration between IBM, the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Times demonstrates how the media industry is advancing at a pace consistent with the fast-evolving Twitterverse. By gaining insight from the growing world of social media, we can add a new layer of intelligence that will change how all industries engage with their digitally savvy consumers."�

USC and IBM are also working to broaden student skills in analytics, demonstrating how Watson-inspired technologies can crunch complex data in real-time. Students are helping identify areas for research, experimenting with the software and helping to develop new technologies that mine for insights.

The work between USC and IBM is part of an ongoing effort to broaden student skills in analytics, demonstrating how Watson-inspired technologies can crunch complex data in real-time. Students are helping identify areas for research, experimenting with the software and helping to develop new technologies that mine for insights.

For more information about: The University of Southern California Annenberg Innovation Lab visit www.annenberg.usc.edu; IBM and analytics, visit www.ibm.com/analytics; or Los Angeles Times, visit www.latimes.com/aboutus.

CONTACT:

Lia P. Davis IBM Media Relations, Analytics 202.551.9466 lia.p.davis@us.ibm.com Fabienne Guildhary IBM Media Relations, Media & Entertainment 917.472.3733 fguildhary@us.ibm.com Gretchen Parker USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism 213.740.6302 gretchen.parker@usc.edu Nancy Sullivan The Los Angeles Times, Communications 213.237.6160 nancy.sullivan@latimes.com

 

SOURCE IBM

 

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The ultra-popular midsize Kia Optima sedan again turned heads today at the Chicago Auto Show when Kia Motors America (KMA) revealed production plans for a new range-topping Limited.  The Limited, which will begin production at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia[1] later this month, builds on the Optima SX's strong foundation of class-leading horsepower[2] and fuel efficiency[3] and adds a number of design and amenity enhancements to further stand apart from traditional competitors in the segment.

"The Optima SX Limited was introduced to the world in our 'Drive the Dream' Super Bowl commercial and now visitors to the Chicago Auto Show will experience it firsthand," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "The Limited delivers upscale features and premium materials that discerning midsize sedan customers are not able to find in many of our competitors.  The Optima has been earning design, performance and value awards since arriving in showrooms in early 2011, and the Limited is the latest example of the brand's compelling package of style, fuel economy, technology – and now opulence – to appeal to an even wider consumer base."

Expected to arrive in showrooms in March, the Optima Limited is based on the fully loaded turbocharged Optima SX, which Edmunds' Inside Line hailed as an "Editors' Most Wanted(SM)" mid-sized sedan.  Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima Limited features many details that are mainly found on luxury vehicles, including LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler, lower door sills and wood interior trim.  Standout red front-brake calipers can be seen through the Optima Limited's uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers class-leading 274 horsepower[4] and achieves 22/34 mpg[5] (city/hwy). 

Inside the cabin, high-grade black or white Nappa leather adorns the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim for a premium feel.  Wood accents can be found on the steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric lends a premium feel to the headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars. The Optima Limited also boasts a first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip.

Like every Optima, the Limited projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic with a sleek silhouette, aggressive stance and sculpted elements that embodies the styling language chief design officer Peter Schreyer has created for the brand.  Every 2012 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, and the Optima Limited builds on the technology, performance and convenience features found on the Optima SX, including:  unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, four-way power front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic™[6] and Infinity®[7] audio system and speakers.

Standard Kia Safety Features

The 2012 Optima is equipped with a high level of standard safety features.  All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags[8], front seat-mounted side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags, front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).  A four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Industry-Leading Warranty

The 2012 Optima is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program[9], which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[10] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[11].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[12].  Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

[1] Assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[2] Class-leading horsepower claim based on comparison of midsize sedans with (standard or available) engines as of January 2012.

[3] Class-leading fuel economy claim for highway based on comparison of 2012 midsize sedans as of January 2012.   EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg/city and 34 mpg/hwy for 2012 Optima SX. Actual mileage will vary.

[4] Class-leading horsepower claim based on comparison of midsize sedans with (standard or available) engines as of January 2012

[5] EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg/city and 34 mpg/hwy for 2012 Optima SX. Actual mileage will vary.

[6] Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.

[7] Infinity® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.

[8] For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt.

[9] See retailer for warranty details or go to kia.com.

[10] Source:  Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study

[11] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis

[12] Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG

 

 

SOURCE Kia Motors America

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stray Cat Alliance, a national nonprofit advocacy organization for the humane care, rescue and protection of cats, today announced it opposes California Governor Jerry Brown's plan to repeal provisions of The Hayden Law and will work aggressively to encourage county and city animal shelters to implement humane, cost-effective spay/neuter programs for free-roaming community cats.

At issue are several provisions for the welfare and care of cats, dogs and other animals. If repealed, shelters can kill pets after 72 hours without a chance for adoption. Shelters would no longer need to verify whether a cat is feral or tame, or provide necessary veterinary care. The law was introduced in 1998 by then-State Senator Tom Hayden to allow families more time to recover lost pets and make California shelters more accountable to animals in their care.

"The Hayden Law is the only legal protection shelter animals have in terms of minimal medical care and the opportunity for possible adoption and redemption," said Stray Cat Alliance executive director Christi Metropole. "This is a life-and-death issue for California's impounded animals, who are in extreme danger and will die in mass numbers, when the real solution is spay/neuter services for all animals including trap/neuter/return for free-roaming community cats."

Aggressive spay neuter programs including trap/neuter/return are more cost-effective than the traditional trap-and-kill methods employed by animal shelters. In California, the cost to house, euthanize and dispose of the remains of each cat or dog is approximately $250 while fixing a cat or dog can cost less than $50.

The governor's proposal to repeal "reimbursable state mandates" in The Hayden Law would save the state an estimated $23 million out of a total budget of $137 billion, or .017 percent. In contrast, a well run spay/neuter program could save over $48 million.

Currently, 70-90 percent of cats do not leave California shelters alive, and more than 50 percent of dogs. However, in other areas of the United States, trap/neuter/return programs are successfully reducing the population of stray and feral cats. Fairfax County, Va.'s T/N/R program has resulted in a 58 percent decrease in the number of feral offspring in the shelter in 2011 compared to 2010.

Stray Cat Alliance offers California cities and counties a workshop for shelter personnel and rescue groups on how to run an effective T/N/R program.

Stray Cat Alliance has garnered thousands of signatures of Californians opposed to this action on a petition on the organization's web site, and urges animal lovers to contact the governor to express opposition, providing a sample letter with key points. Members of Stray Cat Alliance plan to present the petition to the Governor in person.

About Stray Cat AllianceStray Cat Alliance works for a no-kill nation, where every cat has a right to be safe, healthy and valued. Since 2000, it has empowered hundreds of volunteers and thousands of community members to care for more than 75,000 cats in need. Stray Cat Alliance performs no-cost Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR), advocacy, and other health services, and runs an adoption program in Southern California, and has placed thousands of cats in homes. Stray Cat Alliance advocates humane care and protection of free roaming community cats, supports the reduction of kill rates for cats in shelters today, and helps communities develop cost-effective spay neuter programs of their own. See www.StrayCatAlliance.org for more information.

SOURCE Stray Cat Alliance