By JIM MEYER
Staff writer
An upcoming NASCAR qualifier has a former Cochranton man and Derrick Publishing employee revved up, but not just because he is a motorsports fan.
Shawn Magee
That’s because Shawn Magee, a 1998 graduate of Cochranton High School, designed the Fr8Auctions logo that will be displayed on the infield grass of Talladega Superspeedway on April 28.
Talladega announced Fr8Auctions as sponsor of the qualifier to determine the starting lineup for the GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on April 29.
“It’s very exciting to be a part of such a big event that determines the running order for the cup race on Sunday,” Magee said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to assist Fr8Auctions with their first pole sponsorship.”
Magee studied graphic design at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport. His first job after graduating was in the advertising department of The Derrick and The News-Herald from 2002 to 2003, which he described as a great learning experience that helped him launch his professional career.
In 2008, SMD became his full-time career, in which he combined his graphic design skills with his love of motorsports.
The Fr8Auctions qualifying event will feature a two-round format. Every driver will take one timed lap around the track during the first round, then the drivers with the 12 fastest lap speeds will advance to the second round. The top 12 starting positions for the race will be determined by the fastest lap speed in the second round, while positions 13 and beyond will be established off the first-round speeds.
Fr8Auctions is an Atlanta-based business that partners with freight lines, distribution companies and consumer product-based businesses, helping them sell their excess, discontinued or damaged inventory.
Fr8Auctions is a partner with Front Row Motorsports and driver David Ragan, for whom SMD designed a helmet in 2017.
“Business is a lot like racing,” said Marcus Barela, Fr8Auctions founder. “You need precision teamwork to be successful.”
