5/27/2011
Five Flags Speedway
Papa John’s Continues to Feed Five Flags Fans Hunger
Better ingredients. Better pizza.
Paul Robinson hopes that translates into a better racing experience for Five Flags Speedway fans, especially for tonight’s Papa John’s 100, the second of five Blizzard Series races.
The Papa John’s Pizza of Northwest Florida President, Robinson understands firsthand how passionate Five Flags loyalists can be.
New with the company in 1995, Robinson was sent down from Louisville, Ky., to get a feel for Pensacola. One of the first places he went was Five Flags, spending a race night in the pits delivering pizzas.
“I remember it like it was yesterday and the energy of the fans,� Robinson, 40, said. “I’m not a huge racing enthusiast. In fact, I had never been to a race before, but the energy of the people and the excitement leading up to race, what a great group of fans.�
Those fans are loyal to Papa John’s, too. Their booth has been a mainstay near the protective fence heading into Turn 1 and at the edge of the grandstands for a few years.
“We take pride in the extra steps and the quality of pizza for every customer,� Robinson said. “I think that’s why the partnership with (Five Flags General Manager) Tim Bryant has worked out so well because Tim takes pride in events for both the fans and the drivers.�
The Super Late Model drivers will be competing in the third annual Papa John’s 100 tonight. Mr. Slice, the Papa John’s mascot, will serve as the grand marshal.
Those responsibilities fell on Robinson last year. Something he still treasures.
“It was a very nice to be a part of,� Robinson said. “I got to meet Johanna (Long). I was a little nervous getting in front of everyone and saying the right things. I wasn’t used to all the rituals.�
It was OK. After all, even if Robinson did mess up, he had pizza on his side.
Papa John’s boasts 19 locations across northwest Florida and southeast Alabama with the majority of the franchises operating either in Pensacola and the surrounding areas. To find a store near you, please visit http://order.papajohns.com/storelocator/page.html.
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