Mauldin dreamed of a career in racing. His would be more than just a fast-paced life: It was to be a life with speed just like that of his father Lightning, a truck driver who raced cars at tracks such as Cleveland Speedway around the region.

Michael is there. Finally.

Mauldin, who in 1998 became the first black president of Columbia Records, is working with NASCAR and Atlanta Motor Speedway to expand its reach and connection with younger fans.

Coincidentally, Mauldin got his big break because of a car. Well, it was a van, actually — a Ford Econoline “with a couch in the back.”

After moving to Atlanta in the early 1970s, Mauldin was the lead singer for “The Other Side.” One weekend, members of the group Brick needed help getting equipment to their next gig. Enter Mauldin, who hauled the gear and became a fixture behind the scenes.

“I got 10 or 15 bucks and a cheeseburger,” Mauldin recalled of that first trip to Savannah. “Who knew it would become this?”

He quickly went from transporting equipment to setting up shows and managing acts. He spoke proudly of his ascent and not surprisingly used racing terms to describe it.

“We didn’t have a lot of roadies or people like that,” Mauldin said. “And that was one of the things I took pride in. We were fast. If someone broke a string, we’d have it replaced before the next song. We wore black T-shirts and tried to move from one group to the next faster than anyone.

“We were like a pit crew setting up stages.”

He was managing a Diana Ross show at the Omni in 1982 when a group of kids were invited on stage to dance. Mauldin’s 10-year-old son — Jermaine Dupri — was among the group and stole the spotlight. Dupri followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming one of hip hop’s biggest icons after founding So So Def Records in Atlanta. Between them, Mauldin and Dupri have been instrumental in the careers of some of music’s biggest stars, ranging from Mariah Carey to Usher to Destiny’s Child to Alicia Keys.

“There’s something to be said for that,” Mauldin said about the father-son connection. “Look at the Mannings. Their dad was Archie, and they were a family of quarterbacks. Jermaine and I have been blessed.”

Music success is not the only bond between Michael and Dupri.

“Jermaine definitely loves cars — he has a slew of cars,” Mauldin said. “He’s not really into NASCAR, though. Kids today would rather see the fastest Ferrari than just look at NASCAR. We have to cast a wider net for the youth in a certain way. That’s what I’m trying to do now with the programs I’m doing.

“NASCAR fans are great and they’re young at heart, but the sport needs to embrace new fans and let them grow up with it like I did.”

That early love for cars in general and NASCAR in particular was given to Mauldin by his father.

Lightning Mauldin drove a truck by day and was known on occasion to run moonshine on the weekend, and in Murphy being Lightning Mauldin’s eldest son meant something. Being Lightning’s boy meant speed. It meant a respectful reverence of automobiles. It meant NASCAR.

“I’ve been going to NASCAR races since I was 5 or 6 years old pretty regularly,” Michael said. “If we weren’t at the track, we were listening to it on the radio.

“Considering where we grew up and who my dad was, it didn’t surprise a lot of folks.”

Mauldin has settled into the branding and management side of the entertainment industry. He has a music management company and Mauldin Brand Agency. His latest venture with Atlanta Motor Speedway — which includes a new Web site (www.fastlife360.com) and this summer’s debut of FastLife Fridays at the track that will feature an array of activities and attractions designed for all ages and audiences — is part of his circular journey.

Much like a race track, life is speeding back to the start for Mauldin. He fulfilled his childhood dream and is part of the racing world. He spends a lot of time on his farm back in Murphy — in part to spend time with his dad, who is battling lung cancer — and commutes to Atlanta. He’s still striving to go as fast as possible as his life comes full circle.

This next time around, though, can be at a little slower pace. Call it a victory lap.

- Jay Greeson

Michael Mauldin, president of Mauldin Brand Agency stated that, “MBA & the Urban Speed Association (USA) has created a unique grass roots, urban influenced marketing platform, designed to reach and penetrate teens & young adults; with a particular focus on a multi-cultural audience through music, fashion and custom cars.  We call this urban influenced lifestyle movement, The Fast Life!  “FastLife Fridays” is an extension of this lifestyle. Through this groundbreaking partnership, with Atlanta Motor Speedway and its president Ed Clark, we have committed ourselves to present a first class event, and collectively we will host and grant proper ACCESS for all.”

”FastLife Fridays” will feature full throttle drag racing where the “Celebrity Challenge” will pit one celebrity against another, but it will also allow anyone with a state issued driving license to compete, for a nominal fee of $20.00 (driver’s under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). These evenings of music, drag racing, hot fashions and even hotter cars, will also feature special performances from some of today’s hottest recording artists, as well as the celebrity “Show & Shine” car show for all attendees to enjoy.  Mauldin says; “the goal for these unique, phenomenal events is to bring people of all walks of life together, through a common love of cars, music and all-around fun.  We are providing the access to make it happen and it will be a trend that we plan to spread all across the United States.”

Ed Clark, president of Atlanta Motor Speedway says, “The three “FastLife Fridays” will bring a tremendous new dynamic to our Friday Night Drags season.  We look forward to working with the Mauldin Brand Agency to produce colorful and exciting nights full of drag racing, music and fashion which will attract the in-crowd to witness many of their favorite personalities as they compete and entertain here at Atlanta Motor Speedway.”

“FastLife Fridays” and it’s corporate partners will support this lifestyle movement with community focused initiatives utilizing all forms of media including retail, online, radio and television.  It will also put special emphasis on humanitarian endeavors focused on youth & education related efforts throughout the metro Atlanta area. These philanthropic programs will be guided and directed by Hip Hop 4 Humanity & Speedway Children Charities.  

Designed to have a little something for everybody through music, cars and speed, “FastLife Fridays” will be a must attend event, for the youth, young adults, professionals and the young at heart.

General admission for each event is $7.00.  Atlanta Motor Speedway offers special infield parking for $20.00. Currently, “FastLife Friday’s” at Atlanta Motor Speedway are scheduled for June 11^th, July 9^th & August 13^th, 2010. Starting Friday, March 5, 2010, visit www.fastlife360.com for daily interactive updates, participating celebrity talent, exclusive downloadable content and much more!

About Mauldin Brand Agency
Mauldin Brand Agency (MBA) is your Urban Connection with Access to the FastLife. With more than 30 years experience in entertainment marketing, branding & promotion; MBA creates and enhances branded assets within the consumer marketplace with special focus on teens & young adults (12-32). Through the influence of music and entertainment, MBA maximizes visibility of product, brand and service through increased consumer participation and interaction. For more info, visit us at www.mauldinbrand.com  

About Urban Speed Association
The Urban Speed Association (USA) is a multi-cultural, automotive, social lifestyle powered by motorsports, music, technology and community. A Global movement, driven by an exclusive network of fashionable youth, young adults and the young at heart. For more information, visit us online at www.urbanspeedassociation.com and www.fastlife360.com.

About Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta Motor Speedway is one of the nation’s premier motorsports facilities and is located on nearly 900 acres 30 minutes south of Atlanta. The facility hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends annually, in addition to drag racing, short-track racing and special events. For more information on Friday Night Drags at Atlanta Motor Speedway or the upcoming Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekend, contact the Speedway’s Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

# # #

For Media Inquiries / Press Coverage

Patti Webster / Aliya Crawford / W&W Public Relations, Inc. / 732.469.5955 

Marcy Scott / marcys@atlantamotorspeedway.com/ Atlanta Motor Speedway / 770-946-3951

Team spokesperson Jesse Essex said Friday night that Hendrick loaned two 45-passenger Saab 2000 aircraft, which normally carry crew members during the season and two flight crews with additional support personnel to Missionary Flights International. The first flight is scheduled to leave Fort Pierce, Florida Saturday. The planes will transport both people and supplies directly into Haiti.

Meanwhile, Roush Fenway Racing superstar Carl Edwards has taken to social networking to keep his fans informed and encourage them about ways they can help support the relief efforts.

Carl posted the following on his facebook page: “wanna help in haiti? my friend mike mauldin works with wyclef jean and has relayed the horror in haiti to me. wyclefs charity is an honest, simple way to help. if you can, txt “yele” to 501501 to donate $5 (billed to your phone). mike vouches that this is a way to help that ensures your $ go to the people who need it. thx guys!“

CLICK HERE to view the entire photo gallery!

KYLE & PATTIE PETTY
Members of the Legendary Petty NASCAR
racing family for their work and dedication
with the Victory Junction Foundation

MACON, GEORGIA
City of Macon, County of Bibb and the
Macon-Bibb Convention & Visitors Bureau

Additional Honorees To Be Announced Soon!

CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets to this ALL-STAR event.

Known as a driver, owner and broadcaster, Kyle Petty is one of the most recognizable figures in NASCAR history. But when not on the racetrack or a microphone, he and his wife Pattie are working to change lives. Inspired by their late son Adam, the Pettys have established several charitable initiatives including the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Chick-Fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to help improve the lives of children. The Victory Junction Gang Camp hosts approximately 5,000 children with serious illnesses each year, providing them with a fun and enriching experience. And since its inception, the Chic-Fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride has raised over $14 million to benefit children’s causes and is the most successful philanthropic event ever held by any person in NASCAR.

In honor of the vast legacy that Otis Redding left on the world as a prolific songwriter and performer, as well as a humanitarian, his widow Zelma and their three children established the BIG “O” YOUTH EDUCATIONAL DREAM FOUNDATION to empower and encourage young people to remain interested in education through music and the arts. An Evening of R-E-S-P-E-C-T is the foundation’s biggest fundraiser and the event recognizes individuals who are working to make significant improvements in the lives of families and children. Additional honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.

The rapper had parted ways with his longtime label, Columbia Records, earlier this year In previous Twitter dispatches, he explained he was deciding between two recording options: T.I.’s Grand Hustle camp through Atlantic Records or relaunching So So Def when Jermaine Dupri signed a new deal.

In the end, a third option emerged.

“We had two sit-downs,” Bow Wow said of meeting with Cash Money. “Upon the first sit-down, I called [co-CEO Birdman] and told him what I wanted to do. So it was a no-brainer. He was like, ‘Bow, you always been family. Next to Wayne, I look at you like my son. If you not with JD, you with us.’ From there, it was a done deal. So I wanna thank [him], Slim and Wayne.”

Bow Wow’s addition to the Cash Money collective follows the announcement that Omarion had inked with Lil Wayne’s Young Money imprint. The two moves, along with Drake’s signing, are a far cry from the label’s early days when the Hot Boyz — a cast that included Wayne, Juvenile, B.G. and Young Turk — were the central act. Now, with a stable of rapping matinee idols, the crew boasts a lineup as deep as any label.

“We all want to win, and in order to do that, we have to cover all bases,” Bow said. “With me coming to Cash Money, I bring something to the table that hasn’t been there in their history. I bring the whole Hollywood side, from that perspective.”

Bow Wow said he’ll also continue to work with mentor Jermaine Dupri. “He’s always gonna be there right by my side,” Bow said.

Next up, the rapper said he’ll release the Greenlight mixtape, followed by a single in late November and a new album tentatively set for release by the end of the year.

Musicvid helmer Erik White will make his feature directorial debut on the project, set to begin lensing in Atlanta in October.

Alcon toppers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove will produce along with Evolution partners Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Matt Alvarez of Ice Cube’s production company, Cube Vision, will also produce.

Evolution’s Brad Kaplan and Andrew Wilson will co-produce “Lottery Ticket,” to be released through Alcon’s output deal with Warner Bros.

Story revolves around a young man, portrayed by Bow Wow, living in the projects who has to survive a three-day weekend after his opportunistic neighbors find out he’s holding a winning lottery ticket worth $350 million.

Bow Wow is repped by UTA and Ice Cube by WME. UTA reps Williams while WME reps White; both are managed by Evolution.

Photos and exclusive video footage from this awesome night is coming soon!

Stay tuned for details on the next FAST LIFE event…YOU DON’T WANNA MISS WHAT WE DO NEXT!

- Access The FAST LIFE