Press & News

World Series of Poker Keeps Kwan's Patience and Discipline in Check

By Henry Lee, MSNBC Newsvine

June 16, 2011 - Figuratively speaking, United States National and World Champion boxer Christina Kwan’s gloves are on and her guard is up when she sits down at a poker table. Carrying over the mental toughness and discipline she has acquired through a brutally demanding physical sport, Christina applies many of the same lessons she’s learned from inside the boxing ring to her seat at the card table.  Every hand is a new round and every round is a mental regroup.

While at the poker’s grandest and richest stage where nearly $192 million in prize money is paid out, the World Series of Poker, annually held at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Kwan reports for double duty. She is representing her own global marketing and media company, Kwan International, as she reports on gaming results and insights from the series while also taking down pots as a player.  

The parallels of boxing and poker are endless. “Poker is a combination of analysis, strategy, mental assertion, and stamina. It’s everything that I’ve always had to implement in boxing. My opponents in either forum are trying to get inside my head and disrupt my thought process.  I stick to my plan and I don’t let them sway me,” says Kwan.

While the demographics of poker players are vast, Kwan undoubtedly brings a new dimension to the scene. Multi-faceted and creating success for herself on multiple platforms has made her an intriguing individual. Rattling off her credentials is no short list. Aside from achieving elite champion status as a boxer, the North American born Chinese is also a leading businesswoman as she operates her own company that makes the Las Vegas Motor Speedway its home.  She is an honors scholar from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).  She is an entrepreneur who has a diverse gaming background. She is heavily involved in the motorsports industry as an elected board member on the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) Businesswomen’s Network, a motocross rider, and the driver of an 18 foot Challenger drag boat where she has built an engine that is capable of pushing 1,300 horsepower. Kwan most notably brought international awareness to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) on ESPN while representing an 8,000 horsepower Nitro Funny Car.

A power packed resume, Kwan is the atypical representative of her involved roles. Standing 5’3” and just 100 pounds, she is confident and articulate, exuding an unforgettable presence and impression upon anyone she meets. While there are many talented players in the world of poker, Kwan brings a unique skill set to the table.   

“Many have said that my discipline from boxing has helped me in poker, but there’s no doubt that the lessons from poker have helped me in boxing.  Patience, every second counts and every decision counts,” says Kwan. “I’m around so many incredibly great, smart, and strong players in the game of poker. I am honored to play in the same arena as them.”

When asked if there are other boxers she would like to see in the poker world, smiling, she replied, “Sure, all of them.  This is a venue where weight divisions don’t matter. More than calling any boxers out, however, there are a few promoters and matchmakers that I’d like to have the opportunity to knock out.”

While balancing a life that is full of professional endeavors, Kwan has found success in poker.  Seen regularly playing tournaments including the exclusive Media Tournament at the WSOP, Kwan has made a consistent statement on her future in this game of skill.  As the month and a half long series concludes on the Rio floor, Kwan is elated to have participated in the event as both a player and as a representative of the media.  Look for her ending analysis of the series, including in-depth coverage of the November Nine final table, on this record breaking year for the WSOP at Kwan International.

MSNBC Article

Golden Tavern Group's Homer Gesmundo Puts A Sting in Jack Daniel’s Mixology Event at MGM’s Tabu

April 22, 2011 - With the launch of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Whiskey, the race to create unique drinks that incorporate the newly released and sweeter versioned liquor from the Jack Daniel’s family became the setting for the mixology competition and event at MGM’s Tabu Ultra Lounge. One of Las Vegas’ most colorful bar hosts, Homer Gesmundo, of the Golden Tavern Group’s Sierra Gold establishment, impressed Jack Daniel’s executives with his uniquely blended drink: The Bee’s Knees. 

Combining Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Whiskey with Grand Marnier, Black Sambuca, fresh lime and lemon juice, and agave nector, Gesmundo topped off his drink with a garnish that incorporated black dyed ginger wrapped with a lemon twist – hence becoming the “bee” that is perched upon the rim of his specialty cocktail.  Chosen to be one of fourteen to compete at the MGM event, judges based their decision on several drink factors: appearance, aroma, overall taste, and overall presentation.  Organizer Dave Stewart said, “This competition shows the creativity and the craft of mixology in Las Vegas.”

A veteran of mixology and bartending competitions, Gesmundo was a top finalist chosen from the world’s best two years in a row at the annually held International Nightclub and Bar Convention and Tradeshow (NCB) in Las Vegas. He describes mixology as the “innovative way of taking ingredients you wouldn’t normally put together.” 

The first year that Gesmundo was announced as a finalist came courtesy of his Golden Dragon concoction. It combined Absolut Mango, Madarin Napoleon Liqueur, blood orange juice, fresh mangos, and his homemade ingredient, a mix of basil, mint, and kumquat organic simple syrup. The recipe garnered a fifth place finish in the international competition.

Exemplifying his style of marrying unlikely combinations, he recalls his Dilly Wabbit creation that drew acclaim during his second consecutive finals invite and appearance at NCB.  The drink recipe combined Plymouth Gin, Grand Marnier, Fee Brothers West Indian Bitters, fresh carrot juice, fresh Granny Smith apple juice, and fresh dill. The creation placed fourth in the competition.

 At the Jack Daniel’s event, Gesmundo describes his recipe as “a twist to a classic”. The process of creation and presentation placed competitors under pressure. With the opportunity to prepare their ingredients prior to officially pouring, mixing, and, at times, shaking their creations, competitors, one by one, stood behind the bar and carefully crafted their drinks in real time. While Gesmundo’s creation was not declared as the event’s winning drink recipe, event attendee and taster Janet Colosimo said, “Homer’s drink is one of the best ones here.”

Looking toward the future, Gesmundo will never be too far from a mixologist competition as his mind never ceases to explore and to create new innovative drink recipes.  His passion for pairing and blending flavors keeps him experimenting.  “I’d like to keep competing not only in the U.S. but around the world,” says Gesmundo. “I enjoy the camaraderie between my fellow mixologists and also the competitive nature of the contests. They challenge me to create newer, more avant-garde, and more flavorful cocktails.”

With his innate ability to light up a venue, Gesmundo not only wants to create his own playbook of drinks, but to also share his knowledge with others. He concludes, “I’d like to start a consulting firm and to teach people and businesses how to make proper, innovative, and wonderful cocktails. I love showing everyone how a certain spirit or liquor can be showcased in a cocktail that is ‘out of the box’ yet at the same time, still respecting the integrity of the product.”

Kwan International Showcases Collaborative Efforts with YZ125 in Las Vegas

January 12, 2011 -In a time where motocross racing is depicted by four strokes, Kwan International, a global media and marketing company based at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, debuted a one-of-a-kind 2005 two-stroke Yamaha YZ125 at a Las Vegas race just before the turning of the new year.  With an originally designed graphics package by 702 Graphics, the blue and black Yamaha displayed a collaborative vision with Kwan International as the bike donned images of the company’s network of media reach, platforms like the Associated Press, MSNBC, Yahoo News, Google News, Wall Street Journal, and Reuters. 

Unique to its design, equally as impressive was the two-stroke Yamaha’s ability to not only compete against, but dominate 250 and 450 four-strokes within the race as Supercross series rider Tony Gallo of Ohio maneuvered around competition in moto #1 and grabbed the holeshot in moto #2.  “This is the fastest 125 I’ve ever been on,” said Gallo.

A true 125 cc bike, the Yamaha was ported by Two Stroke Porting’s owner and porter, Lowell Horning.  A porting specialist who has produced champion snowmobiles and world speed records for two-stroke watercrafts, Horning is often in an ironic position as the one secret that motorsports racers are reluctant to release. “If I am producing a winning combination for the racer, then they aren’t going to want to tell others who did the work.  They’d rather keep me to themselves,” said Horning. 

Kwan International’s owners, Vinny Perozzi and former U.S. National and World Champion boxer, Christina Kwan, chose Horning for the Yamaha’s port work because his ability to understand the cause and effects of two-stroke engines derived from decades of experience. Even as Horning had never specifically worked on a YZ125 before, the knowledge he had amassed crafted the roadmap that would eventually lead him to a conclusive decision.  Perozzi said, “A testament to Lowell’s ability, he took all of the necessary measurements and through his deep understanding of power creation was able to arrive at a solution that would increase the bike’s performance.”

Undoubtedly, Horning’s work proved well when the YZ125 demonstrated a sense of dominance over competing 250 and 450 four-strokes on the track. While rider ability attributes to a bike’s performance, the YZ125 screamed right from the start as it pulled the holeshot over all other competitors.  “It was definitely exciting to see Lowell’s first YZ125 project perform so well out of the gate.  This project was unique in that the bike was also a piece within Kwan International’s collection of motorsports vehicles,” said Perozzi.

“Working with Lowell was effortless.  With his expertise, it would be easy to talk over someone’s level, but that’s not him.  He speaks to you and fully explains how he plans on approaching the project,” continued Perozzi.

While winning teams often closely guard their secrets, Kwan International feels that the only way to show their gratitude for Horning’s work is to share the story with the world.  With all of the attention the YZ125 gained from its debut appearance, one question remains.  Will it race again? Perozzi concludes, “Our YZ125 is not a bike that races a full season.  It is a bike that becomes a vehicle for the right person at the right venue. With the current petition for the American Motorcycle Association to reinstate two-stroke eligibility in the appropriate classes, there is still a passion for two-strokes and I hope for the rules to change back one day.  With or without the reinstatement, the situation remains the same. For riders who have been overlooked, overshadowed, and quite simply, unrecognized for their ability, this is a bike that will propel them to reach beyond industry media.  They’ll reach mainstream media and more importantly, recognition by the sponsors in which they seek.”

Kwan International Uniquely Showcases Its YZ125

Christina Kwan is selected as the SEMA Businesswoman's Network (SBN)vMember of the Month. Following, she was elected to the Select Committee of the SBN.

[December 10, 2010]
Boulder City Motocross Announces Year Ending Race and Partnership with Non-Profit Three Square

Boulder City Motocross (BCMX) in Las Vegas announces its final year ending race, the Ford Country Christmas Jam, to be held on Saturday, December 18.  This race is presented in conjunction with its sponsors Ford Country, LV Moto, Kalgard Lubricants, and Moose Racing.

There will be a 200% Pro Payback.  On race day, gates will open at 5:30 AM. While online sign-ups close at midnight on December 10, additional sign-ups open on race day from 6 AM – 7 AM.  After the closing of sign-ups, racing will follow.  Sign-ups and additional race information is available at www.mx-mas.com. 

As the season of giving, BCMX has partnered with Three Square, a non-profit organization, for the race.  Three Square, whose mission is to fight hunger, will be the beneficiary of all canned donations at the Christmas Jam.  To fully incorporate the race and the charitable cause, gate admission for spectators will be free with canned donations.  Adults will gain free gate admission with a donation of five canned goods.  Kids ages 6-12 will gain free gate admission with a donation of two canned goods.  Kids five years old and under automatically receive free gate admission. [full release]

[November 16, 2010]
Boulder City Motocross partners with Rockwell Time for Hart & Huntington Privateer Challenge on November 20

Boulder City Motocross (BCMX) in Las Vegas announces the addition of sponsor Rockwell Time for this Saturday’s Hart & Huntington Las Vegas Supercross Privateer Challenge, a $10,000 Pro Purse Event.  Rockwell Time will be providing gifts for every race entrant.

The event winner will receive one of Rockwell Times most elite creations, the Rockwell Gold and Black Dual Time watch valued at $1,200.  The special timepiece has a gold-plated stainless steel case and band with ceramic bezel and links.  It has dual Japanese movement, a 46mm case (not including crown), a 33mm band, and is 100 meter water resistant.

Rockwell Time will also be awarding all race entrants with a $50 gift certificate redeemable towards any Rockwell Time merchandise including shirts, hats, and watches.  

BCMX’s General Manager, Bryce Davis, says, “Rockwell Time is providing generous awards to all of our race entrants and we are happy to partner with them for this race.”  Sign-ups, tickets, and all of the complete details of the November 20th race can be found at the event’s dedicated website at http://www.lasvegassx.com. The race will be covered by MTV and Fuel TV.  There will also be autograph sessions with Ivan Tedesco, Chris Blose, Wil Hahn and former Miss Supercross, Casey Edmondson.
[full release]

[November 9, 2010]
Boulder City Motocross partners with Holiday Inn for Hart & Huntington Privateer Challenge

Boulder City Motocross (BCMX) in Las Vegas, Nevada announces its partnership with Holiday Inn for its November 20, 2010 Hart & Huntington Privateer Challenge, a $10,000 Pro Purse Supercross event. The Holiday Inn will become the event’s exclusive hotel provider as riders and fans alike will receive a special rate when booking through the Hart & Huntington Privateer Challenge event website at http://www.lasvegassx.com. “I think it’s great to have Holiday Inn on board. The discounted room rates will help out a lot, and give some struggling riders an opportunity to come race when they couldn’t have otherwise afforded it,” says BCMX General Manager Bryce Davis.

The nationally televised event on MTV and Fuel TV will also feature a $250 Main Event Holeshot Award provided courtesy of www.ProMotoFan.com and the Fantasy Supercross League. In addition to the races, there will also be autograph sessions with Ivan Tedesco, Chris Blose and Wil Hahn and former Miss Supercross, Casey Edmondson. Racer X and TransWorld Motocross will also be providing coverage at the event. [full release]

[November 3, 2010]
Boulder City Motocross’ Hart and Huntington Las Vegas Supercross Privateer Challenge to feature $10,000 Pro Purse

The Boulder City Motocross Facility (BCMX) in Las Vegas, Nevada announces the upcoming Hart and Huntington Las Vegas Supercross Privateer Challenge to be held on Saturday, November 20, 2010.  A mega-event, the $10,000 Pro Purse race is open to all non-factory backed riders and will be contested on Hart and Huntington’s Supercross track on the grounds of BCMX.  “We appreciate all riders who put their hearts into training and racing.  With this event, we want to jump start the season for these privateer riders as they get ready for another year of racing.   We want to support them as much as we can as they strive to achieve their goals within the sport,” says General Manager Bryce Davis.

With event coverage by MTV, Fuel TV, Transworld MX, and Racer X, the supercross event will be announced by Jason Weigandt and Jim Holley. In addition to racing, current riders and former champions will be on-site to sign autographs for fan appreciation.  Riders and fans alike will have the opportunity to meet Casey Edmondson, a Miss Supercross, who is also designated to hold the 30-second board.  [full release]

[October 28, 2010]
Exhibitor Harsch Speedway Commerce Center sponsors YEN Reception and SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast powered by SBN at SEMA Show 2010
First time exhibitor and new SEMA member supports the efforts of SEMA Councils.

Harsch's Speedway Commerce Center (Central Hall – Booth #28312), a new member of SEMA, starts its inaugural exhibition at the SEMA Show 2010 with sponsorships of the Young Executives Network's (YEN) 20th anniversary celebration reception and the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast powered by  the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN). 

As a new SEMA member, Speedway Commerce Center has quickly discovered the great resources and support offered by the SEMA organization.  Assistant Vice President, Reed Gottesman, joined YEN and looks forward to being a part of the next generation of automotive and motorsports leaders.  “YEN is a significant resource and network for today's young executives.  We are a very enthusiastic and driven generation to say the least.  I look forward to sharing, learning, and participating in the efforts of YEN,” says Gottesman.

[October 21, 2010]
Harsch's Speedway Commerce Center to announce news during SEMA Show 2010 press conference
48 Acres Open at Nation's Most Synergistic Motorsports Business Complex

With an impact on the landscape of automotive and motorsports facility operations, Harsch's Speedway Commerce Center will announce the opening of its 48-acres of land that is adjacent to its currently two million square feet business complex at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, November 4, 4:25 pm at the Continental Tires Media Center.  Named “Speedway Commerce Center West”, the 48-acres is ready for custom build outs. 

Delivering the news will be Speedway Commerce Center's Vice President of Operations, John Ramous, who is excited to continue the business complex's developments.  “Our location serves as the gateway to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  There is no other business complex in the world that has the benefits and advantages of a state-of-the-art motorsports track facility, the top-notch business -friendly  climate of the state of Nevada, and the price point in which we can accomplish space acquisition and custom build-outs,” says Ramous.  [full release]

[October 19, 2010]
Harsch’s Speedway Commerce Center to be first-time exhibitor at SEMA Show 2010
Two-million square feet business center at Las Vegas Motor Speedway fully integrates into SEMA Show experience.

LAS VEGAS, NV – October 19, 2010 – Owned and managed by Harsch Investment Properties, Speedway Commerce Center, the nation’s most synergistic motorsports complex located at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS), will be first-time exhibitors (Central Hall - Booth #28312) at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 2-5.    As a significant and premier facility location to the automotive and motorsports industry, the Speedway Commerce Center encompasses two major benefits: its adjacent location to the LVMS and its seven tracks (settings for NASCAR and NHRA events) and its location in one of the nation’s most advantageous business climates. [full release]

[September 2, 2010]
Boulder City Motocross Announces 2011 Race Schedule [full release]
Las Vegas' premier motocross facility makes way for new races and new sponsor opportunities

LAS VEGAS, NV – September 1, 2010 – With four more races left in the Boulder City Motocross Facility's (BCMX) race agenda for 2010, the facility announces its new 2011 race schedule with an eye to the future for continued development on its 55-acre property.  The 14 races in 2010 will culminate with a Holiday Race on December 18.  In 2011, a total of ten races are planned thus far with a continued opportunity to add more significant races in the coming year. 

[June 23, 2010]
Las Vegas’ Boulder City Motocross to Showcase National Track with After Hours Motocross Series [full release]

Las Vegas, NV – June 24, 2010 – Las Vegas serves as the backdrop for the Boulder City Motocross Track (BCMX) as practice commences under the stadium lights three nights each week.  The national track that opened in December 2007 has hosted a collection of national and regional races with the track’s general manager, Bryce Davis, having his sights set on hosting an international race in the near future as it develops into a premier track.    

[June 22, 2010]
Amateur Supercross Event Rocks Boulder City Motocross [full release]

Las Vegas, NV – June 22, 2007 – The Amateur Supercross Event held at Boulder City Motocross on Saturday night, June 19, encompassed 15 classes and 54 riders. The event began with an official practice on Friday night and a race start time of 6 PM on Saturday. With a gentle breeze, temperatures in the 80s gave the racers a comfortable ride. 

[June 1, 2010]
Christina Kwan selected as June 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association [SEMA Businesswomen's Network] Member of the Month with Full Spotlight Profile [full profile]

[May 29, 2010]
Steven Densham to Debut in Nostalgia Funny Car at the Rockabilly Rod Reunion in Las Vegas [full release]

Las Vegas, NV, May 29, 2010 -- Steven Densham, the 28-year-old son of NHRA Nitro Funny Car team owner and driver, Gary Densham, will make his Nostalgia Funny Car debut this weekend at the annual Rockabilly Rod Reunion at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After earning his license at Sacramento Raceway on April 22nd, Steven will take over the driving duties of his father’s Chevrolet Camaro Nostalgia Funny Car that dons a paint scheme that replicates the originally themed “Teachers’ Pet” Dodge Challenger.

[April 2, 2010]
Gil Nevarez Partners with Shelby American in Furthering Research and Development Efforts [full release]

LAS VEGAS, NV, April 02, 2010 -- Gil Nevarez, owner of Nevarez Racing Products, announces his partnership with Shelby American after 19 successful years as an independent entrepreneur and innovator of tuning applications within the racing industry. Furthering an existing business relationship with Shelby where Nevarez would collaborate with the distinguished car maker on special projects, Nevarez looks forward to a new chapter and challenge in his already accomplished career.

[April 2, 2010]
NHRA's Gary Densham to Race in Las Vegas After Making Finals in Bakersfield [full release]

LAS VEGAS, NV, April 2, 2010 – The National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Gary Densham, owner and driver of Densham Motorsports’ Nitro Funny Car, announces that he will be racing at the NHRA Summitracing.com Nationals at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from April 16-18.  Continuing his momentum from making the final round at Bakersfield in his Nostalgia Funny Car, Densham’s love for pure drag racing makes him ecstatic once again to race in Las Vegas. 

[December 30, 2009]
Kwan International Expands to New Location at Las Vegas Motor Speedway [full release]

After a successful year of growth in 2009, Kwan International, Inc., announces its expansion to a new location at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Settling in at the beginning of the New Year at Harsch Investment Properties' premier Speedway Commerce Center, Kwan International makes its new home amongst the elite in the racing industry including Nevarez Racing Products, Shelby, and Richard Petty Driving Experience.