SunTrust Enters Multi-Year Pact with NASCAR
Atlanta, Georgia-based SunTrust Banks has signed a multi-year agreement to become the “Official Bank of NASCAR.” The company is utilizing this new partnership with NASCAR to build upon its Motorsports Banking Group announced earlier this year. Under terms of the agreement, SunTrust will support a number of NASCAR activities, including the sport’s diversity initiatives, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, grassroots racing and various charitable and community programs.
SKF/Chicago Rawhide, Jeff Burton Team Up to Fight Muscular Dystrophy
SKF/Chicago Rawhide (SKF/CR) and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Jeff Burton recently teamed up to participate in the 2004 Charlotte Muscle Team Event, a yearly event (MDA) through a silent auction and special appearances by various sports personalities.
Lanny Barnes Named 2004 Engine Builder Showdown Champ
A single cross-threaded oil pan nut stood between Lanny Barnes and the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown record build time. Despite the minor oversight, Barnes and his Richard Childress Racing partner, Todd Hamm, defeated Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports in a closely matched race to capture the 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown championship.
Bar’s Products Retains Simpson Communications PR Agency
Bar’s Products, manufacturer of the Bar’s Leaks line of stop leak solutions for automotive systems and components, has named Simpson Communications, LLC, as its new public relations agency of record. Bar’s Products, manufacturer of the Bar’s Leaks line of stop leak solutions for automotive systems and components, has named Simpson Communications, LLC, as its new public relations agency of record.
Automotive Communications Council Elects Officers and Board
The Automotive Communications Council (ACC) elected new officers and members to its board of governors at its recent conference in Hollywood, Fla. Nearly 40 members attended the conference held at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa near Miami Beach. Attendees heard presentations on a range of topics including ad effectiveness and strategic aftermarket branding.
American Products Co. to be Featured Tonight on New TLC Show Overhaulin’
American Products Company (APC), a leading automotive aftermarket manufacturer of performance and accessory products, will be featured tonight, Tuesday, May 25, on an episode of the new TLC cable channel series “Overhaulin’.” Hosted by legendary fabricator Chip Foose, the show dupes unsuspecting vehicle owners by surreptitiously removing their vehicles and tricking them out without their knowledge. The vehicle is then returned to its owner during a surprise “reveal” in a completely modified, tricked, tuned and transformed configuration.
Centrix Financial Wants to Increase Presence in Auto Racing
Denver-based Centrix Financial is expanding its commitment to auto racing for the 2004 season. In addition to sponsoring the Grand Prix of Denver for the second year, the financial services firm is also sponsoring car number 17, a Honda G-Force driven by Victor Meira of the Rahal/Letterman team, in this May’s Indy 500 race.
IPOWER Dash Series Event to be Sponsored by zMax
This year marks the 29th anniversary of the IPOWER (International Participants Of Winning Edge Racing) Dash Series, which was acquired from NASCAR in 2003. Now, the IPOWERacing organization plans to market to a new generation of motorsports enthusiasts catering to the 14 to 34 demographic who are looking for fast, competitive, cutting-edge racing. On Saturday, May 22nd, IPOWER is partnering with zMAX Micro-lubricant as the event sponsor for the zMAX Dash, a 75-mile sprint race prior to the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC.
SKF/Chicago Rawhide Increases Sponsorship Level of Car Care Council’s Women’s Board
SKF/Chicago Rawhide recently announced its commitment to increase its sponsorship to the “Gold” level to support the 2004 activities of the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board. This follows SKF/CR’s participation as a Diamond Sponsor of the Women’s Board reception last November in Las Vegas.
Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion Gives Bowling Green $3.5 Million Economic Boost
When participants and fans cruise into Bowling Green, Ky., for the June 18-20 Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, they’ll bring their hot rods, cool cars…and their wallets. It’s estimated the Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Refinishes, and now in its second year at Beech Bend Raceway Park, will generate more than $3.5 million to the Warren County area, which is more than 2.19 percent of the almost $161 million economic impact of tourism on Bowling Green for the year, according to the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.