Ray Evernham Speaks at Valvapoolza
Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, recently spoke at the Ashland/Valvoline New Product Development Laboratory in Lexington, KY, as part of Valvoline’s “ Valvapalooza 2006: FutureTech” event. The company has joined forces with Evernham to form Valvoline Evernham Racing. The press gathering showcased not only Valvoline’s relationship with Evernham, but the work and research that goes into its products such as motor oil, coolant and other lubricants.
Timken Announces New Training Program for Students
The Timken Co. has joined with Tomorrow’s Technician magazine, to bring its training information to more than 52,000 students across the U.S. In May, Timken provided its technical training DVD “Removing and Installing a Hub Bearing Assembly” to the subscribers of Tomorrow’s Technician, which is provided to approximately 1,000 NATEF-certified schools. The magazine is distributed to students in secondary and post-secondary automotive, heavy-duty and PBE studies.
Joe Gibbs Racing Launches Joe Gibbs Driven Licensing Program
Joe Gibbs Racing has announced the launch of the Joe Gibbs Driven licensing program for the automotive aftermarket, offering companies the opportunity to partner with one of the leading names in all of sports. In addition to the licensing initiative, Joe Gibbs Racing also markets and sells a line of racing lubricants under the Joe Gibbs Performance name, which will transition over to the Joe Gibbs Driven brand. To support the initiative, Joe Gibbs Racing has named Steve Boguski as vice president of aftermarket operations. The former NASCAR executive has more than 18 years experience in the automotive aftermarket segment and led NASCAR’s automotive aftermarket licensing program from a start-up to one of the premier marketing opportunities in the aftermarket.
Toyo Appoints New Executive Director, Marketing
Toyo Tire USA Corp. has named Steve Hutchinson as its new executive director of marketing. Hutchinson replaces Travis Roffler, who has accepted the position of marketing director for Continental Tire North America (CTNA).
Castrol Rolls Out the Punch-A-Deal Program
According to officials from Castrol, the Castrol Customized Key Tag Loyalty Program by BP Lubricants USA Inc. has proven to be a successful marketing tool for quick lubes and service centers across the US. The program’s popularity has fueled the introduction of new customer retention tools and membership incentives from Castrol.
Lubegard Launches New Preventative Maintenance Program
Lubegard by International Lubricants, Inc. (ILI) recently launched a new preventive maintenance program called “Love My Ride,” which provides repair facilities with point-of-sale materials designed to help sell highly profitable services directly to customers.
Prolong International Shares to Move Off AMEX
Prolong International, parent company of Prolong Super Lubricants, has been notified by the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) that it is not in compliance with the minimum listing standards for trading on the exchange. The Exchange has begun delisting proceedings.
Castrol Imaging Program Aimed to Assist Independent Lube Shops
More than 50 locations nationwide have participated in the popular Castrol Imaging Program since its launch in May 2005, and BP Lubricants USA Inc., the parent company of Castrol, said it expects even more independent lube operators to participate in 2006.
Henkel Opens Testing Center in Michigan
The Madison Heights, MI facility just opened an $8-million, 65,000-square-foot tech center where products are invented, developed and tested.
Castrol Syntec Honors Winner of Its Scholarship Program
Legendary drag racing champion John Force and teammate Eric Medlen recognized Chris Burd of San Luis Obsipo, CA, as the national winner of the 2005 Castrol SYNTEC Outperformers Scholarship Program and America’s most passionate young car lover. Burd was honored during a special ceremony at the NHRA 51st Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.