PLANO, Texas — Safety-Kleen Systems has announced it is providing key support to "Manpower to Horsepower," a non-profit program focused on supporting post-combat U.S. military veterans who have an interest in motorsports careers.

Safety-Kleen, a leading North American used oil recycling and re-refining, parts cleaning and environmental solutions company, will provide the Manpower to Horsepower program with parts cleaners as well as oil, paint waste and oil filter recycling services beginning immediately.

With approval from the U.S. Veteran’s Administration, Manpower to Horsepower is an accredited program offered by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina, and offers a certificate program in Motorsports Management Technology for military veterans with physical disabilities.

Manpower to Horsepower started when founder Sue Roberson and SMP Motorsports built a handicap-accessible, ride-along "dirt car" that allowed injured veterans to experience the thrill of dirt racing first hand.  With support from the USO of North Carolina, Manpower to Horsepower expanded the program to include hands-on training at the SMP Motorsports shop in Mooresville, N.C.

"This has been a dream — building this program to give back to veterans — and I am thrilled that Safety-Kleen has come on board to help Manpower to Horsepower and give the program additional support and exposure," Roberson said. "We have worked very hard to get the program off the ground, and we’re very excited to be starting the vocational school this year and working with Safety-Kleen to bring environmental "best practices" to our educational program and the recycling of our waste products."

According to Buddy Judy of Safety-Kleen’s Motor Sports Division, the idea for supporting Manpower to Horsepower came from Jason Porter, a Safety-Kleen service representative from Kannapolis, N.C.

"Jason thought this was a truly unique approach to help veterans, and one that fits in perfectly with Safety-Kleen’s focus on helping the motorsports industry develop a strong track record for environmental care and compliance," Judy said.  "We’re proud to be sponsoring such a great program and giving back to those who serve our country."