People Places & Racing News

Movers & Shakers: Ken Block Partners With Shining Monkey; Irwindale Dragstrip Re-opens

Ken Block Partners With Shining Monkey
Vehicle-care products manufacturer Shining Monkey has partnered with Ken Block, and the newly designed Shining Monkey logo is featured on the 43 Ford Fiesta and Ken Block's DC Shoes apparel line. "We couldn't ask for a better ambassador than Ken Block," said Robert Dipede, senior vice president of sales for Shining Monkey Corp. "We're tapping into his marketing expertise and background as a brand builder to update our marketing and creative strategies."

Irwindale Dragstrip Re-opens April 26
The Irwindale Dragstrip will reopen for racers, crews, officials and fans Thursday, April 26, at 4:00 p.m. (gates). The Dragstrip at Irwindale last operated on Thursday, February 9, 2012. The former operators files for bankruptcy on February 10. 

Edelbrock Performance Academy Opens at Ohio Technical College
Ohio Technical College and Edelbrock LLC celebrated the grand opening of The Edelbrock Performance Academy last week in Cleveland, Ohio. According to the college, the academy will provide students with the skills necessary to efficiently increase a vehicle's performance through planning, installation and modification of high-performance engine components. The 12-week, 300-hour course consists of nine different training modules covering intake manifolds and carburetor design, cams and lifters, cylinder heads, computer tuning, fuel injection and more.

Pep Boys Re-Launches Fleet Services Program
The Pep Boys has expanded its business with the formal re-launch of the company's dedicated fleet services program. Pep Boys announced that the same wide variety of services that retail customers enjoy will carry over to the Fleet Services Program and help business owners and fleet administrators manage the maintenance and repair of their fleet easily and efficiently. The fleet program has ASE Certified technicians at each location to provide routine maintenance or major repairs regardless of whether the fleet is three vehicles or 300.

E3 Spark Plugs Promotion to Provide Winner With Off-Road Racing Adventure
E3 Spark Plugs launched a promotion through which one winner will receive a trip for two to the E3 Spark Plugs Utah Off Road Nationals at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, June 21–23. In addition to airfare and accommodations for three nights, the grand prize also includes in both the E3 Spark Plugs Daugherty Off-Road truck and the Lucas Oil helicopter, participation in the Mustang Experience, participation in a Ford Raptor set of Hot Laps, and two tickets to one of the top karting road courses in America. To enter, post a like on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook page, click on the Off Road Contest Enter Now! Icon and complete the form. The contest runs through May 25, 2012. 

Mickey Thompson Named Tire Sponsor for Carlisle Truck Nationals
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels was named the official tire sponsor of the 2012 Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 3–5, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The show features more than 2,000 custom trucks, SUVs, 4x4s, vans, big rigs and classic trucks. Ed Scholly, associate director, Carlisle Events, stated, “It’s fantastic to have a legendary brand like Mickey Thompson on board this year. We welcome Mickey Thompson to the Carlisle Truck Nationals as the official tire sponsor and hope that this is just the beginning of a long and successful relationship.”