INDUSTRY NEWS: Entertainment activities expand for Whitlock Motorsports

WYOMING, ON – Three years ago Whitlock Motorsports was contracted by Ford of Canada to provide a mobile exhibit to travel across the country in conjunction with appearances of the CASCAR Super Series.



That unique display was set in front of a giant ‘packed grandstand’ mural that back-dropped a simulated pit lane complete with race car, pit wall and all the tools of the pros. The Pit Stop Tour made over 35 stops at race venues, Ford Fast Lane locations and other events. But one component of that Tour became very popular, and has blossomed into an entertainment division for the Wyoming- based Whitlock organization.

"Last year, our Tire Change Games logged over 30 event days in several states and provinces" said Dave Whitlock. "We were in a state fair in MO for a NAPA chain, in Barrie for a school board ‘trades’ day, in TN for Eaton Aeroquip, in Baltimore twice for conventions, as well as the Molson Indy, Speedorama and several other functions including six store openings around Toronto for PartSource."

Don Brooks, resident game-guy for Whitlock just returned from Miami where he launched their newest Game creation at the annual GMAC convention in the Ritz Carlton South Beach.

"The NY-based agency that hired us wanted something special" said Brooks. "They adopted our proposal and we created a full-size cutaway clone of the #25 Chevrolet Monte Carlo sponsored by GMAC and driven by Kyle Busch in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series." Busch is expected to win the Rookie of the Year honours on the Cup circuit this season.

"This new 2-station Game more than doubles the fun. Two people playing at one time can compete against their own clock, and against each other. We can create teams and many other mission-specific competitions, and the full-size body offers many additional branding opportunities for our clients and their functions."

"The other part of our increased ‘show-biz’ activity combines the Games with a show car and other race-related components. Motorsports is fast becoming something that most everyone can relate to; last year, we were part of a motorsports-theme hospitality function for the client’s customers in attendance at the Society of Toxicologists convention!"

When asked where this new business comes from, Brooks states: "It’s simple – satisfied previous customers, and the web. Bart Garner of NTech has created three different sites for us and is a search engine guru. When they search on ‘tire change game’ we’re the only ones out there ready to come to their function, which are more typically conventions, seminars, shows, fairs etc. than race events. We now have two single Games and the new double, and I have quoted almost twenty events for this year already."

For event summaries, testimonials and pics of How it Works - see www.pitstoptour.com

For more information on booking a Pit Stop Challenge for your corporate or social event contact: Don Brooks // Sponsor & Media Relations // Whitlock Motorsports // Direct: T 519-243-2031 // F 519-243-1432
E-mail: don@whitlockmotorsports.com