In the Pits- MBV

The Valvoline Team Owners Program

As the only consumer products company to own a NASCAR team, Valvo-line has made its team more accessible to race fans through the Valvoline Team Owners program. In its second year of existence, the program already has over 10,000 members and is growing weekly.

Fans who sign up on the Web site (www.valvolineteamowners.com) or at the track receive race car sheet metal, access to a special Web site, racing downloads, newsletters and the op-portunity to interact at races with the driver and team. Owners can even vote on team decisions via the Web site. One perk is the chance to participate in various events throughout the season with Valvoline driver Scott Riggs and members of the No. 10 race team.

During the NASCAR Nextel All-Star weekend in Charlotte, NC, Team Owners had the chance to spend the day go-karting with Riggs. The event was a first for the program and a huge success.

“It was great to see how many fans have joined the program and become Owners of my team,” said Riggs. “After talking to everyone throughout the season and then at the event, I’ve really come to understand just how involved the Team Owners feel in the team and how supportive they are on and off the racetrack.”

Fifty Team Owners participated in the event—some have been members of the program for a year, others for a week.

“I think the Team Owner program is awesome,” offered Alan Guthrie, winner of the Team Owners go-kart event. “I think the average fan would love the program and the feeling of being part of Valvoline and of NASCAR. This is something other teams can’t do and it’s a pretty neat thing.”

Aside from the go-kart event, Owners have been offered other unique experiences both at and away from the race track. In Daytona, members had the chance to “Do Donuts with Riggs,” which included autographs and a question and answer session while eating donuts for breakfast.

In Indianapolis, one lucky winner and a guest had the chance to eat dinner at famous St. Elmo’s restaurant with Riggs, crew chief Rodney Childers and team manager Jay Frye.

“The Team Owners program offers members a fun, unique way to really get involved with a race team,” said Riggs. “Valvoline has done a great job turning our fans into Team Owners. It’s a great experience for the fans, and it’s a great feeling for us, too!”

Photo cutline: Scott Riggs (r) greets his fans