GearWrench® and Chip Ganassi Racing Announce Partnership
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – GearWrench®, an innovative hand tool brand known for tools that deliver speed, strength, and access to industrial and automotive technicians, and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) today announced, at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, they have agreed to a multi-year partnership. GearWrench will be a partner on the No. 1 Chevrolet SS piloted by former Daytona 500 Champion Jamie McMurray and serve as the primary sponsor on the No. 1 Chevy for multiple races during the 2017 NASCAR season.
NOTES OF INTEREST:
- Innovation: GearWrench started in the vehicle service market, where it remains a leading tool brand. In 1996, GearWrench introduced the original patented five-degree ratcheting wrench, capturing the attention of automotive technicians and earning their loyalty. As awareness of GearWrench innovation increased, the brand expanded into additional market segments, including industrial, aerospace, and technical education. GearWrench hand tools are available through local, regional, and national wholesalers and retailers, authorized online partners, and a network of mobile distributors.
- Driving Success: McMurray, a two-time Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contender, will begin his 15th full-time season in NASCAR’s premier series in 2017. The Joplin, Mo. native won in just his second series start in 2002, setting the record for the fewest starts before a first victory. McMurray has more than 500 series starts and won some of the biggest races in the sport, including the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, and the Sprint All-Star Race.
CGR QUOTEBOARD:
- John Constantine, SVP and president, North American Hand Tools, Apex Tool Group: “This is the biggest announcement in the history of the GearWrench brand, and a significant marketing investment that will deliver significant growth in sales and market share. We are thrilled to be taking GearWrench to the next level by partnering with Chip Ganassi Racing and their top mechanics in 2017. Industrial and automotive mechanics are very often racing enthusiasts, making NASCAR an ideal marketing initiative for GearWrench. Our agency of record, JMI, is finalizing activation plans to maximize the sponsorship moving forward.
- Steve Lauletta, president, Chip Ganassi Racing Team: “We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to partner with GearWrench and be part of their commitment to our sport. GearWrench is a brand that understands how our team strives to deliver value to our partners and find ways to grow the business together. They have been associated with the sport for several years, from local tracks to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are excited that we will be able to put their products to work in the hands of our mechanics in the shop and at the race track.”
- Jamie McMurray, driver No. 1 Chevrolet SS: “I’m excited to have our team be a part of this new partnership with GearWrench. It is always nice to have new brands join our team that have a direct application to what our team is doing in the shop. I know the crew in the shop and at the track will appreciate the professional tools that they offer to help get the job done.”
About GearWrench:
GearWrench® is a premier hand tool brand from Apex Tool Group, one of the largest hand tool manufacturers in the world. Since the launch of the original patented five-degree ratcheting wrench, the GearWrench brand has continuously led the industry with breakthroughs in pass-thru ratchets, sockets, screw/nut drivers, pliers and specialty tools. Millions of GearWrench products have been "Professionally Tested" throughout the world.
About Apex Tool Group:
Apex Tool Group, LLC, based in Sparks, MD, is one of the largest worldwide producers of hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain, and electronic soldering products. Directly and through its subsidiaries, Apex serves a multitude of global markets, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail. Apex markets its portfolio of diverse products under its own brand names in addition to being the principal manufacturer for several key private label products for certain retailers for many years.
About Chip Ganassi Racing:
Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 25 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world. Today his teams include four cars in the Verizon IndyCar Series, two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, two cars in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, two factory Ford GT’s in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, two factory Ford GT’s in the FIA World Endurance Championship and two Supercars in Red Bull Global Rallycross. Overall his teams have 18 championships and more than 170 victories, including four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400, six Rolex 24 At Daytonas, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh, Pa. For more information log onto www.chipganassiracing.com.