Blue Bird Corporation and ROUSH CleanTech to Sponsor Stenhouse at Chicagoland Speedway
Leading provider of student transportation solutions teams with propane autogas fuel systems manufacturer to sponsor reigning NASCAR Nationwide champion in Dollar General 300
JOLIET, Illinois (Sept. 11, 2012) — Blue Bird Corporation and ROUSH CleanTech will serve as the primary sponsors for the reigning 2011 NASCAR Nationwide champion, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and his No. 6 team during the Dollar General 300 at Chicagoland Speedway this Saturday, Sept. 15.
“It is always great to have a new sponsor come into the sport,” said Stenhouse. “Blue Bird has such a rich history. I remember riding a Blue Bird bus when I was a kid. The partnership that Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech have formed to provide clean emissions for the environment shows the class of these two organizations. The bright yellow Ford Mustang will definitely stand out on the track. Hopefully we can get them into victory lane for their NASCAR debut.”
Since 2010 Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech have partnered to provide school bus fleets a clean, economical and reliable alternative to transport their students safely with propane autogas. School districts across the nation, including Hall County, Georgia; Houston Independent School District; Mesa Public Schools, Arizona; Portland Public Schools, Ore.; and Tippecanoe School Corporation in Indiana fuel with propane autogas.
“We are excited to partner with Blue Bird, the leading provider of safe and clean student transportation solutions, yet again—this time to sponsor Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s No. 6 Nationwide series Ford” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at ROUSH CleanTech. “These safe, reliable Blue Bird school buses equipped with the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system reduce emissions and virtually eliminate particulate matter, when compared conventional fuels. By sponsoring the defending champ’s car, we hope to elevate the awareness of the many environmental and economic benefits of propane autogas.”
Propane autogas costs up to 50 percent less per gallon than diesel and offers reduced maintenance expenses due to its clean-burning properties. Ninety percent of the nation’s propane supply is produced domestically, making it a secure energy source. Noise levels are decreased when compared to diesel counterparts, giving propane autogas school bus drivers fewer distractions.
“As the only school bus manufacturer to provide complete alternative fuel solutions, Blue Bird is delighted to partner with a leading automotive innovator such as ROUSH CleanTech for this exciting race,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Blue Bird is thrilled to sponsor Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. as he looks to continue his winning success”
Stenhouse has four career starts at Chicagoland with one top-five and two top-ten finishes. Race coverage will begin at 3 p.m. EST on ESPN2.
About Blue Bird Corporation: Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 85 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,500 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation web site at www.blue-bird.com.
About ROUSH CleanTech: Based in Livonia, Mich., ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium-duty Ford vans and trucks, and for the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision and Micro Bird G5 school bus. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Customers can lower operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas offerings can be found online at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.
About Roush Fenway Racing: Roush Fenway Racing is the winningest team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series with championship drivers Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne. Celebrating 25 winning years in 2012, Roush Fenway is the leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering its exclusive Roush Fenway OnTrack sponsorship measurement services, motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and its award-winning social marketing channel Ricky vs Trevor.com. Visit www.RoushFenway.com, circle on Google+ at +Roush Fenway Racing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway. For sponsorship inquiries call John Bauersfeld at 704.720.4621.
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