PPG Automotive Refinish is assisting Penske Racing in converting its state-of-the-art racecar painting facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, to the environmentally friendly PPG Envirobase High Performance waterborne coatings system.
The conversion began with the painting of the No. 2 Miller Lite and No. 77 Mobil 1 Penske Racing Dodge Chargers, which made their debut this weekend at the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge features the PPG Automotive Refinish logo on the deck lid for the race. Driven by Kurt Busch, the car led 234 of 330 laps while averaging 127.562 mph and taking the checkered flag by a 0.332-second margin over runner-up Jeff Gordon.
Jim Skal, PPG waterborne coatings specialist, has been working with Penske Racing staff on the conversion process. The switch to Envirobase is part of Penske Racing’s ongoing initiative to use “green” business practices.
“Going green with a company that has a history of product leadership and innovation is the difference when making such a change,” said Roger Penske. “We are proud to have such a great working relationship with the entire PPG organization throughout our racing disciplines and with our automotive and truck leasing businesses.”
To address the environment, NASCAR, the sport’s sanctioning body, is developing an industry-wide green initiative that will address environmental issues including reducing air emissions, refuse and lubricants recycling, building efficiencies and land preservation.
Penske Racing’s teams compete in the Indy Racing League’s IndyCar Series, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and NASCAR Nationwide and Cup Series. The cars competing in these series are built, prepared and painted at the Mooresville, North Carolina facility.
For more information, call (800) 647-6050 or visit www.ppgrefinish.com.