Penske Racing Gives Green Flag to Waterborne

PPG Automotive Refinish has announced that it is assisting Penske Racing in converting its state-of-the-art, racecar painting facility in Mooresville, N.C., 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 at the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

PPG waterborne coatings specialist, Jim Skal has been working with Penske Racing staff at on the conversion process. The switch to Envirobase High Performance is part of Penske Racing’s on-going initiative to “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.”

PPG has shared a business relationship with Penske Racing for almost 30 years. The partnership dates back to PPG’s involvement in automobile racing and sponsorship of the PPG Cup from 1979 to 1999. Over the course of the years, PPG has become Penske Corporation’s largest supplier of refinish coatings for its racing, truck leasing, and collision repair divisions.

“We’re involved with Penske Racing because of Penske’s rich history and success in business and in motorsports. Partnerships that last over 25 years demonstrate a daily commitment to winning and the teamwork necessary to ensure both partners prosper,” said Bill Shaw, director of business development for PPG.

To address the environment, NASCAR, the sport’s sanctioning body, is developing an industry-wide green initiative led by Dr. Mike Lynch. The initiative will address environmental issues including reducing air emissions, refuse and lubricants recycling, building efficiencies and land preservation. It will include the sport’s various stakeholders and will seek to mobilize the NASCAR fan base in this important issue.

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, N.C. facility.