February 20, 2003 – Munroe Falls, OH – There’s nothing like racing at 170 mph-it’s even more amazing when you’re headed down a city street. Teamwork, precision, and timing are everything, which is one of the reasons that McNichols Co., based in Tampa, is the sponsor of Ruman Racing’s Trans-Am effort. The team’s driver, Bob Ruman, has been a longtime competitor in the Trans-Am Series, one of the racing series that will be at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix in two weeks. Both McNichols Co. and Ruman Racing strongly believe that success depends on such factors.
Driver Bob Ruman is a veteran of Trans-Am competition and 2003 will be his 8th consecutive year in racing in Trans-Am. This is the team’s third season carrying McNichols sponsorship. Ruman’s red and black Corvette is a familiar sight to Trans-Am fans. He has been a steady top-10 competitor throughout his eight-year career in Trans-Am.
Ruman has a special affinity for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. “I began my Trans-Am career in the 1996 St. Pete Grand Prix. It was my first street race and I finished 10th in a very strong field. The event exceeded all of my expectations-from the fans and course to the speed and competition. I was hooked on Trans-Am racing from that point on!”
“It is particularly meaningful to have the opportunity to race in our sponsor’s backyard. McNichols Co. is a well-known company nationally, but even more so in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. What is key to business is key to racing – teamwork, customer service, and an excellent product,” explains Ruman. “Teaming with a sponsor like McNichols Co., who believes in core values, puts our effort on solid footing. Quality and service are hallmarks of McNichols Co.”
McNichols Co., which just celebrated its 50th anniversary, is the largest U.S. distributor of “Hole” products with service centers across North America. McNichols’ product selection is the most diverse in the industry. McNichols stocks Perforated products (both metal and plastic). A toll free number (800.237.3820) connects you to the McNichols Co. distributor in your area and the company’s extensive website, www.mcnichols.com, has online customer service and online ordering.
The St. Petersburg race weekend on February 21-23 is the first of eleven races on the 2003 Trans-Am calendar. The Trans-Am race will be at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 23. It will be broadcast on SPEED channel that day at 5:30pm (tape-delay).
In its 38th year, the Trans-Am Series for the BF Goodrich Tires Cup is the longest-running road racing series in North America. Since its inception in 1966, the Trans-Am has provided a competition arena for stock-appearing touring (sedans) and grand touring (sports) race cars. Trans-Am races will be broadcast on Speed Channel. A full schedule of events and television times as they are announced c
