PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) automotive refinish business announced today it is assisting Penske Racing in converting a state-of-the-art racecar painting facility in Mooresville, N.C., to using the environmentally-responsible Envirobase High Performance waterborne coatings system by PPG.
Conversion began with 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 featured the PPG Automotive Refinish logo on its deck lid. Driven by Kurt Busch, the car dominated the race, leading 234 of 330 laps while averaging 127.562 miles per hour and taking the checkered flag by a 0.332-second margin over runner-up Jeff Gordon.
PPG waterborne coatings specialist Jim Skal has worked on the conversion process with Penske Racing staff at its Mooresville headquarters. The switch to using Envirobase High Performance coatings is part of Penske Racing’s ongoing initiative to adopt “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 partnered with Penske Racing for nearly 30 years, dating back to PPG’s involvement in automobile racing and sponsorship of the PPG Cup from 1979 to 1999. PPG has become Penske Corp.’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,” said Bill Shaw, PPG director of business development. “Partnerships that last more than 25 years demonstrate a daily commitment to winning and the teamwork necessary to ensure both partners prosper.”
NASCAR, the sport’s sanctioning body, is developing an industrywide green initiative led by Dr. Mike Lynch that will address 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 regarding this important issue.
The Envirobase High Performance system by PPG is currently used in Europe, California and Canada, where air-quality regulations mandate lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in refinish basecoats. It is also used by ecologically-conscious collision and automobile dealer centers throughout North America.
Automotive manufacturers have used waterborne basecoat technology for years. Use of Envirobase High Performance waterborne coatings helps improve air quality by reducing the amount of VOCs released into the atmosphere. The paint also provides an enhanced ability to match a vehicle’s original finish.
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 facility.