Pennzoil® Turns the Spotlight on the Pursuit of Speed and Testing the Limits of Technology in New Primetime Documentary

HOUSTON, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Built on passion, power and purpose, the automotive community has accelerated technology beyond its years by testing the limits of modern machinery and always pushing for more. Breaking Barriers, a new hour-long primetime documentary powered by Pennzoil®, tells the unconventional story of a brotherhood that chased their dreams, broke records and influenced the industry in their tireless pursuit for innovation and speed. Set to premiere on May 7, 2014, at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CT on the National Geographic Channel (check local listings), Breaking Barriers will give viewers a new appreciation for speed and the people who define it.

The new documentary is co-produced by MediaCom (the globally recognized media agency) and the Bandito Brothers (the group that brought you the 2012 box office #1 film Act of Valor and the recently released Need for Speed). Breaking Barriers offers an insider's look at the character template consistent with record-breaking enthusiasts and entrepreneurs since the earliest days of the automobile. The Bandito Brothers have emerged as the action-adventure studio of the future. They put filmgoers in the middle of the action with an immersive film-making style that is perfect for showcasing an automotive enthusiast's need for speed.

Breaking Barriers narrator, country music superstar Tim McGraw, helps bring the TV special to life as you look through the lens of his intense patriotism, love of cars and never-quit determination. "Throughout history, there are lots of examples of those who dreamt big and risked it all to break down barriers," said McGraw. "This documentary takes a look at some of those regular people turned icons who blazed trails as they evolved automotive machinery throughout history."

The documentary dives head first into the story by covering the recording-breaking land speed attempt by the Hennessey Venom GT production vehicle, setting the bar at 270.49 mph. "Achieving the world record has been a collective dream of ours," said John Hennessey, President and Founder of famed American tuning house Hennessey Performance. "Not only did we end up with a record, but also a better car and better team. Imagine what we are capable of next."

Breaking Barriers was inspired by the launch of Pennzoil Platinum with PurePlus™ Technology, the new line of synthetic motor oils made from natural gas. Pennzoil wants to recognize automotive icons that share the brand's undying passion for knowledge, advancement and love of cars that led to this innovation in motor oil.

"Like the incredible men and women seen in the film, Pennzoil strives to provide a technological advantage under the hood, allowing for optimal vehicle performance at top speeds and under some of the harshest conditions," said Chris Hayek, Pennzoil Global Brand Director. "Our new Pennzoil Platinum line of motor oils with PurePlus Technology are under the hood of industry leaders like Penske Racing, Hennessey Performance and SRT®, featuring the capabilities to evolve with modern vehicles and offer complete protection for the engines of tomorrow."

For more details on Breaking Barriers, visit www.MotorOilReimagined.com and be sure to 'Like' the official Pennzoil Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/Pennzoil) and follow Pennzoil on Twitter (www.twitter.com/Pennzoil) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/Pennzoil).

About Pennzoil®

At Pennzoil®, we're car people. We love cars and the role they play in our lives. That's why we tirelessly strive to produce the most technologically advanced, highest performing motor oils on the market.  Our Pennzoil Platinum® and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ motor oils with PurePlus™ Technology deliver Complete Protection. Pennzoil Platinum motor oils start with something different: natural gas. PurePlus™ Technology is a patented, revolutionary process that converts pure natural gas into the first-of-its-kind, high quality full synthetic base oil. It's Motor Oil Reimagined™.

Pennzoil® is the most trusted motor oil brand in America.* The full line of Pennzoil quality products includes Pennzoil Platinum® and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ with PurePlus™ Technology, Pennzoil® motor oil, Pennzoil Gold™ Synthetic Blend motor oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, and Pennzoil Marine® engine oil. For more information about the full line of Pennzoil lubricating products, motor oils and filters, please visit www.pennzoil.com. Not just oil, Pennzoil®. 

*Based on a survey of licensed drivers conducted by a leading research firm January 2005 – December 2013.

About Shell Lubricants

The term 'Shell Lubricants' collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying more than 12% of global lubricants volume. ^a The companies manufacture and blend products for use in consumer, heavy industrial and commercial transport applications. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX® and Jiffy Lube®.

^aKline & Company, "Global Lubricants Industry 2012: Market Analysis and Assessment."

About Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and dominated the charts with 35 No. one singles.  He's won three Grammy Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, 10 American Music Awards, three People's Choice Awards and numerous other honors.  Also an accomplished actor, McGraw's film credits include "Country Strong," the Academy Award nominated "The Blind Side," "Friday Night Lights" and the upcoming "Tomorrowland."  His current single, "Lookin' For That Girl," comes on the heels of three consecutive No. one smash hits and is the lead track from his next Big Machine Records release due out later this year.   McGraw will kick off his SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN 2014 TOUR on May 8.  McGraw's "characteristically high-octane" (Billboard) show will hit 30 cities over the course of the summer.

About Bandito Brothers

Founded in 2007 by legendary motorcycle racer Mike "Mouse" McCoy and former President of Stunts Unlimited Scott Waugh, the Bandito Brothers boast a stable of seasoned filmmakers, cinematographers, and technical experts, a state of the art production and post-production facility, and a partnership with in-house visual effects team Cantina Creative, Bandito's full service model allows the company to manage all aspects of creating audio-visual content under its roof.

In the commercial space, Bandito Brothers has brought its ground-breaking style of filmmaking to its work with major brands such as the Mattel, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Ford Motor Company, Pirelli, NASCAR, NHL, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew, US Navy, the US Air Force, and the US Marines, working with global clients from the U.S., Russia, the U.A.E., Italy, and Pakistan, in addition to providing production and post-production services for multiple studios on major productions including Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Paramount, and Dreamworks.

About Hennessey Performance

Established in 1991, Hennessey® Performance (HPE) now operates from a facility comprised of a 36,000 square foot building that is located adjacent to Lonestar Motorsports Park, the company's test track and IHRA sanctioned ¼ mile dragstrip. The 143-acre complex is located about 45 minutes west of Houston, Texas along Interstate 10. Hennessey® also operates from a 10,000 square foot Southern California facility located in Lake Forest, California. Hennessey® offers a wide variety of dyno-proven, track-tested parts for modern performance vehicles. In addition, Hennessey® operates Tuner School, the world's first fully state-licensed school dedicated to teaching and training future performance vehicle tuners. 

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SOURCE Pennzoil