Quaker State Announces Winners Of The "Best In Class Challenge"

HOUSTON, Nov. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After six weeks of intense competition, Quaker State^® is proud to announce the top three schools from the "Best in Class Challenge," a custom, hands-on automotive education program for high school auto shops from across the United States. As the Grand Prize winner, the Maxwell High School of Technology team, the Navigators from Atlanta, GA, were awarded a $2,000 AutoZone gift card along with a custom advertorial in the February 2016 issue of Popular Mechanics to spread the word about their hard work and automotive skill.

Additionally, the Scorpions from Satellite High School in Orlando, FL and team ATC from Iredell Statesville Schools Automotive Technology Center in Charlotte, NC  each received a $1,500 AutoZone gift card and will be joining Maxwell High School of Technology as they participate in a Mecum Auctions' classic and collector car auction in Austin, TX on December 11, 2015.

"We developed the 'Best In Class Challenge' to help automotive students get hands-on experience outside the classroom and under the hood. The passion for the program has surpassed our highest expectations," said Gita Gidwani, Quaker State Global Brand Manager. "We hope the competition has inspired the students to continue honing their craft and ultimately become the auto technicians and engineers of the future."

Through the "Best in Class Challenge," five auto shop teams were responsible for restoring, tuning and customizing a pre-owned car (valued at approximately $3,000) into a showroom-ready, creative representation of their school. Each school completed specific challenges every week and were then judged on various automotive criteria including quality of interior and exterior vehicle improvements, diagnostic testing results and overall creativity. Competition mentors and judges were Tommy Pike, owner of Tommy Pike Customs™ in Greenville, South Carolina, and Paul Menard, driver of the No. 27 Quaker State-Menards Chevrolet SS from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

"Growing up I was just like all of these students, curious about cars and eager to get under the hood. That passion is ultimately what led me to my profession," said Tommy Pike. "For aspiring gearheads, tearing a car down to its bones and building it back up is a dream come true. I'm thankful that Quaker State gave me the opportunity to be a part of a great program like the 'Best In Class Challenge' and hope to have helped inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts."

At the Mecum Auction, members of the three finalist teams will be on stage while their custom creations cross the block with support from Tommy Pike. The teams will each have an opportunity to auction off their customized vehicles to the highest bidders with proceeds going to their high schools.

"We are so grateful to have been able to be a part of the Quaker State 'Best in Class Challenge'," said Max Chavez, auto shop team leader for Maxwell High School of Technology. "It's great for a brand like Quaker State to realize the potential in our students as the next generation of automotive technicians and giving them the hands on experience they need to fully realize the opportunities that lie ahead."

Beginning in September 2015, 26 schools from across the U.S. competed to be nominated for the "Best in Class Challenge" and had two weeks to secure as many votes as possible. The five school auto shop teams, one from each market (Chicago, IL, Northern New Jersey, Atlanta, GA, Orlando, FL and Charlotte, NC), with the most votes became finalists and participated in the six week automotive challenge. The five finalist schools were judged on strict automotive criteria including engine presentation, cabin detailing and exterior finish.

The Trevians from New Trier High School in Chicago, IL and the Kards from Kearny High School in Northern New Jersey also both received a $1,000 AutoZone gift card to congratulate them on their hard work and dedication throughout the competition.

To stay up-to-date on the "Best in Class Challenge" and the latest Quaker State activities, be sure to 'Like' the official Quaker State Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/quakerstate) and follow Quaker State on Twitter (https://twitter.com/quakerstate) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/quakerstate).

About Quaker State^® 

Quaker State^® motor oil has an 80-year history as a leader in consumer automotive products and vehicle care. Quaker State is among the industry's most innovative motor oil brands and offers a full line of products to meet every type of vehicle engine need. Quaker State is one of the first brands to develop high mileage engine motor oil.

For more information about the full line of Quaker State products, visit www.quakerstate.com.

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 Tommy Pike Customs™

Tommy Pike Customs™ has been a leader in the automotive customization industry for more than fifteen years. Tommy Pike is committed to encouraging the next generation of automotive enthusiasts. He knows firsthand that this is an area of the industry needing support, growth, youthful energy and innovative ideas. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the facility has produced cars featured at national events. Specializing in modern muscle performance and cutting edge customization, Tommy Pike Customs can assist customers with any level custom project.

For more information about Tommy Pike Customs and the services they provide, visit their website (www.tommypikecustoms.com) "LIKE" them on Facebook (https://facebook.com/tommypikecustoms)  and follow them on Twitter (https://twitter.com/tommypikecustom).

About AutoZone

As of May 9, 2015, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 5,069 AutoZone stores in 49 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico in the U.S., and 418 stores in Mexico and seven stores in Brazil and 18 IMC branches for a total count of 5,512.

AutoZone is the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States. Each AutoZone store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Many stores also have a commercial sales program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations, and public sector accounts. IMC branches carry an extensive line of OE quality import replacement parts. AutoZone also sells the ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software through www.alldata.com. Additionally, we sell automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products through www.autozone.com, and accessories and performance parts through www.autoanything.com, and our commercial customers can make purchases through www.autozonepro.com and www.imcparts.net. AutoZone does not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation.

About Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics empowers readers to navigate the increasingly complex, technological world around us. The magazine, published monthly by Hearst Magazines, inspires, instructs and influences nine million curious readers. Their mindset – the hunger to know, the desire to investigate and learn – drives them to explore, experiment and experience a wide range of interests. Issues engage readers with breakthroughs in the latest innovations in science and technology; educates with informative "how-to" stories on automotive, the home and digital technology; and motivates action with product reviews and comparison tests of the newest equipment and products. Popular Mechanics is also the #1-ranked men's monthly magazine when it comes to reaching an environmentally conscious audience. The brand is a 21^st-century must-read, with a robust website (popularmechanics.com) and an award-winning tablet edition. Follow Popular Mechanics on Twitter @PopMech.

About Mecum Auctions

Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and road art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 28 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by president Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin.

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SOURCE Quaker State

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