It was a staggering 102 degrees this week at the Richmond International Raceway, better known as “American’s Premier Short Track,” where 31 State Water Heaters reps, wholesalers and plumbing contractors hit the track with a thrill of a lifetime with NASCAR phenomenon Ward Burton.

While these State fans weren’t racing side by side on the track, they did have the chance to go head-to-head against each other in the rankings by time. The competition was fierce, but topping out at the highest speed of day was Adrian Holland, a State distributor with Vamac, roaring at 116mph. At the end of the night Adrian was awarded a signed racing helmet from Ward Burton and a “King’s Experience” gift card to visit another Richard Petty Driving Experience – one of many around the country.

On the other end of the spectrum, with the slowest speed, was Steve Smith, a State distributor with Northeastern, who drove at a whopping 100mph. Steve was also awarded a signed racing helmet from Ward Burton and a “Rookie Experience” gift card to visit another Richard Petty Driving Experience.

In addition to the thrill and drive of a lifetime – in a real NASCAR car, on a real NASCAR track – all guests were copilots and got to ride along with Daytona 500 Champion Ward Burton, burning rubber at 140mph! Ward held nothing back as he blazed around the 3/4-mile D-Shaped oval course with each guest.

Another successful Richard Petty Driving Experience with State guests!

Hot, hot, hot was the word for the day at Darlington Raceway, South Carolina. State Water Heaters treated a group of State plumbing contractors and wholesalers to a Richard Petty Driving Experience on May 20, 2010. The temperature was over 100 degrees in the cars and being in a hot suit contributed to the heat.

Darlington is the oldest track in NASCAR history and it was obvious the guys were taking caution their first trip around. The Richard Petty staff were teasing them by saying they were driving about 50 mph their first 8 laps. Once they rode with Ward Burton, former 2002 Daytona 500 winner, they were ready to redeem themselves their second chance.  The speed picked up, along with the breeze and it couldn’t have been better.

Ward Burton won most of his races at this track so being able to ride along with a former NASCAR winner was something most people can never say they did. “Our team pretty much owned this track when I raced here,” stated Ward in his opening statements to the group. The guys were filled with anticipation and excitement as they walked to pit row, past the parking spot the track holds for winners, including Ward.

At the end of the day, the fastest time was held by Scott Ammons, of Ammons Plumbing, going 141 mph who won a State racing helmet with Ward’s signature. Slowing down the pack was Mike Bunick, from Pann Services, who averaged 119 and was awarded a pink racing hat and T-Shirt. However, Ward being the noble guy that he is gave Mike a State racing helmet with his signature as well. After the awards were given out and Ward thanked the group for supporting State Water Heaters, the guys left with smiles on their faces and handshakes from Ward, whispering to their friends about what an awesome experience and chance of a lifetime this truly was.

embedded by Embedded Video

YouTube Direkt

Did you know that the mission of The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation is to conserve America’s land through stewardship and education about the natural resources that will shape this country’s future?

Stewardship, education and natural resources are only a few of the lessons learned while State Water Heaters plumbing contractors and wholesaler guests toured hundreds of acres and participated in activities for a day-long adventure at the Ward Burton Cove Event on April 30, 2010.

The day started with the guests being broken up into three main groups with an assigned leader and golf cart to bustle away to one of three stations: a skeet shooting hide-away, a fishing expedition or an archery post.  As the day progressed each group rotated and was able to experience all activities of the Cove.

The skeet shooting hide-away station was led by Ward himself, who is an accomplished rifleman and didn’t miss one clay disk all day. Guests were given the opportunity for one practice round (12 shots) and then the competition cranked up with the last round playing for keeps!

The fishing expedition was relaxing, compared to the fierce rivalry at the skeet shoot. Here the fishing poles and lures were provided by the National Guard and people were able to “take it easy.”

The archery post was in the thick of the woods and laid out with artificial bears, dear and other wildlife. Thanks to BowTech, there were two professionals on-site who helped each person with their technique and ability to hit the target.

“These programs that State Water Heaters sponsors, whether it’s The Cove or NASCAR, is ultimately all about the customer,” Ward Burton said. State supports its customers and it’s all about partners and friendships.”

Ward Burton and State polished off the evening with a white linen dinner party on the property where awards were given out to State Water Heaters guests.

As a reward to wholesalers and contractors, State invited 25 guests to the Las Vegas Speedway for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Each person was able to drive an actual NASCAR vehicle, along with a Ride with Daytona 500 Champion Ward Burton in the State car. Most were intimidated the first 8 laps, but after their ride with Ward, they were ready to take another 8 laps on their own to improve their time.

The experience began with a welcome reception and a chance to talk one on one with Ward. “He’s a real down to earth kind of guy. Real personable and a great host,” commented Rusty Holloway from Texas General Mechanical.

After a quick breakfast with Ward the next morning, the bus headed to the track. Everyone was given instructions on how to drive with videos accompanying it. After instructions were complete, the guys walked to pit row with sounds of the cars flying by.

The highlight of the experience was riding with Ward going 180 mph. After his ride, Billy Azevedo from Azevedo Plumbing remarked, “Words can’t express how I feel right now. It was just incredible and I can’t imagine how these guys do it for 4 hours at a time every week. What an awesome opportunity. Thanks State Water Heaters.”

When it was all said and done, Don Hobscheidt, from Ferguson was the fastest driver at 141 mph with Jeff Morley from M&M Plumbing deemed the slowest at 133 mph.  Don was awarded with a State NASCAR helmet signed by Ward and Jeff received a pink hat and T-Shirt during lunch. It truly was an opportunity of a lifetime.

embedded by Embedded Video

YouTube Direkt

February marked the beginning of the 2010 program with an event at the Daytona 500, and it was an energetic and exciting weekend for State Water Heaters. The State brand hosted suite events at the track for the Gatorade 150 Duels, the Camping World Truck Series, the Nationwide race, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. State reps, wholesalers, and contractors experienced great views of the track, flat screen TV monitors, full beverage and food service—all while getting one-on-one time with former NASCAR star driver Ward Burton.

Phil Arnold, vice president of operations for G. W. Berkheimer Company, had this to say about the Daytona 500 State Water Heaters suite event, “I want to thank you and your team for the hospitality and all the hard work to make the Daytona trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me and Tony (a contractor customer of G.W. Berkheimer). Your organization is first class all the way, the professionalism is without a doubt unbelievable. Thanks for letting me share this experience with you and your company; it was a blast!”

If you attended this event and would like to view photos, please log in at “Event Log-In” at the top of the page.

embedded by Embedded Video

YouTube Direkt

Download “2010 Daytona 500 with Ward Burton” Video