3M Hire Our Heroes, CREF launch industry race to benefit veterans

Aug. 9, 2018
3M and the Collision Repair Education Foundation is looking to put industry members behind the wheel to help our veterans — literally.

ATLANTA — 3M and the Collision Repair Education Foundation is looking to put industry members behind the wheel to help our veterans — literally.

Ross (left) and Plucinski with the 3M Hire Our Heroes 500 trophy.

During NACE Automechanika 2018 in Atlanta on Aug. 9, Clark Plucinski with CREF and Dale Ross with 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division announced the launch of the 3M Hire Our Heroes 500 and the trophy to be awarded to the winner.

The race, set for Oct. 30 at Las Vegas Speedway during the SEMA 2018 show, will feature drivers from top industry multi-shop operators and collision repair companies.

The field will feature 24 spots for competitors who donate $5,000 or more to the Collision Repair Education Foundation for the 3M Hire Our Heroes campaign. The first 10 donors who donate $8,000 or more will drive a car wrapped in their own company branding. All competitors will receive a custom commemorative race helmet autographed by Chip Foose and Richard Petty.

“Drivers can go upwards of 150 miles under the lights at Las Vegas Speedway. Chip Foose will be waving the green flag with Richard Petty presenting the winning trophy,” said Ross, U.S. Marketing Operations Manager, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division.

To date, CARSTAR, Gerber Collision & Glass, AutoBody Evolution, Lindsay Collision Centers, Brandywine Coach Works, Skeeter’s Body Shop, Caliber Collision, Fix Auto and Berkshire Hathaway Automotive have entered the race and are ready to challenge their industry colleagues against the clock. Entries are open until Aug. 15. Each participant has generously donated to have a car in the field, and all proceeds benefit the 3M Hire Our Heroes program.

Fourteen spots remain open for the raise and can be claimed with a $5,000 donation. All participants will also receive a race helmet to be personalized by an industry custom painter.

Launched in 2013, the Hire Our Heroes program has raised more than $1,065,000 and awarded some 330 tool grants and scholarships to deserving men and women who have served our country and their family members.

“It is a great honor to work with military veterans and their families and be able to help them with tool grants and scholarships,” said Plucinski, CREF executive director.

Already in 2018, 38 tool grants and scholarships have been awarded.

“It is really an honor to serve those who serve our country,” said Ross.

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