Logan was proud to be a part of Bailey Middle School’s career day program this past Tuesday.   Logan shared with the students what it is like to live the life of a race car driver and the hard work, dedication and determination that goes along with being a part of the very intense sport of auto racing.   Students learned about the cars, driving, physical training, safety equipment, meetings, appearances, sponsor promotions, travel, and all the parts, pieces and people that make up a NASCAR team.   Logan gave the the children a glimpse into what it takes to be a driver and informed them of all the other job possibilities in working with a professional race team.  The students also learned how very important education is in a career as a race car driver.  They also learned the importance of math and science and how they relate to a race car, it’s performance and how those things help a driver to give important information to his crew.

Logan would like to thank the students and faculty of Bailey Middle School, in Cornelius NC for the opportunity to share his career and his love of racing with them and hopes to see you all at the races!

Be sure to check out the Appearances Gallery to see photos of Logan and the Bailey Middle School students.

GASTONIA, N.C. – WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, is launching a new integrated marketing communications program to promote a single, cohesive WIX Filters message under a creative platform titled “We Love Engines.”

The new platform is designed to demonstrate that WIX and its customers and partners share one unified passion – a love for the one thing that got the WIX brand where it is today – engines.

“At WIX Filters, we love engines; we love everything about them,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager. “Because our customers share in this passion, we launched our new ‘We Love Engines’ campaign to forge deeper customer connections and engagement with our brand.”

The campaign includes print advertising for light-duty and heavy-duty automotive trade publications, with creative elements highlighting everyday connections between customers and engines – from the No. 39 WIX Filters Chevrolet driven by Ryan Newman to hard-working farm trucks described as “man’s best friend.”

The campaign also includes two 30-second television advertising spots on national cable and two 60-second and five 30-second radio spots on NASCAR programming through the Performance Radio Network.  All television and radio spots can be tagged with customers’ logo, telephone number and websites.

“The ‘We Love Engines’ campaign was inspired by the intriguing stories we heard from customers about their passion for engines,” said Rusty Williams, group creative director of Wray Ward, the Charlotte marketing communications firm that developed the campaign. “Our overarching message is that only WIX Filters offers the ultimate protection for any vehicle, whether it’s driven on a NASCAR track or an unpaved farm road,” Williams said. “The campaign is also designed to reinforce the leadership position and technical superiority of WIX in the filtration category.”

In addition to print and broadcast advertising, the campaign employs mobile and social media programs to reach customers. For example, all print advertising includes QR codes that link to videos highlighting customers’ love of engines.

The videos, which feature Ryan Newman, TeamWIX driver Logan Ruffin and crew chief Darian Grubb discussing their passion for engines and motorsports, are promoted on the WIX website; Facebook page; Twitter @WIXFilters; and YouTube page. The videos are also available to customers at service waiting areas, customer service centers, standalone displays and computer kiosks.

The campaign includes a public relations program to promote category leadership and technical expertise under the “We Love Engines” platform.  The program also includes communications support for new product launches, expanded sponsorship outreach efforts and promotion and trade show support.

“Our integrated campaign is designed to tell the WIX story from those who use and rely on our products every day,” Harvey said. “It helps us celebrate an international love of engines and reminds customers that only WIX Filters is there for them.”

Ruffin will climb aboard the No. 8 Patterson Farms / MAD Industry Super Late Model for car owner Dick Woodman in the 150-lap Pro All Stars Series (PASS) race.

Ruffin has spent his time away from the track gaining experience on the engineering side of the sport, working in race shops for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers Steve Arpin and Ricky Carmichael. The 17-year-old recently began collaborating with Woodman, a former crew chief of Ruffin’s, preparing a Super Late Model specifically for Saturday night’s event.

After nearly a year-long absence, Ruffin is ready to get back to the winner’s circle.

“It’s been a rough go of it, being out of a ride for this long,” said Ruffin. “Fortunately, I’ve been able to take advantage of my time in the shop and learn more about these race cars. It will definitely help with my feedback. Dick and I have always been able to communicate well, so I’m positive that the knowledge I’ve gained working on these cars will make us better.”

Saturday night’s racing card will begin at 6 pm EST. The PASS 150 will be the feature event of the evening.

Celebrating its 17th year, Food Lion Speed Street transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into a showcase of motor sports with non-stop entertainment on two stages, appearances by top Sprint Cup Drivers, dynamic exhibits for all ages and an amazing assembly of NASCAR show cars and simulators.

Logan is scheduled to sign autographs Thursday, May 26 at the Victory Lane Karting Display.  The scheduled time for Logan’s appearance is from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.  The Victory Lane Karting Display will be located on Tryon Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets.

Logan is debuting an all new Mad Industry autograph card that you will want for your collection. Mad Industry is a proud sponsor of Logan and they have some really cool clothing in their 2011 lineup.  You can check out Mad Industry at www.areyoumad.com.

So, come out to enjoy the Speed Street festivities Thursday evening and swing by the Victory Lane Karting Display between 7:00 and 9:00 P.M. to meet/visit with Logan and get one of the great, new autograph cards for 2011.  That will also be a chance to see some of the Mad Industry products that Logan will be wearing.  See you at Speed Streets!!!

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/lists/NASCAR-top-10-drivers-21-and-under-in-2011

Ruffin, a rookie in the USAR Pro Cup Series last year, competed in the veteran-heavy division alongside four-time champion Clay Rogers, two-time champion Benny Gordon, and 16-time race winner Jeff Agnew with much success. The Memphis, Tenn. native scored five top-five finishes and 10 top-10 finishes in 14 events and led all rookies with 196 laps led. He claimed Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors by a wide margin.

Several races stood out for the 16-year-old. Ruffin scored two runner-up finishes – at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina and Langley Speedway in Virginia – in the first half of the season. At Virginia’s Motor Mile Speedway, a miss in his motor could have meant a night of hard luck; however, Ruffin bided time through heavy attrition and late-race cautions to secure a fourth-place finish. In the second race at Langley, Ruffin led 106 laps and looked destined for a victory, but a black flag following a retaliation spin on another driver took him out of contention. Even with the black flag ruining his shot at the win, several series officials and fellow competitors gave Ruffin the “attaboy” wink following the on-track altercation. By the time the year-end awards ceremonies were in full swing, there was little doubt that the wholesome red-headed kid could wheel a racecar.

Ruffin earned respect in his first complete year of driving full-size Stock Cars. That respect came by design as part of his development with NASCAR team Turner Motorsports. Car owner Steve Turner deemed 2010 a successful one for the budding star.

“Logan accomplished a lot of the goals we set out for him this year and for that, we’re proud,” said Turner. “He represents Turner Motorsports with a maturity and enthusiasm that I hope he carries as his career progresses. I have some high expectations in mind for this young man and I know he has the ability to exceed each and every one.”

While his plans with Turner Motorsports have yet to be decided, Ruffin rolls into 2011 with a head of steam. The 16-year-old is now age-eligible to compete at the NASCAR regional levels, as well as the short tracks comprising the ARCA Series. The reigning USAR Rookie of the Year is also making moves off the track, recently extending his personal endorsement agreement with Mad Industry Clothing for a second full year.

His off-track salesmanship is recognizable, as Mad Industry CEO and founder Marshal Zalewski noted.

“Logan is a valued member of the Mad Industry Clothing family,” commented Zalewski. “Since his arrival, his popularity in the racing world has drummed up interest in our clothing products. He has helped us market our brand in creative, exciting ways through our social media promotions. As spectacular of a driver as he is on the track, he is just amazing in driving business to us.”

For more information on Ruffin, please visit LoganRuffin.com.

###

Agency Contact:

David Smith

Spire Sports + Entertainment

dsmith@spiresportsinc.com