Iowa Machinists Chip in to Sponsor IAM Race Car
November 1, 2016
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Finding new and unique ways to promote the IAM at times can seem difficult, but leaders of District 6 and Local 1293 have found a fast track to exposure by sponsoring a southern Iowa race car.
The district and the local both chipped in for the sponsorship, which provides the car with new sheet metal and graphics for the upcoming racing season. The race car, owned and driven by Jeremy Whitlock, will be able to be seen most weekends at International Motor Contest Association-sanctioned races throughout southern Iowa and northern Missouri.
Whitlock was an IAM member employed at Performance Pipe for over 15 years before recently leaving for an advancement opportunity with another employer. The 37-year old has been racing in some form or fashion his entire adult life, including several top-five and top-10 finishes.
Whitlock attends car shows and plans to bring the car to as many local or district union events as he can.
“I’m going to make sure we get them as much exposure as possible,” said Whitlock.
“When he approached us, we thought it would be a great way to get the IAM logo out there to promote our union and also support a long-standing member,” said IAM District 6 Directing Business Representative John Herrig. “We get our name and logo on the race car for thousands to see, and we get to help a long standing member do something that he loves in the process. It’s a checker flag win for everyone.”
