Ram sponsors Kentucky Derby

For the third consecutive year, Ram is sponsoring the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs (this year will be the 138th), as the exclusive automotive partner and “Official Truck.”

From the moment Thoroughbred fans enter Churchill Downs, they will be immersed in Ram displays, with work trucks in and around the track, Ram logos on staff uniforms, and posters and signs. Slogans are designed for the audience, including “Hard-earned, Not Hard-won,” “Courage not Chance,” “Champions are Made, Not Born,” and “It’s not two Minutes. It’s a Lifetime.” A Horsemen’s Lounge for the owners and jockeys will be staffed by Ram Truck ambassadors and a barista.

“A lifetime of hard work, dedication and conviction go into making it to Churchill Downs and the same is true about our Ram trucks,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “An efficient, powerful and dependable truck is a must-have tool whether you are an owner, trainer, track crew member or fan. With our broad lineup of trucks, Ram can meet the needs of everyone involved in Thoroughbred racing.”

Ram has launched TV, print, and on-line campaigns to go along with the sponsorship, including a 30-second Ram feature produced by NBC Sports. Print ads are running in national general-interest publications as well as equestrian publications.

For the third year, a Ram representative will present the trophy to the owner and jockey of the American Turf Stakes on Kentucky Oaks day, and the winner of the Super Hi-5-wager will be given a new 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck.

3.7 V6 ending this summer

In August, the last 3.7 liter V6 engine will be made, the last Chrysler V6 not using the new Pentastar / Phoenix design, according to sources within Chrysler. While some expected that production would end earlier, it appears that the run will continue, possibly to provide service parts and replacement engines.  The 4.7 liter V8 is also expected to keep hanging on, remaining in production through summer 2013.

Word from within is that Grand Cherokee and Durango sales continue to be strong, and with high profitability, they are attracting Hemi engines that would normally be put into Rams. This may be one reason for the continued production of the 4.7, which does not have the power or cylinder shut-off feature of the 5.7 Hemi. The Hemi’s MDS allows it to provide gas mileage similar to or better than the 4.7 despite its greater size and performance.

The “Next Generation” 3.7 liter V6 engine was a replacement for the old 3.9 liter truck engines; the latter was based on the 360 V8. The 3.7 was based on the 4.7 liter V8, and was created specifically for truck and Jeep use, never appearing in a car. It was a 90-degree design with a cast iron block and aluminum heads. Unlike its V8 sibling, it was never given redesigned heads and the power boost that accompanied them.

TORC final from Charlotte: How sweep it is!

After settling for two of three on Friday, Team Mopar drivers came back to make a clean sweep on Saturday, winning PRO 4X4, PRO 2WD and PRO Light in the first event of the Traxxas TORC (The Off Road Championship) season at Charlotte Motor Speedway. So the Team Mopar weekend tally is five wins and both Oakley Bomb Awards for the fastest laps.

Next up on the schedule is a trip to the Red Bud MX in Buchanan, Michigan on May 26 and 27.

TORC Update

Saturday’s results from the TRAXXAS TORC event at Charlotte Motor Speedway haven’t yet been posted but Friday was a good day for Team Mopar drivers who took the top spot in two of the three classes in which they were entered as well as both Oakley Bomb Awards for the fastest lap.