2006 Racing Issue - UAW-Chrysler.com

PRIDE ON
DISPLAY
American automaking is in the spotlight
at the NTC’s NASCAR Exhibit
2006 Jeep Commander
Competition makes the world go around, at least the
NASCAR racing world. But once the shiny red Freightliners
carrying the UAW-DaimlerChrysler National Training
Center exhibit cruise up to the track, solidarity plays a big
role too.
“When we greet visitors to our exhibit, we’re inviting
all of them to share our pride as American autoworkers,”
says Andy Ackles, NASCAR operations coordinator for
the UAW and Local 550 member. “And we make it fun
for them.”
The fun appeals to fans of all ages, who can grab a
photo op with the No. 9 and No. 19 Dodge Dealers/UAW
Dodge Chargers, co-sponsored by the NTC, or with lifesize
images of drivers Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield.
WE BRING THE SAME
SOLIDARITY TO THE RACES —
OUR PRIDE AS AMERICAN
AUTOMAKERS.
HOWARD AUSTIN, UAW LOCAL 212 MEMBER
“FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER TRANSPORT
“
They can step into the exhibit’s exciting video simulation
modules and test their skills on a virtual track, or catch
footage from the previous day’s qualifying heats, highlights
of historic NASCAR and Dodge racing action, and
other race-related footage on four plasma screens.
Some of the fun is serious business, as fans check out
Chrysler Group production models brought to the track
for a hands-on look. Two Vehicle Information Center
computer kiosks give prospective buyers the chance to
“build” a vehicle and determine what it will take to drive
it home from a participating dealer. “Fans get real excited
when they open the door of a brand-new car,” says
Tammi Smith, DaimlerChrysler manager of NASCAR
operations. “They like seeing the features up close and
trying them out, like the Stow ’N Go seats, and we love
showing off our products.”
This year, UAW-DaimlerChrysler’s collaboration with
the UAW-Ford National Programs Center puts a special
spin on solidarity at the races. “American automakers
are looking at ways to work together, and we’re seeing
the same spirit of cooperation here,” says Howard
Austin, a UAW Local 212 member from DaimlerChrysler
Transport. He is one of four UAW members who drive
the big red rigs to the races. The other drivers are Robert
Denton, Gary Alred and Jack Hyatt.
Austin recalls one race where UAW-Ford and UAW-
DaimlerChrysler crews helped one another set up in high
winds. “Those canvases are like gigantic sails in a big
wind,” he says. “Working together was a huge benefit
because no one got hurt and none of our equipment got
damaged. We bring the same solidarity to the races — our
pride as American automakers — and it just makes sense
to help one another out.” — Molly Rose Teuke
TEAMWORK
DRIVES OUR
SUCCESS
The UAW-DaimlerChrysler National Training Center is
the hub for initiatives designed by union and management
to build workers’ skills, enrich their quality of life
and enhance the company’s competitive position.
Founded 20 years ago, the Detroit-based NTC carries
out its mission through some 30 joint programs, ranging
from college tuition assistance and child care referrals to
programs that foster safer working conditions and
improved vehicle quality. The NTC operates a Technology
Training Center that provides world-class technical
training for skilled trades and production workers.
Tapping the full range of talents in the workplace, the
National Training Center also sponsors the only juried art
exhibit of its kind for union and management employees.
Since 2001, the NTC has partnered with Evernham
Motorsports to use NASCAR racing as a vehicle to
showcase Dodge vehicles and the UAW members who
build them.
— Ron Russell
TOMORROW SPECIAL RACING 2006 27