PIRTEK Service and Supply Center Owner Joins PIRTEK Team Murray at the Phoenix Grand Prix
This weekend, a local business man will be keeping a closer eye than usual on the Verizon IndyCar Series event at the Phoenix International Speedway.
Stu Bartlett, franchisee of the PIRTEK Fluid Transfer Solutions Service and Supply Center in Phoenix will be in attendance learning all about the sport ahead of the month of May - when the international hydraulic hose and fittings company will have its own entry in the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Stu will be at the race this weekend with third generation driver, Matt Brabham - who will be racing around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at more than 230mph, when he lines up in the PIRTEK Team Murray #61 Chevrolet.
Brabham is attending each Verizon IndyCar Series event to be with PIRTEK Team Murray’s technical partner, KVSH Racing and French driver, Sebastien Bourdais.
“While we aren’t racing until the middle of May, the PIRTEK Team Murray program allows us to bring the franchisees to the races local to them and give them a taste of what IndyCar is all about,” explained Brabham. “I’m attending the races to become more accustomed with the team and be a part of the Series - but having the PIRTEK guys along for the ride with us really helps explain the sport and give them a better understanding when talking to their customers about what we’re doing at Indy.”
Brabham was born in Boca Raton, FL and raised in Australia. He considers himself an American racer - however regularly competes under both countries’ flags - as does the team, which is owned by Australian motorsport entrepreneur, Brett Murray, but based out of Indianapolis, IN.
Stu Bartlett - loves the idea of PIRTEK being involved in the Indy 500 and what it brings to his business.
“The Indy 500 is the biggest sporting event on the planet bar none,” said Stu. “To think that we have our own PIRTEK car in the event is absolutely huge. We have been able to take this to our customers who have been really right behind it.
“Being with Matt this weekend, who is a tremendous young man and great ambassador for PIRTEK, at our home race is awesome. It’s giving us a real feel for what it is going to be like in May when we get to Indianapolis - and explore some new business opportunities.
“It also allows us to spread the PIRTEK word more broadly and hopefully open up some new regions and new people to the PIRTEK franchise model.”
Another element to the PIRTEK Team Murray program is a commitment to military service, veteran and first responder families through the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.
In association with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, PIRTEK Team Murray will train six military veterans and first responders from around the country to be its entry in the Tag Heuer Pit Stop Competition on Miller Lite Carb Day at the Speedway.
The Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (named in honor of American Sniper, Chris Kyle) will bring 500 military service, veteran and first responder families to the team’s hospitality unit throughout the May activities.
“The ability to give back to the military and first responder community is a great part of this program and something that has really energized the franchise group,” added Stu. “Chris Kyle is regarded as an American hero and we have many veterans in the PIRTEK family. To have Taya (Chris’ wife) bring them to the race with PIRTEK and the team to give them the opportunity to re-connect through some new experiences is something pretty awesome.”Â
The Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix will run April 2nd. PIRTEK Team Murray will compete in the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis May 12-14 and the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, with practice and qualification beginning May 16.
More detail about being involved with PIRTEK USA and PIRTEK Team Murray is available at www.teammurray.com.au or www.pirtekusa.com. More information about the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation and the CK Crew Concept is available at www.chriskylefrogfoundation.org.
