"The Crank" Launches Licensing Deal for Trans-Am Tools Line Between Trans-Am Series, ProQuest Brands, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: T.E. McHale (727) 533-0503

 

"THE CRANK" LAUNCHES LICENSING DEAL FOR TRANS-AM TOOLS LINE BETWEEN TRANS-AM SERIES, PROQUEST BRANDS, INC.

 

BRASELTON, Ga. (October 11, 2002) - A five-year licensing agreement for a line of tools carrying the Trans-Am trademark is being launched today with the introduction of "The Crank," a revolutionary new concept in ratchet design, at Round 11 of the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Tires Cup in Braselton, Ga.

 

The agreement, between the Trans-Am Series and ProQuest Brands, Inc. of Lake Forest, Ill., makes the 28-piece "The Crank" Trans-Am Tool set available immediately. ProQuest Brands will introduce a complete line of Trans-Am tools in 2003.

 

"We are extremely excited about this fantastic opportunity to move the Trans-Am brand forward," said John Clagett, Executive Director of the Trans-Am Series. "This is an innovative program that will give the series substantial exposure in the marketplace, and we are grateful to our partners at ProQuest Brands, Inc. for joining us in this venture."

 

"The Crank," a unique 28-piece tool set which allows a user to turn a fastener with zero turning radius and remarkable speed, is serving as the showcase tool for the launch of the Trans-Am line this weekend. Using a patented cold-forge gear system, "The Crank" can be turned, twisted or folded to move the ratchet head in the desired direction, or to dramatically increase the speed of tightening or loosening a fastener. "The Crank" will help to solve countless problems encountered by tool users when working on fasteners in tight or hard-to-reach spaces.

 

A comprehensive program for launch of the Trans-Am Tools line includes entitlement sponsorship of this weekend's event:  The Trans-Am 100 Presented by The Crank - You've Never Seen a Ratchet Like This!, as well as a comprehensive "The Crank" graphics package on the #76 Ford Mustang driven by Jerry Simmons in Friday's Trans-Am event at Road Atlanta. 

 

The Trans-Am Series, sanctioned by Englewood, Colorado-based Sports Car Club of America Pro Racing, is the longest-running road racing series in North America, having entered its 37th year of competition in 2002. Three-time and defending series champion Paul Gentilozzi is looking to claim his fourth Trans-Am Series title against a strong field of rivals including current championship leader Boris Said, Johnny Miller, Stuart Hayner, Michael Lewis, Randy Ruhlman, Tony Ave, 2001 AmeriSuites Rookie of the Year Justin Bell and 2002 Rookie of the Year Butch Leitzinger. Trans-Am events are televised nationally by CBS Sports and SPEED Channel on either a live or tape-delayed basis. All Trans-Am drivers compete for the prestigious BFGoodrich Tires Cup, emblematic of the series driving championship.