November 2019

NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2019 www.aftermarketonline.net NGK’s MO70 Dragmower sets new record NGK’s MO70 Dragmower has made a sensational track debut at Santa Pod Raceway – recording a top speed of 115.53mph. The original ride-on mower, on which MO70 was based, has been transformed by British drag racing champion Andy Robinson and was piloted by NGK Sales Representative John Catterson at the Northamptonshire drag racing track on Friday 4 October. MO70 reached 115.53mph in just 9.49 seconds, believed to be a record for a ride-on mower over the quarter-mile distance. The project was set in motion two years ago following discussions at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where Andy’s Robinson’s NGK-liveried Chevrolet Camaro was featured on the NGK stand. Over recent months, the mower has been transformed and is now powered by a Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade engine. The mower will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest top speed of a lawnmower in 2020. Andy Robinson said: “Originally it was planned to convert a sit-on mower so it could achieve 70mph, hence the MO70 project name, but over time this has gone up and up. We wanted to build a machine that looked like the original but on steroids. We wanted to make it as user- friendly and as stable as possible, but it is a bit mad!” MO70 driver John Catterson said: “It was very fast, and the sensation of speed was amazing. It was really enjoyable and certainly a day to remember.” Mark Hallam, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd Marketing Manager, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to John. There were a number of problems throughout the day, but he showed how brave he was to carry on to achieve such a fantastic time. Also, if anyone is wondering, MO70 can still cut grass and it uses NGK IMR9C- 9HES spark plugs!” Check out the action video on the NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Facebook page. Alarm aborts break-in Euro Car Parts has launched of a year-long partnership with automotive industry charity Ben, through a massive national relay challenge covering 2,500km across the country in just five days. The #BringItOn4Ben challenge saw ECP staff walking, running or cycling either five, ten or twenty kilometres on five relay routes back to the T2 head office in Tamworth, Staffordshire. All routes started at a Euro Car Parts hub and covered each of the hubs across the UK. Teams at the T2 facility were also in on the action, aiming to match the miles completed out in the network on gym bikes and treadmills. To further add to the mileage count, Euro Car Parts Group CEO Andy Hamilton, and Trade SMR Director Anthony McAteer, each took on 100km during the week-long launch, touching as many of the network’s branches and hubs as possible. Andy said: “I’m incredibly proud so many of our colleagues have volunteered to get involved in our Ben Challenge. Whether they’re putting on their running shoes, hopping on a bike or volunteering their time to help us coordinate such a mammoth task, the entire Euro Car Parts team has come together for a great cause.” The money raised by Euro Car Parts will help Ben provide services like its free and confidential helpline, advice and interactive online tools, tailored one-on-one support, guidance on housing and debt, specialist counsellors and ongoing aftercare. Everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry can access Ben’s tailored, holistic support, for themselves and their family dependents. “We are thrilled to have Euro Car Parts on board and wish them all the best in this momentous first event,” said Matt Wiggington, Business Development Director, Ben. “The money raised will enable us to provide support services to people who are ill, have money problems, anxiety, depression, bereavement, loneliness and more. Together, we can provide life-changing support to the automotive community when the road ahead gets rough.” If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/companytea ms/ECPbenchallenge A Wiltshire garage had a lucky escape recently, when burglars broke in, but left without stealing anything of value thanks to the alarm system kicking in. Auto Engine Tune in Stratton, just outside Swindon was broken into around 5.30am on 3 September, according to the Swindon Advertiser. The forced entry was made through the front door. Fortunately the alarm sounded immediately, leading to the would-be-burglars fleeing the scene. The business also has CCTV, and Wiltshire Police has viewed the footage taken during the break-in. The force locally released two images of people they would like to speak to in connection with the burglary. PC Phil Carter from Swindon North Community Policing Team said: “I know the CCTV images aren’t the clearest, but we’re hoping that some who knows them will recognise them and will be able to assist with our inquiries." Bring it on: ECP launches Ben partnership