Castrol Getting Funky With It

Despite America's love affair with cars, there's a growing need for qualified people to fix those objects of adoration.

That's why BP Lubricants USA kicks off the 2005 Castrol Snytech Outperformers Scholarship Program. It's a funky way to interest young car enthusiasts in careers in the automotive service and repair industry.

The program includes a nationwide search for worthy winners. It targets youths already thinking about automotive service as a career choice, as well as young vehicle lovers who haven't yet considered such opportunities and rewards.

It addresses a national shortage of auto technicians, especially at dealerships.

Castrol has partnered with Funkmaster Flex, a popular New York City disc jockey and host of Spike TV auto shows Ride with Funkmaster Flex and Funkmaster Flex Super Series.

A selected national Castrol Syntech Outperformer will earn an apprenticeship at Flex's Team Baurtwell Body Shop. Baurtwell team members include expert technicians and die-hard enthusiasts devoted to vehicle customization and performance.

“Making vehicles look good, sound sweet and perform better only happens through knowledge and dedication to the trade,” says Flex.

Until June 15, young men and women, ages 16-25, can log on to www.syntecoutperformers.com, complete a special educational curriculum about synthetic oils and answer a series of short-answer questions about automotive service and passion for cars. The questions let participants demonstrate their enthusiasm.

Four regional Outperformers will be selected. They'll earn a trip to John Force Racing Inc., a hot-rod hotbed in southern California.

Other regional prizes include two tickets to the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, $1,000 worth of new Mac Tools, four cases of Castrol Syntec motor oil and subscriptions to Primedia auto publications.

The one regional winner who “outperforms” the others will receive the apprenticeship with Funkmaster Flex, as well as a $7,500 scholarship to attend a racing, high-performance or automotive education program.

“The initiative is meant to recognize and encourage these young men and women to pursue an occupation that is increasingly more valuable and in demand,” says Mike DeBiasi, Castrol Syntec's brand manager.

The contest also involves teachers and school guidance counselors. The one who encourages the most students to enter will receive a prize package similar to the regional winners', as well as a Castrol racing jacket and 50 cases of Castrol motor oil for school use.

A panel of judges will identify the winners. Judges include members of the automotive industry and media, and celebrities such as Funkmaster Flex and drag racing legend John Force.

Winners will be chosen based upon the uniqueness and strength of automotive talent and experience, academic, vocational and community achievements, and overall passion for working on vehicles. Winners will be announced in August.