(Sept 2, 2015) – Irving Blending and Packaging SpeedWeekend is the number one event in Atlantic Canada’s stock car racing season. It all happens this weekend at Speedway 660. Christine Taylor is the Marketing Manager with Irving Blending & Packaging. Wade Wilson recently talked with Chris about Irving’s support for racing at Speedway 660.

A Conversation with Chris Taylor

Wade: Hey Chris, the 2015 Irving Blending & Packaging SpeedWeekend is just days away. You’ve been coming to Speedway 660 for several years and have become a big race fan. What is it about our sport that gets you excited?

Chris:  It’s not just the sport; it’s the fans, our customers, and the overall feeling at the track on race day that’s so exciting.  It’s fiercely competitive but I always see so many people helping each other out and the sportsmanship among racers is second to none.  It’s a family oriented atmosphere and SpeedWeekend is the biggest and best event in our region.Travis Benjamin, who is sponsored by Irving Blending & Packaging, won the Pro Stock 250 last year. Ben Rowe (right) was second, while Austin Theriault (left) was third.  

Wade: Irving Blending & Packaging and Speedway 660 have been partners for several years. You folks have sponsored the Sportsman 150 on SpeedWeekend’s Saturday night. But earlier this summer, Irving Blending & Packaging became the title partner for the entire SpeedWeekend. That’s a big commitment.

Chris:  Our customers are huge fans of SpeedWeekend and it’s always been a great opportunity to meet with them one-on-one.  SpeedWeekend gives us the chance to further support our drivers and the race fans who use our products. It’s not often that you can sponsor an entire community in one weekend; SpeedWeekend is an annual family event for the entire racing community in Atlantic Canada and we’re thrilled to be a part of that tradition.Irving Blending & Packaging employees always have a great time at the races.  It’s a perfect opportunity for them to meet fans, entertain customers and promote their high quality line of products.

Wade: Irving Oil lubricants are used by almost all of our race teams and Irving Blending & Packaging sponsors several drivers that fans will see this weekend. It seems like a natural fit for Irving Blending & Packaging to be involved in racing.

Chris: We’re fortunate to sponsor several talented drivers from both Canada and the United States; Dave, Courteny and Alexandra OBlenis, Travis Benjamin, Cole Butcher, Cole Boudreau, Lonnie Sommerville, and several others in the past.  These drivers believe in the products we make, they support locally owned, and they’re true ambassadors of sportsmanship.  Beyond that, race fans are big customers of ours too, so when we look in the pits and out into the stands, we’re thankful for all of their support. These are the people fueling their vehicles at our retail locations and heating their homes with our products; we honestly can’t thank them enough!Irving Blending & Packaging makes lots of incredible lubricants, right here in New Brunswick, that we all can use in our family vehicles, boats, motorcycles, wheelers, race cars and anything else with a motor!  

Wade: Irving Blending & Packaging has a state-of-the-art lubricant and packaging facility in Saint John.  Tell our fans about the company and the products you produce.

Chris: At Irving Blending & Packaging we offer our customers a wide assortment of over 1200 high quality products, made right here in the Maritimes. They include all kinds of lubricants, chemicals, diesel exhaust fluid and more – visit irvingblend.com for a complete list and more information on each of them.From their in-house laboratory to state-of-the-art distribution center, Irving’s main focus is exceeding customer’s expectations. Their commitment to safety, people, community and customer satisfaction is what sets them apart. Irving is one company with multiple solutions.

Wade: Irving Oil produces world-class quality products made right here in New Brunswick. As a consumer that means a lot, and when we buy Irving lubricants and fuel for our vehicles we know we’re getting great products made by our friends, neighbours and fellow New Brunswickers. That’s an incredible combination!

Chris: Yes, it truly is, and I’m proud to be a part of a company that started here, and supports every community where we live and work.Dave O’Blenis and his daughters Alexandra and Courtney are proud to carry the Irving Blending & Packaging logo on all of their Street Stock, Sportsman and Pro Stock cars. 

Wade: If you don’t mind me saying, I’ve watched your personal passion and involvement for our sport grow over the years. You’ve become a member of the Speedway 660 family and I’ve even seen you pitch in and help out in the ticket booth and the office. What is it about the people involved in our sport that inspires you?

Chris: Working our booth that first day gave me a chance to meet fans and customers from all parts of the racing community. It was amazing how many people thanked us for our involvement in racing. It made us realize race teams, fans and Speedway 660 management appreciate what we do and support Irving Oil. It’s easy  to become passionate about something when there’s so much support for what you are doing.The Irving Blending & Packaging Pro Stock 250 is the most exciting short-track race in the Maritimes. When the sun goes down on Sunday evening, the action will just be heating up at Speedway 660! 

Wade: I know you’ve got a busy week full of lots of last minute details to take care of before the fans arrive for the Irving Blending & Packaging SpeedWeekend. But before you go, is there anything you would like to say to our fans, race teams, and our staff before the weekend?

Chris: I will say what I always say, thank you for supporting a locally owned company.  We could not do what we are doing  without your support.  To everyone – please be safe, and to the drivers and their teams – support each other and finish unscathed. Lonnie Sommerville, the 2015 RE/MAX Pro Stock champion at Speedway 660, is proud to have a great New Brunswick company’s logo on the hood of his car! Lonnie is looking for a a third Irving Blending & Packaging 250 win on Sunday.

Wade: On behalf of our fans, drivers and staff, I want to thank you for all you are  doing for racing. Thanks for participating in our Conversation Series and have an awesome Irving Blending & Packaging SpeedWeekend!

Chris: Thank you, I’m excited to see all the fans, race team members and Speedway 660 volunteers and staff on SpeedWeekend!