The 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama is underway at the GRB Convention Center in downtown Houston. Throngs of Houston-area car nuts are walking off their Thanksgiving feasts and enjoying the stellar collection of custom vehicles at the golden anniversary event. Visitors also lined up for autographs from pin-up model/writer Heidi Van Horne, who appeared from 12-4 p.m.
The event goes until 9 p.m. this evening and continues tomorrow and Sunday.
There are followers and then there are devoted Shelby disciples. Shelby fans have been eating, sleeping, breathing and dreaming all things Shelby since the 1950s and ‘60s, when the lanky Texan transitioned from winning races to building some of the most iconic cars in history.
Today, the Shelby world includes a charitable foundation, engine group, a food company and much, much more, giving Shelby followers plenty to read about. In an attempt to harness all of the news, updates, events and photos being generated by the Shelby machine, Carroll and his team at the Carroll Shelby Foundation have launched “Shelby Nation.”
Shelby Nation (ShelbyNation.com) is a virtual community for like-minded fans to meet and access all of the Shelby organizations in one fun, easy to use spot and celebrate Mr. Shelby’s high-octane lifestyle and philanthropic vision. It will even share Mr. Shelby’s personal thoughts, as well as push those comments out to his Facebook and Twitter accounts.
TPRM helped launch Shelby Nation and will be the gate keeper for all updates and information pumped through the new portal. Foundation director Jenni Shreeves is excited about what the new venture could bring both Shelby followers and all of the Shelby companies.
“Shelby Nation provides a platform for those who want to celebrate Carroll’s achievements and help solidify his place as an American icon,” said Shreeves. “That platform also allows us to communicate directly with all who support Carroll’s philanthropic vision. To sum it up, Shelby Nation is a passionate celebration by those who fearlessly seek the ultimate in speed, adventure, innovation and charity. A lifestyle epitomized for decades by Carroll Shelby.”
Click HERE to read the full press release.
Let’s get one thing straight. This year’s 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston is all about the cars. But much like the Houston AutoRamas of the 1960s, the Thanksgiving Weekend event (Nov. 26-29) offers something for everyone in the form of celebrity appearances and daredevil performers.
Leading the way this year will be pin-up model/writer Heidi Van Horne and actress Jennette McCurdy. Van Horne (above) is one of the most recognizable models in the hot rod world, as well as an accomplished writer and actress. Her weekly automotive column in the Houston Chronicle is a must read. Van Horne will appear from 12-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28.
McCurdy plays the rebellious and comedic “Sam Puckett” on the acclaimed kids TV show “iCarly.” Her previous TV credits include “Lincoln Heights,” “Will and Grace” and “Law and Order:SVU” among many others. McCurdy will greet fans and sign autographs on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
More information about the cars and stars of the O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston is available here.
Well, if you didn’t think putting some of the fastest (and best looking) Mustangs on the road (and track) was enough for Carroll Shelby, then how about some premium Carroll Shelby branded olive oil on the grocery store shelf?
That’s right, Carroll Shelby, through his new food company, Shelby Signature Foods, is introducing its first product with IDEA Foods Inc. The companies will offer a premium extra virgin olive oil to consumers in select retail stores under the “Shelby Signature Foods” brand within the next two months. A portion of sales will benefit charity.
TPRM was responsible for designing the bottle’s label, which features a photo of Carroll Shelby as well as his signature 289 Shelby Cobra.
If you’d like to:
1. Sell Carroll’s new olive oil you should call Jan Suessenguth at (215) 345-7696
2. Buy some of Carroll’s new olive oil visit www.ideafoodsinc.com for a list of retail stores carrying the olive oil
3. Have TRPM help you design your new product’s label call Aaron at (214) 520-3430
The full news release about the olive oil can be found here or here or even here. Check it out!
TPRM client Dream Garage USA has announced an innovative new leasing program for garage suites at their Dallas location. With very competitive pricing, the leases are designed to provide car collectors and enthusiasts with the option to access an upscale garage suite without a long term real estate commitment.
Dream Garage is a national group of luxury garage suites with secure, upscale, private automotive residencies for prized collections. Each Dream Garage will feature a high-end repair facility specializing in the maintenance and repair of exotic, luxury and classic automobiles. In addition, locations will include a Retail Plaza, shopping area and concierge services.
The program is being introduced at the flagship Dallas location near Love Field, which recently opened to the public. Leasing options for suites start at only $2,000 per month.
While interest and enthusiasm for Dream Garage is still high, many potential customers asked to lease a garage suite in lieu of purchasing one at this time. The new competitively priced lease option was created to provide that flexibility so collectors could still enjoy their vehicles in a premium location that is convenient to access within those constraints.
Construction recently was completed on the location, which made perfect timing for the new leasing program. Interest in Dream Garage retail space has also spiked over the past month. TPRM is beginning a marketing campaign that will include updates to the Web site, a news release, possible online video, e-newsletter and events to launch the new lease program. This holistic approach that combines traditional tactics with digital strategies will give the Dream Garage team the tools they need to turn prospects into customers.
In celebration of the 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston this Thanksgiving Weekend, Art Cars of Houston Inc. will host a “GlowoRama” parade on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 9 p.m. The illuminated art cars will travel down Avenida De Las Americas in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event will conclude with an “AfterGlow” party inside Hall A of the building. Street-side parade viewing is free, while GlowoRama VIP Balcony Viewing tickets and AfterGlow party tickets are available at www.GlowoRama.com.
Both the Houston AutoRama and Houston art cars are longstanding traditions in the Southwest and have attracted large followings. For the first time ever, gear heads from both groups will join forces to celebrate the hot rod culture.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston will take place Nov. 26-29 and is one of the largest and longest running indoor car shows in the United States. The event will feature a salute to the past five decades, as well as a stellar lineup of custom cars, motorcycles, racecars, tuners, trucks and family entertainment. The O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama is sanctioned by the International Show Car Association (ISCA).