Echo Outdoor Power Equipment signs on as Series Presenting Sponsor
The American Speed Association Midwest Tour is proud to announce the addition of Echo Outdoor Power Equipment as the Series Presenting Sponsor and official supplier of outdoor power equipment for 2007 and beyond.
For the past 30 years, Echo, Inc. has been a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of professional-grade hand-held outdoor power equipment. Producing hand-held landscaping equipment for both the commercial and residential homeowner markets, Echo prides itself on setting the industry standard with its dedication to new technology, quality products and its strong distribution infrastructure. From establishing technological advancements in premium tools for landscaping and arborist professionals, to expanding its capabilities to meet industrial and consumer demand, Echo has had a heritage rich with accomplishment. Echo, having enjoyed major success over the past three decades, looks forward to continued achievement for many years to come.
Echo, Inc. was founded in Northbrook, Ill., in 1972 as Kioritz Corporation of America, and was officially established under its present name in 1978. Echo was originally an importer of high-performance 2-cycle engines and 2-stroke, engine-powered hand-held products for Kioritz Corporation of Japan, but its foray into the engineering and manufacturing of products would be an important first step for the company. In 1979, Echo began initial production and assembly operations in a Wheeling, Ill., facility, and produced its first lawn care product in the USA, the GT-200 Grass Trimmer.
Soon after, Echo broadened its product offerings to include chain saws, straight shaft trimmers and brushcutters, backpack and hand-held blowers, grass trimmers and hedge clippers. In 1984, Echo Power Equipment Canada was created as a branch of Echo, Inc., and in 1985, Echo established its present-day U.S. corporate headquarters in Lake Zurich, Ill. In addition to its headquarters, Echo's Lake Zurich location also houses a manufacturing facility, which was expanded by 60,000 square feet in 1988 to meet increasing consumer demand.
“We are excited about the direction that the American Speed Association Midwest Tour is going, and we are happy to bring this opportunity to our dealers” stated Jerry Kobza, Marketing Manager for Golden Eagle Distributing. “The American Speed Association has a rich tradition in motor sports and we look forward to a long term relationship with the series” He added.
Echo Outdoor Power Equipment manufactures the most complete line of hand-held outdoor power products, and meets the toughest standards set by the EPA for engine durability. All Echo products come with a five-year consumer warranty. Echo’s slogan, “Tough Guys Need Tough Tools” fits perfectly with the American Speed Association series teams, added Kobza.
“I can’t even express how happy we are to have Echo Outdoor Power Equipment on board with the Tour”, stated Einhaus. “This relationship will catapult the Tour to the top of it’s game and will help us create the solid infrastructure that we need to be number one in the short track industry”, He added. Tour President Tim Olson adds, “Signing Echo Outdoor Power Equipment solidifies our goals for years to come”. “Their product line and its durability is phenomenal, and that fits perfectly with our plans for success” Olson concluded.
ASA Racing President Dennis Huth added, “I am very excited about this relationship because Echo is a pioneer in the industry and is constantly moving forward with innovative thinking, which parallels the long term plans for the Daytona based American Speed Association and the Midwest Tour”.
As an edition to the Series Presenting Sponsorship, Echo Outdoor Power Equipment will sponsor the “Pole Award” at each Midwest Tour race. The Pole Award winner will be presented with a piece of Echo Power equipment (Chainsaw, Blower, Trimmers etc) on track at each series event. Echo will also present the series Champion, Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved Driver with Echo Equipment at the Championship Banquet.
To find out more about Echo Outdoor Power Equipment or to find a dealer near you please visit their website at www.echo-usa.com