Fort Worth, TX- The ParkerStore teams of Jimmy Mars and Donny Schatz made a couple of stops at Parker Hannifin’s manufacturing and warehouse facilities while they were competing at the nearby Texas Motor Speedway dirt track facility.

Jimmy Mars made a stop in Mansfield, TX. The team displayed the car and hauler in a parking lot between the Parker Service Center and the Mansfield Hose Plant. Due to the rainy weather, the team decided to move the car inside the plant so everyone could get a closer look. The hose plant manufactures the Teflon hose that is used in both the Aerospace and Industrial Markets.

The Mars team uses the Parflex Division’s 919 and 929 hose products from this plant for the gage, clutch and brake lines on all of their cars.

Shadrach Nanney and Rick Deiss gave the team a complete tour of the facility and an opportunity to see the different processes that are required to manufacture the stainless braided hose. "After seeing everything they’ve got to do to make this hose, it’s no wonder it is so expensive," said Jimmy Mars.

Mars went on to win the Albertson’s Spring Challenge later in the week. This was his first win on the UDTRA circuit.

Donny Schatz and company brought their car and hauler to the Stratoflex Aerospace facility in Fort Worth. The team had a nice sunny and warm day to showcase their team.

The showing was very successful, as a large number the employees had a chance to meet Donny and get an autograph. Many of the employees took this opportunity to purchase some of Donny’s new racing merchandise as well as the limited edition diecast.

Chris Burnett guided the group on a tour of the aerospace facility, and pointed out the extensive testing and quality control that goes into the products that are manufactured for this market. "I am amazed every time I go through one of these Parker plants, stated Donny Schatz. I just can’t believe all of the different markets that Parker is involved in."

The employees were truly interested in checking out the team’s equipment. "I really enjoyed meeting Donny and his crew during their visit here," said Stratoflex employee Cheryl Simms. "It was great to view the car up close, talk to the people who actually work on the cars, and view the wonderful hauler. Thanks for the opportunity for our division employees to see the racing world up-close and personal. We would like to wish Good luck to Donny in 2001!"

Schatz went on to finish eighth on Thursday night, and tenth on Friday night. The action on Friday night was covered live on TNN.

(Article and photos by John Strand and Bill Klingbeil)