Meet and Greet
The week began with an employee meet and greet event at Bennett’s McDonough, GA Home office, only 15 minutes from the speedway. Employees enjoyed lunch from Shane’s Rib Shack and got to see the Richard Childress Racing Hauler carrying the backup cars for the #2 and #21 teams. On the side of the hauler is the largest Bennett logo currently on the open road. Driven by Ricky Simmons, with the CB handle “Speedball”, the Bennett Transportation & Logistics car hauler is a spectacle at truck stops and out on the open road.
“People stop me all the time and tell me what a sharp looking hauler we have. A lot of people wonder what it is, especially with that big logo on it…especially at the truck stops.”
Ricky Simmons, RCR Hauler driver for the #21 car
Austin Hill had a break in his “work week” before his Xfinity practice sessions, so he came out to meet Bennett employees and truck drivers in front of the hauler. Employees had a chance to shake hands with Austin, ask questions about his experiences as a race car driver, and get a personalized signed autograph “hero card”. Austin was relaxed and humble as he signed hundreds of autographs and took pictures with everyone. Especially meaningful was his time toward the end of the session when he visited every building on Bennett’s campus to thank employees for their support.
Debut of the #21 “Drive Like a Winner” Recruiting Van
One of the goals of the Bennett racing sponsorship is to recruit new truck drivers to the Bennett Family of Companies. Our recruiting van that was wrapped after Austin’s thrilling Daytona victory showed up at Bennett for the first time. The combination of Austin’s racing image and Bennett’s vast trucking opportunities creates a compelling attraction for prospective drivers who would engage with Bennett at truck shows and “Fan Zone’s at tracks during the racing season. Employees and Austin himself enjoyed the design of the new van.
Race Day Saturday, March 19
A full contingent of Bennett employees, drivers, customers, agents and friends came to Atlanta to be a part of the experience – totaling more than 160 people throughout the 2 days. During the morning, Bennett had a booth in the Fan Zone at Atlanta Motor Speedway. There, the Bennett Heavy & Specialized “Afghanistan 13 Fallen” Tribute Trailer was positioned next to the recruiting van. The general public and prospective truck drivers got to see all that it means to be a part of the Bennett Family. At 2pm Austin Hill made an appearance at the booth to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. The race world is beginning to take notice of the successful driver wearing the Bennett blue #21.
Almost a Win for Austin Hill in the Nalley Cars 250
When the racing began shortly after 5pm on the brand new surface of Atlanta Motor Speedway, it was anybody’s race. By the time sunset approached, it was the #21 of Austin Hill, using his patient yet aggressive racing style that had catapulted him to first place. The entire Bennett Family was cheering for Austin as multiple cautions had Austin Hill on the brink of victory. In the end it was not to be as Ty Gibbs rocketed to victory on the last restart of overtime, but our hero, Austin Hill had already cemented his place in the hearts of the Bennett Family of Companies. This is going to be a #21 year, Austin Hill came out on top for race fans in Georgia and the trucking industry. Next is COTA, and we all are screaming GO AUSTIN!
Ricky Simmons, Bennett Hauler Driver
Harold Griffith from Bennet with Austin Hill
Shane's Rib Shack provides lunch for Bennett Employees
Bennett Austin Hill #21 Xfinity Series Hauler from Richard Childress Racing
Bennett Meet and Greet with Austin Hill
Austin Hill with Bennett employees celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Austin Hill with the Bennett Recruiting Van "Drive Like a Winner"
Austin Hill with the Bennett Recruiting Van "I Drive For Speed" "We Drive for Safety"
The Bennett "Afghanistan Fallen 13 tribute trailer" and the recruiting van at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Austin Hill makes the day of a young race fan
The Bennett Transportation & Logistics booth in the Fan Zone at Atlanta Motor Speedway
The Bennett Transportation & Logistics #21 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway
The Bennett Transportation & Logistics #21 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Alicia Echols and Husband enjoy the race
Heather Hill and Family enjoy the race
Marcia and Mike Taylor enjoy meeting Austin Hill and Richard Childress
Katlyn and Noah Foulks and kids with Austin Hill
Lynette Mathis, Richard Childress (holding Bennett trailer model) and Marcia Taylor
Marcia Taylor and Austin Hill
Three generations of women leaders at Bennett with Richard Childress and Austin Hill
Sun setting on the Nalley Cars 250 with Austin Hill in the lead