Extreme driving conditions are part of the job at the helm of the WIX Filters dually pulling the famed WIX H2. The WIX H2 and its driver, who is known across the country as Hummer Bob, tour the continental United States and Canada meeting WIX customers’ ­customers from the peaks of Estes Park in Colorado to the Upper Peninsula of Seney, MI.

The WIX H2 is hauled from town to town by a 2006 Dodge Ram to keep miles and maintenance costs low to ensure it operates at full ­efficiency. The Ram traveled approximately 50,000 miles in 2012 and is on track to surpass this mileage in 2013 with 185 events across the United States and Canada. The WIX H2 mobile marketing program is tracking to eclipse the half-million mark since its inception in 2004.

The WIX dually is serviced every 8,000 miles to 10,000 miles with Schaeffer’s Supreme 7000 Synthetic Plus Engine Oil and a WIX Filters XP filter, part of the XP line of high premium oil filters engineered to withstand the toughest of driving conditions and scientifically designed to maximize the performance of synthetic motor oils.

“A big part of maintenance is focusing on your driving conditions,” said Bob Kreps, or Hummer Bob. “One day I could be driving in high humidity to cold conditions to a dry environment within a week – there are many extreme driving conditions that determine the maintenance of the dually and the Hummer. It is important that I track the driving conditions as well as fuel quality between each service so the technician can adjust the maintenance plan accordingly.”

The 2005 Hummer has logged about 43,000 miles and is serviced every six months at the Richard Petty Driving Experience Mobile Marketing’s corporate office in Concord, NC, during breaks on the road. The Ram’s miles clock in with 318,000 miles towing 19,720 pounds to each event and runs through approximately eight filters and ninety-six quarts of oil annually.

The WIX H2 and Ram are fully equipped with WIX oil, air, fuel and cabin air filters. In addition, the WIX H2 features interactive displays where customers can see and feel the quality difference in a WIX filter.

“Hummer Bob hauled the WIX H2 to almost 1,500 events over the past nine years at auto part stores, distributors, trade shows and races,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “It is really exciting to see our mobile marketing program be such a hit and the attachment people from across the United States and Canada have with the WIX H2.”

Traveling to unique destinations and meeting ­customers aren’t the only perks of job. Hummer Bob has met a handful of celebrities while traveling, ­including Kid Rock, Blake Shelton and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland.

“I’m honored to be part of the WIX mobile marketing program since it was launched nine years ago,” he said. “I couldn’t think of a job that is more perfect for me. I love meeting new people and exploring every city I visit. Watching the program grow is a true testament to the WIX brand and the customers that share in the program’s success.”

Richard Petty Driving Experience
Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) currently services more than 100 stock cars for student/passenger programs and 80 production vehicles utilized for client/student activity, ranging from modern muscles cars, including a Ford Shelby Mustang and Dodge Challenger SRT, to niche vehicles, including Fiat, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The Mobile Marketing Division, created in 1999, has a staff of 17 employees who manage transportation and on-site events for clients whose specialty vehicles and stock car programs travel around the country. The team manages approximately 1,000 events each year logging about 400,000 miles.

“WIX mobile marketing is by far the most heavily traveled mobile marketing program we service,” said Glenn Tingen, director of Richard Petty Driving Experience Mobile Marketing. “We are proud to be a part of the program’s success and are look forward to many years to come working as partners.”

This past year, WIX expanded its mobile marketing program by adding the Richard Petty Dodge Challenger with 100 events in 2013. The mobile ­marketing program increased its event presence by 54% with a total 285 events in 2013.

The WIX H2 and Petty Challenger’s adventures are chronicled with photos and videos through Facebook (www.facebook.com/wixfilters), Twitter (@wixfilters) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/thewixfilters). The WIX H2 and Challenger’s event schedule can also be found at www.facebook.com/wixfilters.