Alan Gustafson, Crew Chief for #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, Named MOOG 'Problem Solver of the Race' at Phoenix -

Alan Gustafson, Crew Chief for #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, Named MOOG ‘Problem Solver of the Race’ at Phoenix

Alan Gustafson, crew chief for Mark Martin and the #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, was named NASCAR MOOG "Problem Solver of the Race" after the #5 car roared from the back of the field to finish 8th in Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup event at Phoenix International Raceway.

Alan Gustafson, crew chief for Mark Martin and the #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, was named NASCAR MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” after the #5 car roared from the back of the field to finish 8th in Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup event at Phoenix International Raceway.

Sponsored by global automotive supplier Federal-Mogul Corporation, the MOOG Problem Solver of the Race Award is presented to the crew chief whose car delivers the largest increase in average lap speed during the second half of each Sprint Cup event while finishing on the lead lap. The Hendricks Motorsports-owned #5 Chevrolet posted a race-high 0.134-second-per-lap improvement at PIR.

“Alan and the Hendrick Motorsports crew did a lot of work on the car after a frustrating qualifying session, and it obviously paid off in both speed and handling,” said Federal-Mogul Motorsports Director Tim Nelson. “Alan made the right calls in adjusting the car’s MOOG-equipped chassis to match the changing track conditions. In fact, we could see the car improve after every pit stop. That’s MOOG problem solving at its very best.”

Martin and the #5 car picked up 13 spots over the first 100 laps and cracked the top 10 by lap 209. It was the team’s second straight top-10 finish.

MOOG steering and suspension components are the leading choice of crew chiefs and automotive repair professionals. The unique benefits of MOOG components and other Federal-Mogul products are highlighted in the company’s innovative "Smart Choice" campaign, which reinforces the message that longer lasting, better performing replacement parts are today’s best option for technicians and consumers.

For additional information regarding MOOG chassis parts, please visit the brand’s technician-focused www.moogproblemsolver.com website or contact your MOOG supplier. To learn more about the Federal-Mogul “Smart Choice” campaign, simply visit www.FMSmartChoice.com.

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The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

By Joe Marconi of Elite
Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track
all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue,
other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.
Here are a few things to consider:
• The loss of time when performing the comeback; time that the tech can use to
perform other work and generate profit;
• The misc costs, such as overhead costs, supplies, cleaners, etc.;
• Towing costs, rental, etc.;
• Cost to morale;
• Reputation damage; and
• Reduction to your profit margin.
For every part issue, you need to
inform your supplier. Sit down with suppliers on a regular basis. Don’t return defective
parts until you have listed the parts, and maintain a report. Document
everything.
Part issues are increasing. Every shop
owner I speak to is frustrated over this.
Remember, comebacks kill your bottom
line. The more comebacks you have, the more they’re killing your profits.
This article was contributed by Joe Marconi.
Joe is one of the 1-on-1 business coaches who helps shop owners through
the Elite Coaching Program, and is the
co-founder of autoshopowner.com.

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