Happy Birthday MOPAR

If you've owned a Chrysler, Dodge, JEEP, or Ram vehicle you should be familiar with the name MOPAR, which is a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobile's (FCA) responsible for providing the accessories and replacement parts utilized in customizing, servicing and repairing the cars, trucks, and minivans sold by the global automotive manufacturer.  Over the years MOPAR's role has evolved beyond just being an aftermarket parts provider to becoming the brand identity encompassing all aspects of post-purchase customer-care and repairs for FCA vehicle owners.  While many car manufacturers have spun-off and divested their internal parts supply operations (for example GM's became Delphi and Visteon was originally Ford automotive parts division), over the years FCA has enhanced the image and importance of MOPAR within its operations and with its customers.  MOPAR is celebrating a milestone year with 2017 being its 80th anniversary.  Happy birthday MOPAR!

MOPAR (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) originated on August 1, 1937, as the name of the antifreeze used in Chrysler's cars. MOPAR has since evolved over 80 years to serve as the total service, parts and customer-care brand of all FCA vehicles around the globe.  That change came in a variety of phases though.  First in the 1940's and 50's, MOPAR expanded beyond anti-freeze to incorporate other vehicle parts and products eventually representing Chrysler's entire aftermarket segment.

In the 1960's era of muscle cars, MOPAR began an association with car racing that continues today.  Chrysler engineers at that time were being specifically assigned to work on projects that would make the race cars the company was sponsoring faster on the track.  Of course Chrysler wanted the cars they were associated with to regularly be appearing in the winner circles of racing circuits as that provided the company's products with greater visibility and prestige.  Winning at the track meant improved sales in dealership showrooms of Chrysler vehicles. MOPAR's 426 HEMI® was the dominate engine on professional race circuits in the 1960's which led to the creation of the MOPAR Direct Connection racing products line which only supplied professional motor sports teams.  Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth vehicles became known as "MOPAR cars" based upon their HEMI engines and other specialty parts that were giving them an edge on the race track. So impressed was Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, known as the father of drag racing, he became a life-long brand ambassador of MOPAR products association with motor sport racing.

As fans began purchasing the Chrysler vehicles they were seeing competing on tracks, MOPAR opened up its line of specialty racing upgrades to the mass public.  Now anyone who who wanted to build a hot rod could have a "MOPAR car."  After a lull in popularity from the late 1980's through early 2000's, a cable television show helped revive enthusiasm for MOPAR with the auto racing and classic car crowd.  Taking up the mantle of brand ambassador from "Big Daddy" Garlits for a new generation of car buffs is Richard Rawlings.  Rawlings who is known for restoring derelict cars into incredible hot rods at his Dallas, Texas-based Gas Monkey Garage through the popular television show FAST N' LOUD is never one to miss touting the virtues of MOPAR products. You can catch FAST N' LOUD on cable television's Discovery Channel.

MOPAR's influence in motor sports declined a bit in the 1980s & '90s but it has continued to stay true to its DNA by continually supporting drag racers in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).  More recently the brand powered to back-to-back NHRA Pro Stock championships, in 2012-2013. MOPAR-sponsored Dodge Charger R/T fuel teams fielded by Don Schumacher Racing have also dominated the NHRA Funny Car class, claiming four championships in the last six years, and spearheading the capture of the NHRA Manufacturers Cup by the MOPAR and Dodge brands in 2016.

Embracing its racing heritage, MOPAR also reintroduced producing limited-edition high performance vehicles that utilize technology developed for use on race tracks the last ten years starting with the 2008 MOPAR Dodge Challenger Drag Pak. Based upon that vehicle selling out, in 2010,  the first of an ongoing series of limited-edition factory vehicles began with the MOPAR ’10 Challenger. These cars are modified at the factory with MOPAR parts and accessories creating some of the best 21st Century manufactured hot rods from a car manufacturer that you'll see. These cars have included the MOPAR’11 Charger, MOPAR ’12 300, MOPAR ’13 Dart, MOPAR ’14 Challenger, MOPAR ’15 Dodge Charger R/T and MOPAR ’16 Ram Rebel.  You don't want to challenge any of these cars to be the first through an intersection when you are stopped next to one at a red light!

Most of us won't be racing a "MOPAR car" on a race track or dragstrip but rather know MOPAR because it how FCA dealerships are branding their service departments now.  Consumers recognize MOPAR when it comes to getting an oil change or some sort of repair or other service need for their car.  In 2008, MOPAR unveiled its first Mopar Express Lane operation, a fast oil change and light service business model that would reshape how people viewed service visits to automotive dealerships. Quick turnaround, no appointments required and competitive pricing proved to be on target, and now there are more than 1,000 Mopar Express Lane operation in the United States.  I LIKE quick yet professional service and this move actually led me to begin going to the dealership for oil changes for my JEEP.  One of the aspects I've appreciated as a consumer when it comes to MOPAR parts that I wanted to mention as well concerns how they are engineered.   MOPAR products are created together with the same teams that craft factory-authorized specifications for FCA vehicles, where many competing brands outsource this work to outside vendors.

What started out as the name for antifreeze over 80 years has become one of the most trusted brands in the automotive industry.   Today, the MOPAR brand distributes more than 500,000 parts and accessories in over 150 markets. Plus it coordinates dealer service standards and provides tech support for FCA dealerships across the globe.  I was concerned when Fiat gained control of Chrysler that the company's American heritage would be eroded but if anything as part of FCA the MOPAR brand is expanding its influence within the overall company.  While MOPAR has had a nice ride over the last 80 years it looks like there is still a long road to go for this iconic automotive brand.

MOPAR will be celebrating its 80th birthday in a variety of ways throughout 2017.  Keep an eye out for announcements regarding limited-edition anniversary vehicles, 80th anniversary-themed service, parts and customer-care offers for customers, as well as special merchandise, events, celebrations and more.  For news and updates about MOPAR follow their Twitter account @OfficialMOPAR or visit mopar.com

Halloween Fun Runs

Fall is one of my favorite times to get outside and participate in running events because of its moderate temperatures, the brilliant coloring of the trees that decorates the Michigan landscape during this time of year, and there are always fun and interesting themed races going on -- especially revolving around Halloween.  There are races where participants are chased by zombies, fun runs where everyone is encouraged to wear a costume, events that have runners trick or treating along the route and others that are like taking a jog through an outdoor haunted house.  There is plenty of spooky fun to be had if you are up to running a 5K right before Halloween.

2016 MICHIGAN HALLOWEEN THEMED FUN RUNS:

Midland Zombies 5K Trail Run -- Saturday, October 15

Run through a 3 mile route through the trails of Midland's City Forest park trying to avoid a hoard of local middle school and high school kids who have been transformed for the day into flesh eating, human loving zombies.  Dodge the zombie-infected teenagers without them capturing the flags attached to your waist to win the race.

Headless Horseman 5K & Monster Mile -- Saturday October 22

Round up your family and friends to run this nighttime race through the sleepy streets of downtown Howell and into the shadows of Lakeview Cemetery dressed in costume as your favorite Halloween character.  Just one of the Halloween themed activities going on in the city that weekend as part of its The Legend of Sleepy Howell festival.

Waterford Coalition for Youth Zombie Run -- Saturday, October 22

Run through the scenic trails of Hess Hathaway Park and beware the zombies! They don't chase you in this fun run but they may scare you.  Runners are actually encouraged to dress up as zombies themselves and their are some awards for best costumes.  There may be a lot of zombies at this event but they won't interfere with you while running the race course.

Shepard Haunted Trail 5K -- Saturday, October 22

Run a haunted 5k trail after dark through the Shepard High School Cross Country Course which will be full of Halloween fun!  The woods will be filled with ghosts, goblins, zombies and other spooky things positioned throughout the course who will try to scare you out of your running shoes.  All entrants will receive a headlamp to wear as part of their registration to help them safely navigate the fun run route.

Troy Frightful 5K and 1K Pumpkin Family Fun Run -- Sunday October 23

All entrants are encourage to wear a costume.  All Pumpkin Run participants receive a pumpkin at the finish line.

Halloween Hustle -- Sunday, October 23

Support United Way with your entry fee for this race through the historic neighborhoods of Marshall, Michigan.  Costumes are optional but encouraged.

Costumed 5K Run and Monster Mile Fun Walk -- Sunday, October 23

Burn off some calories before you eat all of that Halloween candy and get extra use out of your awesome costumes with your family, friends, and neighbors. This event will make you laugh, smile and sweat all the way to the finish line at the Clinton Township Civic Center Trails and grounds.

Waterford Halloween Spooktacular -- Sunday, October 23

3 spooky themed events in one event - 1 Mile Fun Run; Wicked Witches 5K; Ghost & Goblins 5K, Run all three or just pick one or two of them to participate in.  Participants receive unique swag for each race they run at Waterford Oaks County Park.

Brown City Days Zombie 5K Run & Halloween Fest -- Saturday, October 29

Jack-O'-Lantern 5K & Kids' Pumpkin Patch Trick-or-Treat Fun Run - Saturday, October 29

This event's 10K provides a super natural challenge as participants run through wooded trails filled with obstructions and challenging terrain.  Race across floating and stationary superdecks, fields and a small stretch of road.  Be prepared to hurdle downed trees, wade through tall grass, and sludge through some mud.  The 5K is a slightly less strenuous course that pits runners against one another on a narrow trail.  For the kids are two options -- a 1/2 mile fun run or a two loop 1 Mile race.

Spooky Scarecrow 5K Run / Walk -- Saturday, October 29

Run through the beautiful backwoods of historic Almont Townships Orchards in a fun Halloween themed race.  Prizes for both Best Times and Best Costumes for event participants with cider and doughnuts provided at the finish line.

Trick-or-Trot 5K Run / Walk -- Saturday, October 29

Support the Meridian High School Band Department in this fun run/walk with prizes for best costumes, medals for top finishers, and t-shirts guaranteed for all participants registered by October 21, 2016 that takes place in Sanford, Michigan.

The Scare for CARE Halloween 5K  -- Sunday, October 30

A spooky fun run and walk taking place in Ann Arbor to help tackle a scary problem troubling many families --  substance abuse. Proceeds support CARE of Southeastern Michigan which has served as the area’s lead referral source for substance abuse treatment since 1977.  There are three options to choose from: Thrilling 5k, Mummy Mile, or Kids Monster Mash Dash.

The Scare for CARE 5K starts just before sunset, that spine-tingling interval between daylight and dark. Dress up as one of the ethereal spirits known to roam the earth at this hour or wear your favorite costume. Then run, walk, or creepily crawl our dusk-lit 3.1 miles, but beware: you never know what frightful sights conceal themselves along the course, just waiting to provide even more hair-raising fun to your race!

For those guys and ghouls who prefer a less eerie distance, we offer up the Mummy Mile. Ideal for those seeking a spirited sprint, the Mummy Mile is also perfect for walkers, for families and fiends, and especially for younger participants, who can trick-or-treat along the way at our Candy Aid Stations, manned our friendly, non-frightening cast of characters.

Our littlest wizards and witches can enjoy a fun run all their own: the Monster Mash Dash! Open to competitors ages 8 and under, the Monster Mash Dash features a kid-friendly 100-meter sprint leading to the very same finish line that Mummy and Daddy will cross.

Wicked Halloween Run -- Sunday, October 30

Earn a fantastic glow-in-the-dark finisher medal by participating in the largest Halloween Run in the state. It promises to be a wicked good time! Costumes are encouraged and there is a contest that rewards the most ghoulishly dressed. A great event that starts and finishes from Plymouth's Kellogg Park that includes 10K, 5K and 1 Mile options to participate in.

Fun Runs / Walks are a great opportunity to get outside for some exercise, experience an out of the ordinary activity, and often times support the fundraising efforts of a charitable or community group.  Is there a Halloween running event near you that is fun to participate in?  If you don't know there are a multitude of online running directories that provide a calendar of events taking place either regionally, state-wide, or locally.  Lace up your sneakers and get out there if you can! Just don't let the zombies bite!