The Race Group

Congratulations to Wayne, who heads up Castrol PTU workshop Hed-Tec, on winning his regional rally championship and is progressing to nationals, along with his new car to compete at the top level 🏆 Huge achievement to end the year!

What a year it’s been for the Automechanika UK team! From successfully hosting the second UK Garage and Bodyshop Event to navigating a packed social calendar that could rival any socialite’s, it’s been non-stop action. Connecting with so many incredible people throughout the year has been a highlight—though the number of award ceremonies might have me questioning my drinking habits! 🎄As we wrap up the year and gear up for the biggest automotive aftermarket and supply chain event in the UK, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 🎅 Here’s to another exciting year ahead with this amazing team in this fantastic industry. Bring on Automechanika Birmingham 2025, and the rest of the automotive industry’s calendar! Rachel Marshall, Imogen Pelham, Nicola Heath, Alex Jones, Aggie Pounds, Nick Craig Waller, Rebecca Pinner, Simon Albert IAAF, Mark Field, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tommie Owens, Ben Automotive Industry Charity, Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Frankfurt, Independent Garage Association, Bodyshop Magazine (Plenham Ltd) NBRA / VBRA, Women In Automotive, The Race Group/Castrol, LKQ Europe, CAT (Car Aftermarket Trader), The Blend, National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), Autogem Invicta Ltd AUTO BODY PROFESSIONALS CLUB LIMITED

As you know, the first ever Castrol Service Conference is being held on 21st March 2025, and for a limited time only, Castrol will be paying for your room! 🎅🏽🎁 A Christmas present from us!! We’re giving you the chance to WIN a luxury weekend break at Celtic Manor Resort! ⛳️ ✨ All you need to do is register for the conference by 31st January and you’ll be automatically entered into the prize draw! Register now using the link below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/er7dkVfQ

Episode 18 of the On The Ramp podcast now released on all major platforms! Driven to Succeed - Edward Cockill's Inspiring story. Edward Cockill of Uckfield Motor Services joins myself and Nathan to discuss his journey from motorsport aspirations to managing and growing a thriving family business. Learn about the challenges of expanding into commercial services, balancing innovation with tradition, and navigating the ever-changing automotive landscape. This episode is kindly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group https://linktw.in/SluOMG #automotiveindustry #automotiveaftermarket #ontheramppodcast #GarageOwner

🚗 Why modern vehicles demand High-Spec oil with OEM approvals 🛢️ Modern vehicle engines are so delicate these days. With advancements like turbocharging, direct injection, and hybrid technologies, modern engines deliver more power, efficiency, and lower emissions. Unfortunately, these advancements come with a price, the need for high-spec, formulated engine oils. 1️⃣ Complex engine designs Modern engines operate under higher pressures and temperatures, with tighter tolerances. They require an oil, that not only reduces wear, transfers heat efficiently around the engine, but also handle harsh conditions without breaking down. 2️⃣ Emission control systems CATS, PPF & DPFs, and other emissions technologies are sensitive to the additives in engine oil. Using oil without proper OEM approval can lead to premature failure, expensive repairs, and invalidate the vehicles warranty. 3️⃣ Fuel economy. OEMs strive to improve fuel efficiency, recently often specifying low-viscosity oils to reduce friction. We’re now all seeing 0W-20 (mainly in a C5 ACEA) hit the market, even lowering the grades down to 0W-16 and 0W-8 in some instances. High-spec oils maintain performance without compromising protection, even in lower grade formulations. 4️⃣ Manufacturer specific requirements. OEM approvals aren’t just marketing tactics, they indicate the oil has been rigorously tested to exceed specific standards. Using oil without the required approval can invalidate a customers warranty. Suitable/Recommended/Meets the requirements = NO OEM approval 🛠️ When it’s time for an oil change, don’t cut corners. Check your owner’s manual or the Castrol oil look up for the required specifications and choose a trusted oil brand that exceeds those standards. Sorry to drag on, but I will leave you with this: Would you use non tested steering/suspension components to a customers vehicle? Then why would you do the same with oil 👍 #castrol #garage #lubricants #oil #aftermarket #car #engineoil

The complete Castrol EDGE range is designed to unlock the true performance of your engine when you need it most! This week our product series focuses on Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL Predominantly a German grade, but covering 33% of the overall car parc (2010-2024), Castrol EDGE with Fluid TITANIUM physically transforms its structure, becoming strongest at points of extreme pressure, keeping metal apart and reducing performance robbing friction by 20%. When the pressure subsides, the oil reverts to its free flowing state. ACEA C3 BMW Longlife-04 MB-Approval 229.31/229.51 Porsche C30 VW 504 00/507 00 Warranted by Castrol to be completely suitable for use in vehicles where the following specifications apply: VW 505 00/505 01 #EDGE #castroledge

This year Certas Energy pledged to match up to £500 in sponsorship funds raised by employees for Movember challenges, doubling the impact of every effort, whether it was growing a moustache, taking on a challenge or hosting a fundraiser. The Race Group’s Richard Gardiner raised an incredible £293 through his personal campaign, ‘Growing a tash to raise some cash.’ Here’s what @rich.castrol had to say about his experience 👇🏼 “I wanted to raise money this year for Movember, having done it a few years prior. It’s a great charity that allows you to raise money and awareness of a few different aspects. I chose to raise awareness of make suicide and mental health. Being a mental health first aider myself, I feel it is important to be an open and approachable person. I also want to remove the negative stigma around ‘talking about it.’ If anyone is having a hard time? I’d like to this that I can help in some way. Thanks to Certas for offering to match the amount raised for Movember! Totalling £586 is in my eyes a worthy achievement!”

🚨 Limited spots left on our next 'At Ease With EV' courses! 🚨 If you're a garage owner or technician with IMI Level 2, 3, or 4 qualifications, this is your chance to gain invaluable EV servicing and repair skills from industry leaders. 📅 Upcoming Dates: Saturday, 18th January 2025 Saturday, 29th March 2025 💷 Investment: £295 + VAT per delegate Includes: Lunch, refreshments, and a CPD certificate. 🌟 Why Attend? It's held at the award-winning Cleevely EV workshop in Cheltenham, led by Matt Cleevely AAE MIMI, a trailblazer in EV servicing, and technical trainer Alistair Finch CAA AAE MIMI MD of Cotswolds Training and ATA Ltd. You’ll leave with the confidence and expertise to meet the growing demand for EV servicing and repairs. Places are limited and selling fast, so don’t wait! Secure your spot today and take the first step toward mastering EVs. 👉 Link to find out more about training in comments 👇 #ElectricVehicleTraining #EVTraining #ElectricCarRepairs #ElectricVehicles #AutomotiveIndustry #VehicleTechnicians #GarageOwner #IndependentGarages #IndependentGarage #AutomotiveAftermarket

✅ No more app hopping or endless tabs! With our seamless Castrol Look-Up Feature, you can instantly find the right Castrol oils and products for any vehicle—all within Garage Hive. See how to set it up here 👉 https://loom.ly/b-tj1mg The Race Group #Integration #GarageOwners #IndependentGarages #AutomotiveAftermarket #BusinessImprovement #GarageHive #GarageManagement #Innovation #GarageTech #GMS #GarageManagementSystem

Why should you join us at the first ever Castrol Service Conference?! ✨ We’ll have all the Strategy & Insights on future offers, digital marketing and fleet business growth as well as 13 of our key partners at our exhibition ✨ We’ll be celebrating you with a gala dinner and awards hosted by a very special guest ✨ You can enjoy the Celtic Manor as for a limited time, Castrol will be paying for your room when you use a discount code, just ask for it from Race! Register now at the link below: https://lnkd.in/er7dkVfQ