HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Irwin Tools has announced the kick-off of the 2010 Ultimate Tradesman Challenge.
Irwin’s Ultimate Tradesman Challenge is a global competition where skilled tradesmen will perform a series of precise tasks in a race against the clock. Contestants will first use a pair of the company's GrooveLock pliers to remove two (2) pipe fittings from a qualifying channel. He/she will then use a square and pencil to mark three (3) lines on a standard 2” x 4” x 24” board, at pre-marked positions. Contestant will then slide the board into a cutting position, and securely clamps it to the work surface with an one-handed bar clamp. Contestants will then use a Universal Hand Saw to cut the board on the line previously marked. And finally, using a speed drill bit, contestants will drill two (2) holes in the board at the intersecting lines, unclamp the board, place the clamp on the competition cart, and puts the board in the qualifying channel. If the board fits accurately, the clock will automatically stop, and the challenge time will be noted. Speed; ability to remove pipe fittings; accurate marking; ability to clamp work securely; fast, straight cuts; and the ability to accurately drill holes are crucial to winning the challenge.
Visit www.irwin.com for details on the “task,” or to see a video of the challenge in action.
North American Kick-Off at Bristol Motor Speedway
The 2010 North American Irwin Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge kicks off on Speed Channel’s Trackside from Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, March 19, followed by competitions taking place at the race track all weekend. After that, over 50 events will take place throughout North America.
All competitors who participate at local North American events will receive Irwin gear, and the winner with the top time of the day will walk away with a tool bag packed with tools, plus genuine Cat footwear. Twenty-four of the top tradesmen in the country will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Bristol Motor Speedway, where they will compete in the North American Ultimate Tradesman Challenge Championship on Friday, August 20, 2010, during the weekend of the inaugural Irwin Tools Night Race.
Not only will each competitor be treated to a VIP race weekend, but the North American Champion will win a year’s supply of Cat footwear and a custom Irwin Tools Mustang GT Premium Pace Car – the official pace car of the Irwin Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series event.
The North American Ultimate Tradesman will then advance to the World Finals in March of 2011, again at Bristol Motor Speedway, where six tradesmen from around the world will compete to become the Worldwide Irwin Tools Ultimate Tradesman. The tradesman with the top time will win the grand prize – a custom 2010 Irwin Ultimate Tradesman Challenge trophy and a chance to win $1 million.
For more information about the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge, including official rules and events near you, visit www.irwin.com.