In auction news this week, ARI honored Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction as one of its leading providers, and Manheim announced it is once again sponsoring The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to support Victory Junction — a camp created to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

First up, for the second time in four years, Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction has been named a leading provider in its region for fleet company ARI.

ARI’s Vehicle Remarketing program awards auctions every day for outstanding performance in tasks such as days to pick up, condition reports, retention and more.

ARI chose Louisiana 1st Choice Auto Auction on “both quantified statistical performance and superior customer service skills in the handling of their account,” the auction reported.

“We were thrilled to learn that we led our region for ARI in 2014, and I share this award with all the hard-working members of our staff here at Louisiana’s 1st Choice,” said John Poteet, managing partner at the auction. “We are fortunate to have an auction team that that not only takes pride in their work but shows innovation and creativity on the job along with a determination to make our customers happy.  Their efforts produce excellent results for ARI week in and week out, and are directly responsible for our distinction as ARI’s 2014 Auction of the Year in Region 5.”

The auction has been handling vehicles for ARI since May of 2008, and has ranked among the top three auctions in its region consistently, and won the same award in back in 2011.

The auction is preparing to celebrate its 13th anniversary, and Poteet reported the auction continues to attract larger larger consignments and more buyers to the auction lanes.  

In fact, the company is adding two additional lanes to meet the growth; they are scheduled to be open for operation by April.

A new detail and condition report writing operations center will open simultaneously with the new lanes, as well.

“Attendance at Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction has increased every year since we opened our doors in 2002, with a 10 percent increase over last year’s numbers alone,” said Poteet.  “Our mission is to provide our valued customers with superior customer service that exceeds their expectations, and the Auction of the Year Award with ARI, coupled with increased activity in the auction lane, indicates that our efforts are being recognized.”

Manheim to Sponsor Kyle Petty Charity Ride

Manheim announced this week it will once again serve as presenting sponsor for The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, scheduled for May 2 through May 8.

NBC Sports NASCAR analyst and former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty will lead 200 motorcyclists along the 2,500 mile-route, stretching from Santa Cruz, Calif. to Branson, Mo., to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction — a camp created to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

“Each year, we select a route that’s full of breathtaking scenery, while also allowing us to spread the word and build excitement around our mission along the way,” said Petty. “Year after year, the Ride creates lasting memories for our riders, most importantly, it provides life-changing opportunities for children at Victory Junction.”

The 2015 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Schedule is as follows:

• Day 1, Saturday, May 2 – Santa Cruz, Calif. to Bakersfield, Calif. 
• Day 2, Sunday, May 3 – Bakersfield, Calif. to Tonopah, Nev. 
• Day 3, Monday, May 4 – Tonopah, Nev. to Bryce Canyon, Utah
• Day 4, Tuesday, May 5 – Bryce Canyon, Utah to Moab, Utah
• Day 5, Wednesday, May 6 – Moab, Utah to Colorado Springs, Colo. 
• Day 6, Thursday, May 7 – Colorado Springs, Colo. to Hutchinson, Kan.
• Day 7, Friday, May 8 – Hutchinson, Kan. to Branson, Mo.

The ride has helped send 7,815 children to Victory Junction at no cost to their families.

“When Kyle started this Ride 21 years ago, I don’t think any of us realized just how special it would become,” said Kyle’s father Richard Petty. “Riding across our beautiful country on two wheels with great friends and family is incredible, but knowing you’re doing it to help others makes it the ride of a lifetime.”

To follow Kyle Petty and the riders live, visit www.facebook.com/KPCharityRide, or on Twitter and Instagram, @KPCharityRide.