Bob Hitchcock (left) and Rowan Pennink (Photos: Kelly Iverson & RaceDayCT)
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Rowan Pennink and longtime racing team owner Bob Hitchcock have proved themselves to be a great team when it comes to finding success on the racetrack in Modified racing.
Now the pair is hoping to bring that flair for success together to the business of racing.
Pennink and Hitchcock recently partnered to buy the former Independent Wheel of Webster, Mass., which had previously been owned by Ron Vigeant.
The company provides racing wheels to a host of different racing levels and track divisions across the Northeast.
Pennink won a championship driving at Stafford Motor Speedway driving for the SK Modified team owned by Hitchcock and Kelly Iverson. The group has also worked together on the Whelen Modified Tour.
Their new company, which will be known as Independent Wheels Inc., will be based in both Charlton, Mass. and New Egypt, N.J. and is prepared to handle customers immediately.
“We’ve been trying since November to get this thing going and it just took this long to come to terms and get it to where it had to be,” Hitchcock said. “We’re just trying to get ourselves in order so when people call we’re not inundated with stuff. It’s a good product. I’ve been with Ronnie since he opened it. It just needs a little better management and inventory control.”
Iverson will also serve in the ownership group.
“I think it’s going to be a good thing,” Pennink said. “I’m excited about working with Bob and Kelly on this business. I’m looking forward to providing people with good service with wheels. It’s going to be a little hectic at first because we’re trying to set things up here while race season is about to start, but once we get things going and get things established I think it’s going to be a good deal for us.”
Iverson said the new company is looking to do their best to swiftly connect with previous customers and new customers.
“We are looking to reach out to previous Independent Wheel customers on their customer needs,” Iverson said. “Independent Wheels’ office sustained roof water damager over the winter causing computers and paperwork to be destroyed. We are not looking for customers to order, but would like to know existing customers’ wheel specs so when they are ready to order we have the stock available to manufacture their wheels.”
Those looking to contact the company now can email at [email protected] or call 508-671-0036.
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