Tony Stewart’s #14 Chevrolet Impala makes some noise for Roxborough’s green car wash

If you didn’t come out to see award-winning NASCAR driver Tony Stewart’s race car on display on Ridge Ave. over the weekend, then you probably, at least, heard the car engine’s thundering growl.

“It was loud!” said Mayor Michael Nutter, who stopped by the new All Seasons Car Wash and Lube at 6722 Ridge Ave. to check out the hot rod. “When I heard that, I imagined what it must be like down on the track level with 40-some odd cars going around. It’s gotta really be loud, but that’s what it’s about, it’s about the power.”

The car made a pit stop in Roxborough to promote All Seasons’ environmentally-friendly car wash, explained Jack McGovern, who is co-owner of All Seasons.

“We wanted to be with NASCAR. And I said, ‘I wanted to have the Ryan Howard of NASCAR.’ And, everybody here knows who Ryan Howard is – and so Tony Stewart is the Ryan Howard of NASCAR,” McGovern said.

Mayor Nutter touted McGovern’s company as the first all-green car wash in America.  

The company uses a water reclamation system which recovers 85 percent of the used water. This water is later treated for pollutants, and then reused. Because of these measures, the car wash is able to use 50 percent less water than traditional car washes. Biodegradable soaps and oil-free polishes are also exclusively used at the shop. 

The green-thumb business created 35 jobs in the area. But what made the most noise on Saturday’s event was the muscle behind Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet Impala.

“The engine breaks sound barriers just going down the street. They’re just touching the gas, they’re not even revving it as loud as it really can get to,” said Brian Domergue, who works at All Seasons.

“It was cool to hear; you realize how fast that car can really go!” added Annette McGovern, who also works at the car wash.

Eight-year-old Elaina DiClemenete took advantage of the opportunity to take pictures with the real NASCAR whip. 

“It’s got lots of stickers all over it!” DiClemenete said after posing for her picture with the car, referring to the barrage of company sponsors plastered all over the car.

Fourth District Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. also stopped by. The near-100 degree weather was too hot for him to get into Stewart’s car- which doesn’t have air conditioning- but he enjoyed playing a simulated NASCAR arcade game, even though he lost.

“It was exhilarating! It lets me know emphatically that I chose the right profession. I am not NASCAR material. I’m an admirer, and that’ll be it!” he said.

Editor’s note: After the original piece was posted, we added some information to explain why this business qualifies as a green car wash.