By: Bethany Joy Riddle, Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, June 2008

It’s not the traditional black and white limousine service. Rather, this limo has a bit of a race streak.

Gary and Karen Davis are the operators and owners of Racing Limos of the Tri-Cities, a franchise. ”We own the Tri-Cities market and we service Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and all the surrounding areas,” Gary said.

According to the company website, Racing Limos began in 2002 and has been franchising since 2003. Looking for a business to settle into for retirement, the husband and wife team searched this franchise opportunity and decided to buy in.” We were approved for the franchise in December … and bought into the Franchise in January,” he said.

Racing Limos offers all the amenities that a traditional limousine service offers and is the first and the only racing-themed limousine in the Tri-Cities and the surrounding area, Gary said. The 26-foot custom Dodge Charger is designed to look like a racing stock card with race numbers and decaled sponsorships. The limousine is equipped with four flat-screened televisions, a PlayStation II, surround sound Sirius satellite radio and fiber optic and strobe lighting.

“It looked like a fun concept, it was something very unique to the area and anything new to this area is certainly a hit. I mean look at the tremendous success of Sonic,” Gary said.

Racing Limos charges $110 an hour; however for multiple hours here is an adjustable rate. For example, a child’s birthday party costs $175.00 for two hours, Gary said.

Projected annual gross income is around $50,000. and initial investment costs were $26,500 for the franchise fee and $60,000. for the vehicle purchase, Gary said.

As like Nascar Racing Limos of Tri-Cities provides local and corporate businesses with marketing opportunities through mobile advertising partnerships. Fast Signs is one of the sponsors of this limo and does all the vehicle graphics. Other sponsors include Eagle Printing & Graphics Design, Harvey Montieth Insurance and the TRAC Center.

“The one thing about Nascar fans is they’re very loyal to their sponsors. Just about any Nascar fan could tell you what sponsors are on each car. “I’m hoping that that philosophy remains true with us – as people see our car, they’re going to start using our sponsors,” Gary said.

And more sponsors are needed. “We like to say that every white space on that car is open for everybody,” he added.

As of press time, Racing Limos of Tri-Cities has had 175 people through the car for a variety of events, including wine tours to Walla Walla, birthday parties, father-daughter ball, Valentine’s Day and proms. Karen said.

The company does not have a specific target market, because this service can be for everybody –from VIP clients to children, Gary said. As Racing Limos of Tri-Cities is becoming better known, clientele is spreading out, he said, stretching from Hermiston and Umatilla, as well as Connell and Othello.

The next growth step for the business will be the purchase of a second car, Gary said. While he and Karen have not hired additional employees, they will be looking to hire a driver when they purchase a second vehicle.

As a transportation business, gas prices are a concern. If gas prices continue to rise, then rates will have to change, Gary said. “But right now we haven’t changed our prices. We’ve been pretty’ steady,” he said.

The franchise Racing Limos, Inc. is based out of Naples, Fla.

To contact Racing Limos of Tri-Cities, call (509) 628-1593.