DANBURY, Conn. — On Feb. 1, the Autolite Challenge – a program started in 2010 that provides training and rewards opportunities for technicians – will launch a new-to-the-industry promotion, the Counterperson Program. Aimed at educating men and women behind the counter, the program’s curriculum will focus on today’s complex ignition systems.

Specifically, the program includes a three-module, in-depth training series from Feb. 1 through April 30. Each month, counter professionals will have access to new online training modules created exclusively by Autolite engineers and ignition experts. The modules will cover topics designed to develop the counterpro’s understanding of ignition systems and technological differences between spark plugs, including a short question-and-answer section.

Each participant who completes all three modules will then be entered into a drawing with a prize pool that includes five $1,000 AMEX Gift Cards, 10 $500 AMEX Gift Cards, 20 $100 AMEX Gift Cards and 1,000 NASCAR/Autolite branded T-shirt and hat prize packs.

Counter professionals can enroll in this training program and find details including the official rules at www.bit.ly/autolite starting this month.

Also launching this year is the Autolite Challenge’s Professional Technician Program, starting April 1 and running through June 30.

The 2011 Autolite Professional Technician Program will be a renewal of last year’s program featuring three modules with more technical and challenging content.