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NHRA: Pennzoil Inks Deal with Collins Racing

10 November 1998

HOUSTON - Continuing its long-standing tradition of championship-level involvement in auto racing, Pennzoil Motorsports has announced an associate sponsorship agreement with the two-car Collins Racing Team and Pro Stock drivers Shawn Collins and Richie "The Kid" Stevens. The deal will begin immediately and continue throughout the 1999 National Hot Rod Association season.

"Pennzoil is very excited to add Shawn Collins and Richie Stevens to our team," Tom Floyd, Pennzoil's chief marketing officer, said. "The Pro Stock division is one of the most competitive divisions in all of racing and we believe it's a great platform to showcase the advantages of our product. In their first year on the circuit, the Collins Team has demonstrated outstanding professionalism and performance both on and off the track. We're proud to have them on our team."

Collins Racing joined the ranks of the NHRA at the start of the 1998 season. After just five races, the team entered an agreement with Pennzoil Pro Stock driver Mike Thomas and began leasing a pair of Thomas' Finish Line Racing Engines. Since then, the two drivers have combined for 14 elimination round wins with Stevens ascending to ninth place in the Winston Pro Stock points standings.

"It's an honor to be associated with Pennzoil," Collins said. "The fact that Pennzoil recognized our efforts and rewarded us with this deal is a real testament to what we've been able to accomplish in our first year. I'm confident that Pennzoil will be pleased with our performance both in Pomona and throughout the next year. I firmly believe that this is a win-win situation for all of us."

The NHRA represents a large portion of Pennzoil's racing involvement. The legendary Eddie Hill continues to set records behind the wheel of the Pennzoil Top Fuel Dragster. The 1998 season marks the 10th year of Pennzoil's association with Hill, which first began in the 1950s. The Pennzoil drag racing lineup also includes Pro Stock drivers Thomas and Bruce Allen as well as Sportsmen drivers Mike Ferderer, Bill Kent and Amanda Harbin. Pennzoil also has two Junior Dragsters driven by sisters Erica and Courtney Enders. Pennzoil is the title sponsor of NHRA national events in Houston, Richmond and Memphis.