NHRA: Mac Tools Renews NHRA GatorNationals Sponsorship

13 December 2000

GLENDORA, Calif.- Mac Tools, a leading nationwide supplier of hand tools and equipment, has reached a multi-year agreement with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to continue its primary sponsorship of the historic NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway.

The 32nd annual Mac Tools Gatornationals will be held March 15-18 during NHRA's 50th anniversary season. The $2 million race is the third of 24 events in the $50 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series for 2001.

"We're pleased to continue our sponsorship of this marquee NHRA event," said Bill Halliday, Mac Tools motorsports coordinator. "Much time and effort has been put into making the Mac Tools Gatornationals one of the premier events on the NHRA schedule. We are strongly committed to supporting not only the Mac Tools Gatornationals, but also many of NHRA drag racing's premier teams as well. We are excited about the future of NHRA drag racing, and we look forward to strengthening our presence in the series."

Mac Tools, which has sponsored the popular event since 1994, also provides associate sponsorship for several NHRA competitors, including 10-time NHRA Winston Funny Car champion John Force; Kenny Bernstein, driver of the Budweiser King Top Fuel dragster; and WWF Racing's Jerry Toliver, defending Funny Car winner of the Mac Tools Gatornationals. The company also provides primary sponsorship for Pro Stock Motorcycle competitor Ron Ayers.

"It's rewarding to see Mac Tools continue their strong presence in NHRA Winston Drag Racing," said NHRA President Tom Compton. "They have certainly demonstrated their ability to effectively utilize NHRA national event sponsorships as a part of their marketing direction and continue to be an outstanding partner in growing our fan base. We look forward to many more years of thrilling competition at the Mac Tools Gatornationals, long established as one of our most compelling events."

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Mac Tools is a leader in the professional hand tool industry, serving clients in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 national events through its NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 85,000 racers and members nationwide and 144 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the Castrol GTX Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

Text provided by Anthony Vestal

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