NHRA: Mac Tools to Sponsor Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway
17 December 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
GLENDORA, Calif.- Mac Tools, a leading nationwide supplier of hand tools and equipment, has reached a multi-year agreement with Bristol Dragway and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to become the primary sponsor of the first NHRA national event at the Tennessee quarter-mile in more than 30 years.
The inaugural Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals will be held April 27-29 during NHRA's 50th anniversary season. It is the sixth of 24 events in the $50 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series for 2001.
"Mac Tools and the NHRA have established a productive relationship for many years," said Tony Torres, Mac Tools motorsports manager. "Our goal is to work with the NHRA to provide the best racing for our most important customers, NHRA fans. Today we are pleased to announce that we are taking another large step toward that goal."
The Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals marks Bristol Dragway's first NHRA national points event since 1967, when Bristol hosted the popular Springnationals.
"Mac Tools recognizes Bristol's rich drag racing heritage and the fans' desire to see an event that is set apart from all others," Torres added. "We know that Mac Tools, Bristol Dragway and the NHRA will work together to make this new national event the most highly anticipated stop on the NHRA tour in 2001, and hopefully for many years to come."
After returning to NHRA sanction in 1998, Bristol Dragway hosted the Winston Showdown, NHRA's all-star event, during the past two seasons. "Like Bristol Dragway, Mac Tools is synonymous with drag racing," said Mark Cathell, manager, Bristol Dragway. "Today, Mac Tools strengthens that tradition with its commitment to making the Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals one of drag racing's greatest events."
The commitment increases Mac Tools' involvement with the NHRA. Mac Tools is also the primary sponsor for the Mac Tools Gatornationals, Gainesville, Fla. In addition, the company 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 Jerry Toliver, driver of the WWF Racing Funny Car.
"It's very gratifying to see Mac Tools increase its commitent to NHRA Winston Drag Racing by sponsoring this great event at Bristol Dragway, one of the sport's finest showplaces," said NHRA President Tom Compton. "Over the years, Bristol has become synonymous with producing some of the most exciting auto racing events in the United States. We're confident that the Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals will quickly become one of the must-see events in the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series."
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.
Bristol Dragway is owned by Bristol Motor Speedway, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
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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