FRAM Renews Sponsorship of Rhonda Hartman-Smith for 2002 NHRA Season

    DANBURY, Conn.--Nov. 9, 2001--FRAM(R) automotive filters of Honeywell Consumer Products Group is proud to announce the renewed sponsorship of Rhonda Hartman-Smith, driver of the FRAM Top Fuel dragster, for the 2002 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) season.
    Rhonda Hartman-Smith, now in her eleventh year racing at age 27, has driven Alcohol Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters since she was just 16-years-old. The partnership between Hartman-Smith and FRAM dates back many years. Hartman Racing, founded by her father, Virgil Hartman, has used FRAM products in its race cars since its earliest days and in June 2000, Hartman-Smith was named the official driver of the FRAM Top Fuel dragster.
    "Rhonda's talent, her loyalty to the sport and her proven record have established her as a driver consistent with the image the FRAM brand is built upon," said Jeffrey Bye, vice president of marketing for FRAM. "We are excited about continuing our sponsorship of Rhonda and creating more and more visible opportunities for FRAM in one of the most exciting categories of motorsports today."
    Hartman-Smith is a committed driver, participating every season since she began racing. In 2000 she participated in all 24 NHRA events. Since she began racing, she has only taken time away for the birth of her daughter, Megan, two years ago.
    Hartman-Smith grew up in San Dimas, California, and regularly attended races with her family, helping out in the pits with her father and brother as she got older and learning everything about engines. In 1993, Hartman-Smith began racing Top Fuel Dragsters and within a year, won her first event and became first female to win a national IHRA event and the youngest driver to take home a trophy. She ended the year ranked third in championship points and was named Rookie of the Year
    Today, as a mother, wife and driver, Hartman-Smith keeps her family close, bringing her daughter on the road with her to every race. Her husband, John Smith, an NHRA driver himself, serves as her crew chief. Her father, Virgil, continues to be a vital part of her team. Hartman-Smith and her husband recently became part of the first husband and wife to qualify in the same Pro Top Fuel category at an NHRA race event.
    "My love of racing comes from my early fascination with engines so for me, FRAM products have always been the best, providing top performance. It's thrilling for me to represent the brand," said Hartman-Smith. "FRAM and Hartman Racing are a great fit and we're looking forward to proudly wearing the FRAM name for a great 2002 NHRA season."
    FRAM has a long history with the NHRA. The brand recently entered its second year as The Official Filter of the NHRA. FRAM continues its extensive visibility with the NHRA including on-track signage and retail promotions targeting the race fan and the brand's loyal DIYer.
    The Honeywell Consumer Products Group manufactures and markets FRAM(R) oil, air, transmission and fuel filters; Prestone(R) antifreeze/coolant and car care products; Autolite(R) spark plugs; and Holts(R) car care products. Information about FRAM products is available on our web site at www.fram.com.