NHRA MEDIA ADVISORY REMINDER: AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS PRESS LUNCHEON
* * M E D I A A D V I S O R Y * * MEDIA INVITED TO COMPETE AGAINST NHRA’S QUICKEST WOMEN IN POWERade FUNNY CAR SIMULATORS WHAT: NHRA MEDIA LUNCHEON: Members of the media are invited to COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER and the MOST CELEBRATED WOMEN in drag racing -- drivers from the NHRA POWERade Series and Lucas Oil Series -- who will compete in the 41st annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. The race is the final of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, at historic Pomona Raceway, Nov. 3-6. There will be one-on-one interview opportunities and multiple video and photo opportunities available at the media luncheon. The POWERade Simulators - developed for the POWERade Fan Nationals -- mimic the shakes, sounds and full sensory experience the pros feel every time they take on the quarter-mile. Thousands of fans across the country have tested their racing skills and nerves in the ultra-realistic simulators in an attempt to qualify for the Fan Nationals, a fully competitive and interactive NHRA Drag Racing Series designed for the fans. Test your own skill and find out what it takes to be a professional driver from some of the most popular NHRA drivers. WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005, noon WHERE: Pacific Palms Conference Resort 1 Industry Hills Parkway Industry, Calif. 91744 WHO: Several of NHRA’s most celebrated women will be available to talk about their racing experiences and will also be available to race against each other and the media in the POWERade Simulators: ● ERICA ENDERS: The subject of the popular Disney Channel movie that chronicled her Jr. Drag Racing career, “Right on Track,” Enders became the first woman to advance to a final round in Pro Stock earlier this month in Chicago. The Houston driver pilots the Slammers Ultimate Milk Chevy Cobalt. ● ASHLEY FORCE: This second-generation driver shared the winner’s circle at Pomona Raceway last November with her 13-time Funny Car champion father, John Force. It was the first time in NHRA history that a father-daughter duo raced to victory at the same event. Her three national event wins also include the ’04 U.S. Nationals, the world’s most prestigious drag race. A graduate of Cal State Fullerton, Ashley is sponsored by Castrol and Mattel Hot Wheels brand and last year had a Barbie Doll created in her likeness. She is expected to start her pro career in 2007 in Funny Car. ● ANGELLE SAMPEY: The rider of the U.S. Army Suzuki is the winningest female in NHRA history with 37 career victories. She became the first woman to win a Pro Stock Motorcycle championship in 2000 - then won the championship title again in 2001 and 2002. She is a two-time winner at Pomona Raceway. ● MELANIE TROXEL: She became the NHRA’s quickest and fastest woman when she stopped the quarter-mile clocks at 4.458 seconds at 328.86 mph in Dallas. She and her husband, Funny Car pilot Tommy Johnson Jr., compete for family bragging rights. She drives the Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels dragster for Don Schumacher Racing. ● HILLARY WILL: This California native will make her first appearance in the professional ranks next season, as the driver for a team owned by Ken Black and fielded by Connie Kalitta. Will, a standout Top Alcohol Dragster driver with one national event victory this season, will be the 16th woman to compete in Top Fuel in NHRA history. CONTACT: Please RSVP to the NHRA Communications Dept., (626) 914-4761. Lachelle Seymour: (626) 250-2230 or (626) 253-6337 and Anthony Vestal: (626) 250-2425 or (626) 695-6649 -30- *** Media information only, not intended for publication ***