Brandon "The Kid" Lewis uses eBay to find sponsor for NHRA

BROKEN ARROW, OKLA - October 16, 2006 This won't be the strangest thing an NHRA drag racing team has done to lure in sponsorship, but what Brandon "The Kid" Lewis is attempting may be the most "21st century" fund-raising campaign.

The second-year NHRA top alcohol funny car driver has posted sponsorship rights for auction on eBay for his car, trailer and team for the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. The event will be held in Pomona, Calif., November 9-12.

"There is no question that this idea is a little unique, but it certainly won't be the strangest thing we've done," the 21-year-old Lewis said.

Lewis became a fan favorite at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., when he headed to the event campgrounds, which have grown in legend as "The Zoo," asking for sponsorship. Dozens of fans chipped in small contributions to help cover Lewis's costs.

"Up at Brainerd, we thought out-of-the-box about how we could raise money and we had some success," Lewis said. "We offered fans the chance to get involved with the first ever fan-sponsored car, and they loved it.

"Posting a sponsorship opportunity on eBay is the same idea, in a way. We want to give everyone the chance to help the team perform at the highest level."

The auction - scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., October 16 - has until October 26 to draw a bid high enough to cover Lewis Racing Team's expense to compete at the final event of the NHRA season.

The winning bidder will receive: branding on the funny car, trailer and crew; mention as title sponsor over public address and in all media releases and interview; direct marketing opportunities; an appearance by Brandon "The Kid" Lewis and inclusion on <http://www.brandonthekid.com/> www.brandonthekid.com and other electronic media.

Lewis's auction will be live on Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. at: <http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&item=330035671789& rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESC%3AIT&rd=1> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&item=330035671789&r d=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESC%3AIT&rd=1