SPECIAL EVENTS (GLENDORA) - OKUMA RENEWS OFFICIAL MACHINE TOOL SPONSORSHIP WITH NHRA

Okuma America, a world-class leader in machine tool technology and manufacturing, has renewed its sponsorship as the Official Machine Tool of the NHRA, it was announced today by NHRA officials.

The official marketing partnership continues Okuma’s commitment to NHRA Championship Drag Racing. The company also is the primary sponsor for Bill Miller’s Top Fuel team.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve and grow our business and that of our customers,” said Larry Schwartz, president, Okuma America Corporation. “What we found was a direct application between the NHRA with their motorsports programs and our ability to help a lot of the teams and suppliers in that area advance technology to the next level. This is a really nice fit for Okuma.”

As part of the exclusive, multi-year agreement, NHRA provides Okuma with multiple exposure opportunities through a variety of NHRA marketing platforms, including track signage at each NHRA POWERade Series event. In addition, Okuma will have the opportunity to use the NHRA mark in its advertising and promotional campaigns.

“We are pleased that Okuma America has decided to continue as a valued official sponsor of the NHRA,” said Gary Darcy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, NHRA. “We look forward to continue providing Okuma with optimum marketing value by helping them build customer relationships and drive sales through their association with the NHRA.”

Okuma America is based in Charlotte, N.C. The company, which was founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan, is a world leader in CNC (computer numeric controls) and machining technology. For more information about Okuma, please see okuma.com.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 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 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Street Legal Drags presented by AAA. The NHRA also offers the O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.