NHRA (GLENDORA) - CATERPILLAR NAMED OFFICIAL SPONSOR...

NHRA announced today that one of the most recognizable names in the corporate world, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), will become an official sponsor of NHRA beginning in 2008.

The multi-year deal with NHRA comes on the heels of Caterpillar’s recent announcement to become a primary sponsor with David Powers Motorsports, beginning in 2008, of the “Hot Rod” Fuller Top Fuel Dragster.

NHRA, together with David Powers Motorsports, will work with CAT and its dealer network to provide support in CAT’s efforts to recruit prospective dealer service technicians. As part of the official status with NHRA, CAT will have display space at all 23 events on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series circuit. CAT also will participate in NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) program, presented by the U.S. Army. NHRA’s YES program brings students and sponsors together at national events around the country to stress the value of an education as well as career opportunities within motorsports and the sport of NHRA Drag Racing. The CAT sponsorship also includes a media component.

“We are excited to join forces with David Powers to help CAT and its dealer network recruit prospective technicians,” said Gary Darcy, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Through this year’s pilot program, CAT witnessed first-hand the incredible access to our fans that sponsors are afforded at NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series national events. I am confident it had a significant impact on CAT’s decision to embark on a multi-year deal both with NHRA and David Powers Motorsports.”

“These races provide a venue for our dealers to meet one-on-one with these drag racing and engine enthusiasts who are also prospective employees,” said Bill Mayo, vice president of Caterpillar’s North American Commercial Division. “Recruiting—especially in this arena—is vital to the future growth of both Caterpillar and our dealers. We are constantly looking for creative investments like this to secure talent for Team Caterpillar.”

About NHRA

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., 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. NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. 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 NHRA Street Legal Drags presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17. More information is available at http:/www.nhra.com/.

About Caterpillar

For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2006 sales and revenues of $41.517 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at http://www.cat.com/.