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NHRA: Pontiac Continues to be Official Car of NHRA

15 January 1999

GLENDORA, Calif. -- Pontiac has been named the Official Car of the National Hot Rod Association for the fourth consecutive year, NHRA Vice President of Sales Steve Johnson has announced.

The new multi-year agreement allows the Detroit automobile manufacturer to continue to showcase its Pontiac brands in NHRA championship drag racing. In addition, GMC will continue to be the Official Truck of the NHRA. "When you think of performance and excitement, you think of NHRA drag racing," said Fred Simmonds, Pontiac-GMC motorsports manager. "There is no better series in auto racing to showcase the performance of the Pontiac Firebird, and it is only natural that we remain closely affiliated with this first-class motorsports organization.

"Our focus in 1999 will be to win more races, more professional championships and another Manufacturers Cup. The team we have assembled is more than capable of accomplishing these goals."

Since becoming the Official Car of the NHRA in 1996, Pontiac has claimed three Manufacturers Cup titles and continues to hold the title-rights sponsorship for the 35th annual Pontiac Excitement Nationals at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.

"We're very excited to have Pontiac-GMC join us again with their official status," said Johnson. "It's a great partnership and we look forward to many more years in the relationship. Our number one goal is to promote the brand and sell cars."

As the Official Car of the NHRA, Pontiac provides support vehicles for NHRA staff members. As the Official Truck of the NHRA, GMC also provides support vehicles for NHRA staff and GMC Sierras for the NHRA Safety Safari.