NHRA: Summit Racing Named NHRA E.T. Series Sponsor
9 December 1999
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Extensive programs in place to increase purses, participation and bring added-value to member tracks
GLENDORA, Calif. - Summit Racing Equipment, an industry leader in distribution of auto racing parts and equipment through catalogs and the Internet, has reached a multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement with the National Hot Rod Association to become the primary sponsor of the NHRA E.T. Drag Racing Series.
The commitment by Summit Racing is a huge boost to the sportsman
series, which has long been the backbone of drag racing. The sponsorship
more than doubles the financial commitment to the series including a
record
increase in cash payouts and awards. In addition, the series will include
a
first-time-ever-national event where a champion in each category will be
crowned. Summit Racing intends to expand the member track participant kit
and will develop extensive programming for both consumers and enthusiasts
designed to increase visibility for the sport on a national level.
Internet
components and links to Summit Racing (www.summitracing.com
As many as 300,000 racers nationwide will participate at 142 NHRA member
tracks in the NHRA Summit Racing E.T. Drag Racing Series starting in the
year 2000, competing for a record share in available cash and awards. The
NHRA Summit Racing E.T. Drag Racing Series will be the largest organized
series in drag racing nationwide.
"Summit Racing's increased involvement with the NHRA and sponsorship of
the
E.T. Drag Racing Series will significantly elevate our already established
and successful grassroots racing programs," NHRA President Tom Compton
said.
"In addition, Summit will increase its visibility with grassroots drag
racers, forging an even greater relationship with many of their best
customers. Not only will Summit Racing's involvement with the E.T. program
significantly increase the E.T. Series purse, but it will also maximize
opportunities available in the program for our local-based competitors
across North America."
"With Summit's aggressive approach to its sponsorship of this series, we
will be able to enhance our value to member tracks while giving them the
resources to stage events that benefit both the racer and the venue,"
Compton added.
The NHRA Summit Racing E.T. Drag Racing Series will feature a bracket
racing
(elapsed time) format, allowing drivers in many types of cars, including
dragsters, roadsters, sedans and coupes, to compete on an equal basis
against each other. In addition to three competition categories for cars,
there also will be a motorcycle category featured in the NHRA Summit
Racing
E.T. Drag Racing Series.
NHRA Summit Racing E.T. Drag Racing Series racers compete for points and
cash awards in a number of qualifying events at 142 NHRA-member tracks
throughout North America. Drivers gaining the most points become eligible
to
compete for individual and team honors at the Summit Racing NHRA Division
E.T. Finals in each of the seven NHRA divisions. For the first-time,
individual winners will not only receive a division trophy, but also
travel
expenses to attend the Summit Racing NHRA National E.T. Finals, competing
for a national championship and bragging rights for the year. Summit
Racing NHRA National E.T. Finals champions in each of the four categories
will earn $5,000 and a national champion's trophy.
"We are excited to enhance our participation in NHRA championship drag
racing by becoming the title sponsor of the NHRA E.T. Drag Racing Series,
which is the lifeline of the sport," said Jon Hedges, Summit Racing
Marketing Manager. "We believe our partnership with the NHRA will help
create a better awareness of the E.T. Drag Racing Series and increase
Summit
Racing's presence among the thousands of local bracket racers across North
America. We intend to leverage our sponsorship with extensive outreach to
the sportsman racer through consumer programs and promotions.
"The NHRA is uniquely qualified to provide Summit with a national forum to
reach our core audience," Hedges added.
In addition to the Summit Racing NHRA National E.T. Drag Racing Series,
Summit Racing also is the primary sponsor for Mark Pawuk's Pontiac
Firebird
in Pro Stock, John Lingenfelter's Chevy S-10 in Pro Stock Truck, Dan
Fletcher's '69 Camaro in Super Stock and '99 Pontiac Firebird in Stock,
and
the presenting sponsor for an NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series event in
Columbus, Ohio.
The NHRA has featured an E.T. Drag Racing Series since the mid-1970s. It
provides safe, even and exciting competition for the local racer, the
backbone of the NHRA.
Summit Racing Equipment, the industry's largest direct marketer of
performance automotive and truck equipment, is based in Tallmadge, Ohio
with
warehouses in Tallmadge and Sparks, Nev. Founded in 1968, Summit Racing
markets products through mail order catalogs and the Internet.
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 Winston Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 85,000
members nationwide and 142 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
Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing E.T. Drag Racing
Series
and the Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing
League for youths ages 8 to 17.
Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos
and art, visit
The Racing
Photo Museum and the
Visions
of Speed Art Gallery.