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NHRA: Ray Alley named Director of Top Fuel and Funny Car Racing

13 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Veteran Top Fuel Crew Chief Brings Unparalleled Expertise To Governing Body

GLENDORA, Calif. - The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) announced, today, the appointment of Ray Alley as its director of Top Fuel and Funny Car racing. Alley brings with him more than 40 years of experience in nitromethane racing to strengthen NHRA's position with the two professional nitro categories.

In this capacity, Alley will be responsible for working directly with Top Fuel and Funny Car teams to enhance the quality of the show and enforce the new rules outlined earlier this year by the world's largest motorsports organization.

"Ray brings unmatched experience with today's complex technical issues and will be a tremendous asset in helping us to improve the quality of on-track performance and make the sport safer for fans and competitors," said Tom Compton, NHRA president.

Prior to joining the NHRA, Alley served as crew chief for the past year with Jerzees Racing, owned by Bob Vandergriff, Jr. He also has served as crew chief and consultant for a number of other nitromethane teams and has maintained a 30-plus year relationship with long-time NHRA driver Kenny Bernstein. With Bernstein and fellow crew chief Dale Armstrong, Alley marketed the RacePak Data Systems used by most of today's competitors.

"It is imperative that we demonstrate a commitment to better understand the challenges faced by our competitors week-in and week-out," said Graham Light, senior vice president of race operations. "Ray has a unique understanding of the sport to assist us in enhancing the quality of the show and work with everyone to provide long-term solutions to advance our sport."

"By adding Ray to the mix it reinforces our overall commitment to the sport and it is another key step in our strategic plan to make NHRA Winston Drag Racing the most popular form of motorsports nationwide," added Compton.

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 racers and 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.