NHRA: Prestone becomes title sponsor of Route 66 Nationals
4 February 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
GLENDORA, Calif. - Honeywell Consumer Products (formerly
Allied Signal) is
continuing its involvement with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) by
extending its sponsorship of the Route 66 Nationals with one of its
leading
brands: Prestone. The company reached a multi-year agreement with the NHRA
to sponsor the $1.8 million event, the 10th of 23 events in the $45
million
NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series for 2000.The third annual Prestone Route 66 Nationals will be held June 1-4 at the spectacular Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., the first dragstrip to feature enclosed, horseshoe-style stadium seating.
During the first two years of the event another popular Honeywell brand, FRAM, sponsored the race.
"It's gratifying to see the Honeywell Consumer Products Group continue their involvement in NHRA Winston Drag Racing, particularly with such a well-known household brand like Prestone," said Steve Johnson, NHRA vice president of sales. "They have certainly demonstrated their ability to effectively utilize NHRA national event sponsorships as a part of their marketing direction and continue to be an outstanding partner in expanding our fan base. This event at Route 66 Raceway has become one of our most popular and has generated tremendous positive response from fans and competitors. We're confident that Honeywell's introduction of Prestone as the title sponsor of this event will help to continue the great tradition of NHRA Winston Drag Racing in this outstanding market."
The sponsorship extension increases Honeywell's involvement with the NHRA. The company also sponsors the Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Calif., and is an associate sponsor for several NHRA professional category drivers, including John Force, Tony Pedregon, Del Worsham, Joe Amato, Frank Pedregon and Allen Johnson among others.
"Prestone has a deep history with its commitment to motorsports," said Brian Holliday, vice president of marketing for Prestone. "Sponsoring the Prestone Route 66 Nationals is just taking it one step further. We've been affiliated with the NHRA for several years and really enjoy supporting the fans and the drivers. Our sister brand, FRAM, sponsored the race during the first two years. Now, we're proud to take our turn."
During each of its first two seasons, the event attracted record crowds, a trend that is expected to continue in 2000 . Chicagoland fans won't be the only ones enjoying the 6,000 horsepower action from the state-of-the-art quarter-mile: ESPN2 will provide coverage throughout the weekend, with action from eliminations starting at 5 p.m. (ET) on June 4.
"We're pleased to extend our partnership with the Honeywell Group through its Prestone brand," said Dale Coyne, president of Route 66 Raceway. "We've enjoyed a great relationship during the last two seasons and through Prestone's involvement we expect the event to continue to establish itself as one of the premiere events in the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series."
The Honeywell Consumer Products Group manufacturers and markets FRAM oil, air, transmission and fuel filters; Prestone antifreeze coolant and car care products; Autolite spark plugs; and Holts car care products.
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 Series and the Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages eight to 17.
Text Provided by NHRA
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