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NHRA: Suzuki named official motorcycle and ATV of NHRA

24 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

GLENDORA, Calif. - Suzuki, a leading manufacturer of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, automobiles and outboard motors worldwide, has been named the Official Motorcycle and ATV of the National Hot Rod Association, its six owned and operated drag racing facilities and the NHRA Safety Safari.

In the three-year, multi-million dollar agreement, Suzuki will supply the NHRA with motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles for use during the 23 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series national events, the Winston Showdown, NHRA's all-star event, and the 43 NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series divisional events.

"It's very gratifying to see Suzuki increase their involvement with the NHRA at this level," said Ray Ricchi, NHRA director of national account sales.

"Certainly, Suzuki has established a superior commitment to providing innovative forms of transportation by demonstrating an ability for engineering high quality products over the years. The Suzuki name has been synonymous with winning in our Pro Stock Motorcycle category for more than two decades. We look forward to working with Suzuki on many regional and national sales programs and initiatives with this partnership."

Suzuki has been involved with NHRA championship drag racing for more than 20 years. A majority of competitors in NHRA's Pro Stock Motorcycle category compete on Suzuki motorcycles, including defending Winston Drag Racing Series champion Matt Hines, who has claimed three consecutive championships aboard his Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-R. Six-time bike champion Dave Schultz leads the category in wins (43) on his familiar Sunoco Suzuki GSX-R. Other top riders in the category that campaign Suzukis include Team Winston's Angelle Seeling and Team 23 rider Antron Brown.

"We're excited about our new relationship with the NHRA as its Official Motorcycle and ATV," said Mel Harris, vice president of Suzuki's motorcycle and marine division. "We've had great success in marketing our products through parternships with the NHRA in the past. With greater visibility in all of NHRA's national race series' and programs through this official sponsorship, we look forward to generating even more awareness and recognition for the Suzuki brand."

The NHRA features Pro Stock Motorcycle competition at 14 Winston Drag Racing Series events and the Winston Showdown.

Suzuki, with U.S. headquarters in Brea, Calif., is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality automobiles, sport/utility vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and outboard motors. Suzuki motorcycles are the first choice of more than two million riders every year. There are more than 1,400 independently-owned Suzuki dealerships for all of its product lines throughout the United States.

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

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.