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NEC Extends Nitro Funny Car Deal Through Year 2000

28 December 1998

NEC Extends Nitro Funny Car Deal Through Year 2000; NEC Cites Positive Influence of Driver Densham as Role Model with Students


    DALLAS--Dec. 28, 1998--National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Funny Car driver Gary Densham received a two-year contract extension Tuesday from his primary sponsor, NEC America, Inc., Corporate Networks Group (NEC).
    The extension will continue Densham's association with NEC through the 2000 season. Densham has represented NEC for the past three years.
    Gary, who has set many track records in funny car racing, has combined two careers -- professional racer and high school automotive instructor, thus gaining the nick name, The World's Fastest School Teacher. Densham is very committed to America's youth. In addition to supporting the "Say No To Drugs" program and several literacy programs, Gary has been instrumental in organizing the NHRA Career Day Program as well as their high school drag racing program.
    "We are proud to announce our continued relationship with Gary Densham," said Frank Viola, director of marketing communications, NEC Corporate Networks Group. "Gary has been and continues to be a positive role model for our youth. Over the past three years our involvement with Gary has been nothing less than pure excitement, and we look forward to continuing our association .
    "This is a great day for our team," said Densham. "To stay on with NEC is a real boost for all of us. This allows us to continue running a top-notch car that is capable of winning every race we enter. Without NEC, we couldn't do that. Now, our goal is to again reward NEC and their loyalty by putting my car in Victory Circle on a regular basis in 1999, as well as visit with students in the metropolitan areas we race in."
    For the extended relationship with NEC, 52-year-old Densham is introducing a stunning new paint scheme that will adorn a new Pontiac Firebird body next season. (Photos available upon request).

Editor's Note: For additional information on NEC America, Inc., Corporate Networks Group and its products, please consult the World Wide Web at http://www.cng.nec.com or call 800/TEAM-NEC.
    For additional information on Gary Densham and the NEC Performance Team, please consult the World Wide Web at http://www.nitrofc.com


    NEC America, Inc., an affiliate of NEC Corporation , develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of advanced communications products and software for public and private networks, including digital key telephone and PBX systems; ATM switching systems; cellular telephones; pagers; facsimile equipment; videoconferencing equipment; fiber optic transmission systems; data communication products; digital microwave radio, satellite communications and network management system. NEC Corporation and its affiliates worldwide are a $37 billion global leader whose 152,000 employees are dedicated to providing leading-edge computer, communications and semiconductor products and services.