Fri, 21 Sep 2001, 01:22 PM Pep Boys to Sponsor NHRA Event at Maple Grove Raceway

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

GLENDORA, Calif. -- Pep Boys (NYSE:PBY), the nation's leading full-service automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, today announced that it has agreed to another title sponsorship with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Under the terms of this new agreement, the association's October 4-7 event at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa., will be known as "The Pep Boys NHRA Nationals, presented by Greased Lightning."

Earlier this year, as part of Pep Boys' increasing involvement in motorsports, the company sponsored the Pep Boys NHRA 50th Anniversary Nationals. With 60 million racing fans nationwide and a crowd of 90,000 in attendance, that partnership was a perfect fit for Pep Boys to renew its commitment to the NHRA.

"Being able to interact with racing fans across the country - whether directly in person at the track or via television coverage - presents Pep Boys with a tremendous opportunity," said Michele Meiers, the company's assistant vice president of advertising. "The support from consumers at the 50th Anniversary event in July strengthened our ability to reach our customers and our relationship with the NHRA."

The sponsorship is also providing Pep Boys the opportunity to introduce Greased Lightning, the manufacturer of well-known cleaning and degreasing products used by many motorsports teams, to the sport of drag racing and the NHRA. Greased Lightning recently signed-on as the presenting sponsor of The Pep Boys NHRA Nationals.

"In May, we began what we hoped would be a long-term partnership with Pep Boys," said Bob Wagner, vice president of sales and business development for NHRA. "This agreement continues, what we feel, will be a beneficial partnership to both organizations for many years to come."

The first step toward that goal will be The Pep Boys NHRA Nationals, presented by Greased Lightning. The $1.9 million race, which will be televised by ESPN2, is the 20th of 24 events in the $50 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series for 2001.

About NHRA

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., National Hot Rod Association is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 national events through its NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has more than 80,000 members nationwide and more than 140 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 NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series, NHRA Summit Import Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the NHRA Castrol GTX Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

About Greased Lightning

Greased Lightning, a division of A&M Cleaning Products based in Clemson, S.C., is a unique cleaning and degreasing solution for household, automotive and marine cleaning purposes. A&M Cleaning Products has been manufacturing and distributing unparalleled cleaning formulas for both industrial and home use since 1985.

About Pep Boys

Pep Boys, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, operates 628 stores and over 6,500 service bays in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its vehicle repair and maintenance capabilities, the company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS or by visiting pepboys.com.



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