Wed, 12 Nov 2008, 09:58 AM Doug Herbert and Snap-on End 16-Year Relationship

Courtesy of Sara Fensterer

LINCOLNTON, N.C. --

Doug Herbert

NHRA veteran Doug Herbert has been informed that Snap-on Tools will not continue its 16-year sponsorship of his Top Fuel team. The relationship, which began in 1992, was one of the longest in all forms of motor sports.

"We were actually working on a final 2009 agreement when I got a call on Friday", said Herbert, a 10-time NHRA national event winner. "I was surprised because we've had such a great run, it's unfortunate that my contract came up for renewal at such a bad time but we will move on. I'm thankful for everything Snap-on has done for my team and for all of their support over the last 16 years."

"We appreciate the long relationship that we have had and we are open to discussing opportunities with Doug Herbert Racing again in the future when the financial situation of business improves," said Alicia Smales, Vice President Marketing of Snap-on Tools, in a letter to Herbert.

Snap-on began their relationship with Herbert as an associate sponsor in 1992, and has been the primary sponsor on his NHRA Top Fuel Dragster since 1995. With four IHRA Top Fuel Championships, 20 IHRA National Event wins and 10 NHRA National Event wins the relationship would have to be viewed as successful by any measure.

"Our country is facing a difficult economic time and I understand this," said Herbert, currently eighth in the Top Fuel point standings. "The NHRA offers companies the best value in motor sports at a fraction of what it costs to sponsor teams in other premier forms of racing. I believe Doug Herbert Racing has a lot to offer corporate America, even in these tough times."

In partnership with MCG Sports, a marketing firm that provides sponsorship and PR services, Herbert is actively pursuing other marketing opportunities and partnerships for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

"I'm currently building a car that I'll take to the Bonneville Salt Flats next year to make a land speed record attempt", said Herbert. "I'm also really focused on B.R.A.K.E.S. www.putonthebrakes.com, the charity organization I founded after my boys lost their lives in a tragic auto accident. I look at this as a new opportunity, because I think we can find a company that would benefit from involvement in all of these projects in addition to the NHRA program."

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