Sun, 28 Oct 2001, 06:37 PM Pontiac-GMC Returns as Official Vehicles of NHRA

Courtesy of Jeff Romack, GM Racing Communications

LAS VEGAS -- Pontiac-GMC announced today that it will return in 2002 as the Official Car and Official Truck of the National Hot Rod Association. It will be the sixth year Pontiac has served as Official Car and the 13th for GMC as Official Truck for the series.

“The power, performance and excitement of NHRA drag racing make Pontiac’s participation an obvious choice for GM’s Excitement division, and the superior capability of GMC trucks will continue to define Professional Grade for the NHRA’s support staff as the Official Truck,” said Lynn Myers, marketing general manager for Pontiac-GMC. “We’re proud of our affiliation with the NHRA, and look forward to working with the sanctioning body, our teams and drivers and all of the participating sponsors who continue to make this sport grow.”

Since becoming the Official Car of the NHRA in 1996, championships and national records on the 23-event NHRA Drag Racing tour have become a common theme for Pontiac. So far in 2001, the Detroit-based car maker has tallied 19 national-event victories, raced in 38 final rounds and captured 24 No. 1 qualifying spots as it makes its way to a sixth consecutive NHRA Manufacturer’s Cup (1996-2001). Grand Am driver George Marnell’s victory at Memphis in September enabled Pontiac to gain another milestone by surpassing Oldsmobile as the NHRA’s all-time leader for Pro Stock wins by a car manufacturer.

In 2002, Pontiac will once again be the title-rights sponsor for the 38th annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals presented by Summit Racing on June 13 – 16. Pontiac has been a part of the spring classic at National Trail Raceway since 1996.

“We are extremely excited to continue our relationship with Pontiac-GMC as the Official Car and Official Truck of the NHRA,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. “We value this long-lasting partnership with Pontiac-GMC, which has proven, over time, to be a beneficial business relationship for both NHRA and Pontiac-GMC. Our goal, moving forward, will be to continue to provide Pontiac-GMC with the return on investment they have grown accustomed to through their participation in NHRA Drag Racing.”

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA 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 in 2001. 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 Import Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit 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.

As the Official Car of the National Hot Rod Association, Pontiac provides support vehicles for administrative and on-site personnel of the NHRA. As the Official Truck, GMC also provides support vehicles for NHRA staff, and GMC Sierras and Yukons for the NHRA Safety Safari allowing them to perform their essential trackside duties.

Next season, Pontiac-GMC will continue to explore new and innovative ways to make attending an NHRA event an even more exciting experience for the loyal fans, competitors and supporters who are essential to the sport of drag racing.



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