Team owner Don Schumacher announced today at Bristol Dragway that Valvoline, a brand of Ashland,
Inc., has renewed its multi-year sponsorship of all the teams competing under the Don Schumacher
Racing banner in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series through 2010 and beyond.
Valvoline, the iconic brand that draws on over 100 years of racing heritage, joined DSR at the 2006
NHRA U.S. Nationals as an associate sponsor and official product supplier, then became co-primary
sponsor in 2008 with Mail Terminal Services on the Dodge Funny Car driven by Jack Beckman.
In that time, DSR drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes have
won a total of 49 national events (as of today) and three world championships.
"I used Valvoline in my personal race cars back in the 1960s," said Schumacher, "and they worked
flawlessly. And with today's advanced technology, Valvoline has provided us with products that
continue to help our teams perform at the highest level.
"All our teams, crew chiefs, drivers and team owner use Valvoline in the team vehicles and their
own cars, motorcycles and trucks. The technology that Valvoline supplies us with gives all of the
race cars and motorcycles additional horsepower and extends the life of our parts. In our personal
vehicles, the added performance is the same, yet we see an increase in miles-per-gallon with
Valvoline oil and lubricants."
Rob Clendening, Valvoline Motorsports Brand Manager, added: "It is critical for Valvoline to
partner with teams that can provide big wins even before the cars hit the track. DSR is that type
of partner. The team's on-track success is not just icing on the cake, but it really pushes our
research and development team to constantly deliver the next technical innovation.
"Valvoline has a rich history in the NHRA," continued Clendening, "and it continues to be a great
fit for the brand. Our core consumers are passionate about drag racing, and the fan-friendly
environment makes it one of the best values in motorsports."
Valvoline will continue to be co-primary sponsor along with Mail Terminal Services through 2010 and
beyond on the Dodge Funny Car driven by Jack Beckman, and will be associate sponsor on the Top Fuel
dragsters driven by Tony Schumacher and Cory McClenathan, the Funny Cars of Ron Capps and Matt
Hagan, and the Pro Stock Motorcycle ridden by Matt Smith.
About Valvoline
Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), has been serving American motorists longer than any
other motor oil. The Valvoline family of products includes Eagle One appearance products, Car Brite
car restoration products, Zerex antifreeze, SynPower performance products, Pyroil automotive
chemicals and MaxLife products created for higher-mileage engines. With more than 800 locations
throughout the United States, Valvoline Instant Oil Change is a leader in serving the quick lube
market.
Valvoline Racing
Valvoline Motor Oil was used by the winner of the first recorded race in North America in 1895, and
has been part of racing ever since. With race wins and championships in nearly every form of
professional racing, the role of the brand extends beyond sponsorship into technical partnership
with its teams. Valvoline captured 60 professional victories with its sponsored NASCAR and NHRA
teams in 2008, and has already enjoyed 10 wins in 2009.
