Fri, 8 Dec 2006, 09:41 PM Summit Racing Equipment Becomes Major Sponsor of Two IHRA Sportsman Programs

Courtesy of David Fuller Photo copyright 2006 BME Photography

TALLMADGE, Ohio --

Aaron Polburn and Kirk Heinbuch

Summit Racing Equipment has stepped up its support of sportsman racers by becoming the primary sponsor of two IHRA sportsman programs: The Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by Mr. Gasket and the Summit Racing Equipment All-Stars presented by Mr. Gasket. Through the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by Mr. Gasket, racers in seven classes-Stock, Super Stock, Hot Rod, Super Rod, Quick Rod, Top Sportsman, and Top Dragster-compete in divisional and national races. Drivers can choose from 10 national events and 35 regional events in six different divisions with the goal of earning enough points to become the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am National Champion for their class. "IHRA racers have always been great supporters of Summit Racing Equipment, and we're thrilled to reaffirm our commitment to them by sponsoring these two great programs," Kirk Heinbuch, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports and Events Manager, said. "Whether they're competing as a weekend warrior in the Summit SuperSeries or racing for a national championship in the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Series, sportsman racers can count on our support." The Summit Racing Equipment All-Stars presented by Mr. Gasket also allows competitors on the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour to compete for a special year-end bonus. It brings together the top eight drivers in the points standings of each IHRA sportsman class and faces them off in a special three-round run-off at the IHRA World Finals in Rockingham. The winner in each class earns $5,000, the runner-up gets $1,500, semi-finalists take home $750, and first round qualifiers earn $500; for a total purse of $80,500.

Ollie Volpe, Kirk Heinbuch, Don Lower and Dave Sebring

Summit Racing Equipment is a major supporter of sportsman and grassroots racers. The Tallmadge, Ohio-based company also sponsors the IHRA Summit SuperSeries, which allows weekend racers to compete at their local tracks for a chance to race at the IHRA World Finals. In addition, Summit Racing Equipment has a contingency program, which gives racers a chance to earn contingency by using the Summit Racing catalog.

"Mr. Gasket was founded by a racer who saw the need for better products almost 50 years ago, and it has grown into the powerhouse that it is today because of that same desire to support racers and enthusiasts," Ollie Volpe, Director Racing Services of Mr. Gasket Company, said. "We are excited to be able to show our ongoing dedication to the racers and the sport by presenting the Pro-Am Tour this year with Summit Racing."

Established in 1968, Summit Racing Equipment is the leading high performance parts and accessories company. Summit Racing offers the largest selection, lowest prices, and best customer service in the high performance industry via catalogs, Internet, and Retail Super Stores. The company is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio with retail locations in Tallmadge, Ohio; Sparks, Nevada; and McDonough, Georgia.