Sat, 8 Nov 2003, 01:15 PM Skuza Signs Nitto 1320 Challenge as Sponsor for Pomona

Courtesy of Cameron Evans

POMONA, Calif. -- NHRA Funny Car driver Dean Skuza and his team, Skuza Motorsports, today signed Nitto 1320 Challenge, a free online drag racing game at available at www.nitto1320.com, as a primary sponsor for this weekend's NHRA AAA Finals at Pomona Raceway.

Nitto 1320 Challenge has over 700,000 users worldwide whom race against the computer or online opponents. The game and site allow for users to create teams, "buy and modify" performance vehicles, and race for simulated purses, "pink slips," and to build rankings against other users across the globe. Hundreds of fan-created web sites and message boards bring users together to create tournaments and make the experience part of their daily lives.

"Our involvement with Skuza Motorsports allows us to take a concept from the virtual reality world and turn it into a reality," said Justin Choi, president of Choice Internet, creators of the Nitto 1320 Challenge. "The game has been the first exposure to drag racing for thousands of young car enthusiasts, and we can't wait for NHRA fans to join in the online drag racing experience. A Dean Skuza Funny Car will be available in the game by December 1, so this sponsorship will be a chance for all of our participants to go faster than ever!"

"I'm a fan of the game and met the folks from Nitto Tire during my involvement in Popular Hot Rodding Television," said driver Dean Skuza, whose television show airs on cable's Spike TV. "Since we are still searching for a primary sponsor for 2004, this opportunity not only fills a gap for us but creates exposure for our team with an entirely new audience. This should be fun."

Skuza Motorsports, currently in the POWERade races with associate sponsorship from Cornwell Tools and Red Line Oil.