Tue, 16 Feb 2010, 07:42 PM Gray Signs Major Sponsorship Contract with TBC Retail Group

Courtesy of Joanne Dawson

DENVER, N.C. --

Johnny Gray

Johnny Gray has signed an agreement with TBC Retail Group as the major sponsor of the SKI Racing, Inc., two-car Gray Motorsports Pro Stock team.

TBC Retail Group, headquartered in Juno Beach, Fla. operates more than 1250 automotive service centers in 40 states. United under Service CentralT the brand, name of the automotive services offered exclusively at Tire Kingdom, NTB-National Tire and Battery, Merchant's Tire and Auto, and Big O Tires, their trained and certified ASE technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to provide quality service on cars and trucks. Their nationwide warranty provides peace of mind while it protects consumers and their investment in over 40 states.

"The Gray Motorsports team is a first-class organization that runs an exceptional program," stated Orland Wolford President and CEO of TBC Retail Group. "We look forward to developing this relationship and reaching the NHRA fans with our products and services."

For the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, Gray will campaign the NTB Pontiac GXP Pro Stock, while his teammate and son, Shane, will drive the Tire Kingdom Pontiac GXP. Additionally, Shane will drive the Big O Tires Pontiac GXP at the Las Vegas and Pomona events.

Shane Gray

"It is an honor to be associated with Tire Kingdom, NTB, Merchant's and Big O Tires," said Gray. "We have taken on such a big project this year that to have such a respected company believe in us and look to work with us means a lot to me. We are currently working on ways to make our sponsorship program reach and even exceed the goals we have set for our relationship. Shane and I and everyone on our teams will be proud to represent them the very best we can and in every way we can."

A true veteran of the sport, Gray has raced in seven different classes during his NHRA career and finished the 2009 season No. 9 in the Pro Stock point standings. This year he took a big step in that career. He formed a two-car team with Shane, built a shop in Denver, N.C. and began his own engine development program.

37 year old, Shane is a relative new comer to drag racing having spent the past two years in Competition Eliminator. He earned his Pro Stock license ten days ago and made his professional debut this past weekend at the 50th annual NHRA Kragen O'Reilly Winter nationals.

The sponsorship program will begin at the 41st annual Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 11-14.