Thu, 10 Jan 2002, 10:16 AM Pontiac to Sponsor Pro Stock Super Bowl

Courtesy of Jeff Romack, GM Racing Communications

BAYTOWN, Tex., January 9, 2001 - With the start of the 2002 POWERade NHRA race season just a few weeks away, GM Racing Marketing Manager Fred Simmonds has announced that Pontiac will return as the title sponsor for the 9th annual Pontiac Excitement Pro Stock Super Bowl at Houston Raceway Park on Saturday, February 2.

"This is an exciting time of year for everyone in drag racing and Pontiac is proud to be a part of this preseason Pro Stock tradition at Houston Raceway Park," Simmonds said. "For the racers and teams, the Pontiac Excitement Pro Stock Super Bowl provides a final opportunity to make adjustments prior to the beginning of the season a week later at the Winternationals. The Super Bowl also gives race fans a chance to see some fantastic times and speeds from some of the best drivers in the business."

One of the competitors who will be shaking down his Pro Stock Grand Am at Houston Raceway Park is defending Pontiac Excitement Super Bowl champion Bruce Allen. Allen's performance in last year's event was a precursor to a third-place finish in the 2001 points standings.

"The Pontiac Excitement Pro Stock Super Bowl helps everyone get back into the swing of things before the actual season starts," said Allen. "If you go there with a new car it gets you kind of organized and allows you to run under race conditions - you get familiar with the racetrack and have an opportunity to compete. It's been a couple of months since we've actually raced against someone else, and there are usually 15 or 20 of the top cars in the country at Houston Raceway Park, so that usually gives everyone a pretty good idea on where they are compared to the rest of the pack."

Gates will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, with time trials beginning at 9 a.m. There will be two rounds of qualifying at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. with eliminations beginning at 2 p.m. Admission for the Pontiac Excitement Pro Stock Super Bowl is $18.00 and $1.00 for children 12 and under.

Pontiac is proud to be the Official Car of Houston Raceway Park and has been the Official Car of the National Hot Rod Association since 1996.