Thu, 28 Oct 2004, 11:05 AM CARQUEST Auto Partd Named Title Sponsor

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Of 45th Annual Winternationals at Pomona Raceway

GLENDORA, Calif. -- CARQUEST Auto Parts, a Raleigh, N.C.-based company specializing in quality auto parts and equipment with stores throughout North America, has signed a multi-year agreement starting in 2005 to become the title sponsor of the 45th annual Winternationals at Pomona (Calif.) Raceway, it was announced today by National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) officials.

The CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals will kick off the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season, Feb. 10-13 at the historic Pomona Raceway. The $2 million race, which will be televised by the ESPN family of networks, is the first of 23 events for the 2005 season.

"The Winternationals will be celebrating its 45th anniversary and it is one of the most prestigious events on the circuit," said Scott Ginsburg, CARQUEST Director of Advertising. "We are extremely proud to put the CARQUEST name on such a great event. What a great way to start the 2005 NHRA season."

It is the first of three NHRA event sponsorships for CARQUEST Auto Parts, who also headline the CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., June 9-12, as well as the CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Seattle, July 22-24.

"The Winternationals has such a storied history and CARQUEST is the perfect partner to ensure that the tradition of the Winternationals will be held to its highest standard," said John Covarrubias, NHRA vice president of sales and business development. "We are pleased that CARQUEST has decided to increase their presence with NHRA POWERade Drag Racing and they see the value of NHRA event sponsorship as part of their marketing strategy."