Sunoco Revs Up for NHRA Sponsorship

PHILADELPHIA -- Sunoco will be an official sponsor of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in 2015.

The deal includes a comprehensive package of TV spots, digital presence, on-site visibility, and NHRA-themed consumer and retail promotions designed to increase attendance and TV viewership, according to NHRA.

"Motorsports and the manufacturing of performance fuels are in Sunoco's DNA," said Bob Owens, president and CEO of Sunoco Inc. "Our partnership with the NHRA represents our dedication to performance at the highest levels of racing and will carry over to the fuels that consumers put in their street vehicles."

The 10-year agreement calls for Sunoco to become the official racing fuel of NHRA, and will be the exclusive on-site gasoline and nitromethane supplier at all NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national events. Sunoco gasoline will be the "spec" racing gasoline in the Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories at national events and Competition Eliminator categories at both national and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events.

"The fuel supplier is one of the most integral partnerships that a racing sanctioning body can have," said Tom Compton, NHRA president.  "We've had great partners in the past, however, Sunoco not only will provide our racers quality products but our companies will be great marketing partners to increase awareness of NHRA drag racing and the Sunoco brand."

Philadelphia-based Sunoco Inc. markets its brand of gasoline through more than 5,000 retail outlets in 25 states, including more than 600 APlus convenience stores.  Sunoco is the official fuel of NASCAR and more than 50 other racing sanctions.

"Partnering with the NHRA is another step forward in our goal to bring Sunoco performance fuels to every level of racing, from grassroots drivers and riders to drivers competing in all premiere professional series," said Rob Marro, Sunoco's general manager for performance products and automotive events. "Our commitment to our partners within the sport, along with our promise to produce and manufacture only the highest quality product, has allowed us to fuel hundreds of sanctioning bodies, local tracks and engine builders for the past five decades."

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 24 national events featuring the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, and NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League for youth aged 8 to 17. In addition, NHRA owns and operates five racing facilities.

"Sunoco will fulfill our ongoing commitment to provide a spec fuel that keeps the playing field level. Fuel shouldn't be a competition variable," said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations.  "Sunoco also will have on-site service and technical support at national events and testing sessions."