Mopar Extends Sponsorship of Mile-High NHRA Nationals

Mopar has renewed its sponsorship of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, check the longest continuous running title sponsorship in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

“We are proud to reaffirm our long and historic partnership with the NHRA and the Bandimere family,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts, and customer-care brand. “Together, we have made the annual visit to Bandimere Speedway’s Thunder Mountain an iconic stop on the NHRA schedule. The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals is the flagship event for our brand, our fans, and our customers, and this agreement reinforces our commitment to our home track and to NHRA Drag Racing.”

The 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals is scheduled to take place July 20-22 and will kick off the three-race NHRA Western Swing, which also includes stops in Sonoma and Seattle, and a five-race sprint to the start of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship.

“We are excited to extend the partnership with Mopar, which represents the longest-standing title-rights sponsorship in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Since 1989, Mopar has been involved with this event, which is a testament to not only NHRA’s value proposition, but the dedicated team at Bandimere Speedway. We appreciate Mopar’s continued commitment and dedication to NHRA.”

John Bandimere Jr., president and CEO of Bandimere Speedway, said: “All of us at Bandimere Speedway are thrilled to know that our relationship with Mopar’s sponsoring of the Mopar Mile-High Nationals is continuing. The Mopar brand has become synonymous with NHRA and Bandimere Speedway. We love working with the entire Chrysler/Mopar Group.”

Mopar’s renewal of its title sponsorship of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals is another example of the brand’s commitment to the NHRA and drag racing. Mopar expanded its drag racing program this year with the addition of four-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., who campaigns his Mopar/JEGS.com Dodge Avenger. Mopar also has increased its involvement in the sponsorship for 2012 of the Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car campaigned by Don Schumacher Racing driver Matt Hagan, the 2011 NHRA Funny Car champion.

“Involvement in the NHRA is the cornerstone of Mopar’s motorsports program, as evidenced by the increased presence we have for the 2012 season,” said Gorlier. “Mopar customers and influencers are fans of the NHRA, and our participation is an excellent way to demonstrate the power and performance of Mopar parts and products to this audience.”

by Ismail Uddin