AutoZone to sponsor NHRA event at Memphis

GLENDORA, Calif. -- AutoZone, a Memphis, Tenn.-based auto parts chain, has reached a multi-year agreement with the National Hot Rod Association to become the title sponsor for the NHRA national event at Memphis Motorsports Park, NHRA President Dallas Gardner announced. The 12th annual AutoZone Nationals presented by Pennzoil is scheduled for Oct. 7-10 at Memphis Motorsports Park. The race is the 19th of 22 events in the $40-million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series in 1999. "In the three years that AutoZone has been the presenting sponsor for this race, its popularity has really grown with our hometown fans," said AutoZone President and COO Tim Vargo. "When we got the opportunity to add our name as the title sponsor, we were thrilled." It is the second NHRA event sponsorship for AutoZone. The company is also the title sponsor for NHRA's season-opening race, the AutoZone Winternationals, held at Pomona Raceway, Pomona, Calif. In 1998, AutoZone was a presenting sponsor for the NHRA national event at Memphis Motorsports Park. "Over the past three years AutoZone has been very active in its presenting sponsorship of the NHRA event here at Memphis Motorsports Park, and we are delighted that they have chosen to assume the role of title sponsor," said Todd Bridges, vice president and general manager of Memphis Motorsports Park. "AutoZone, Pennzoil and Memphis Motorsports Park have become synonymous with NHRA drag racing in the Mid-South. Even though their roles will be reversed, both of these fine companies will once again be a major player in our NHRA event." Said Gardner: "It's rewarding to see AutoZone expand their presence in NHRA Winston Drag Racing. They have certainly demonstrated their ability to effectively utilize NHRA national event sponsorships as a part of their marketing direction and continue to be an outstanding partner in growing our fan base. We're pleased to see them expand their involvement at Memphis Motorsports Park, where they've been associated with the event there in a presenting sponsorship capacity for several seasons. We're confident that AutoZone's commitment will help to continue the great tradition of NHRA Winston Drag Racing in the Memphis market."