Brian Hacker joins communications staff

HACKER ADDED TO NHRA COMMUNICATIONS STAFF

GLENDORA, CALIF. (FEB. 8, 2006) -- Brian Hacker has been named Media Relations Manager for the National Hot Rod Association, NHRA Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal announced today.

Hacker, 37, comes to the NHRA with 10 years experience as an elementary school teacher. Prior to that, he worked for Brener Zwikel & Associates, a premier Los Angeles-based sports PR firm, for two years, and also worked in the publicity dept. for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In his new position, Hacker will primarily provide national event media relations for the NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series and support the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series as well as other NHRA racing programs. In addition, he will maintain relationships with national media outlets and contribute to NHRA media guides and other NHRA Communications Department publications.

"We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Brian's abilities and experience working for the NHRA," Vestal said. "He has the work ethic, enthusiasm and desire to constantly improve the programs and initiatives we have developed to promote and publicize the sport of NHRA Drag Racing."

A resident of Glendora, Calif., Hacker graduated from Marquette University in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in public relations. He and wife Jill have two children, Molly, 5, and Maggie, 2.

"I am excited to be joining the NHRA and looking forward to working with all the terrific people involved in the sport," Hacker said. "I am eager to get back into the world of sports media relations. The NHRA is a terrific place to resume my career."

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series, and the NHRA Street Legal Program presented by AAA. The NHRA also offers the O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

-nhra-