David Powers Motorsports, Top Fuel sponsor part ways

DAVID POWERS MOTORSPORTS MUTUALLY PARTS WAYS WITH CATERPILLAR, WILL NOT COMPETE IN 2009

HOUSTON (Jan. 7, 2009) -- Due to unfortunate economic conditions, David Powers Motorsports and Caterpillar Inc. have reached a mutual agreement to end Caterpillar's sponsorship of David Powers Motorsports and the Caterpillar Top Fuel team, effective immediately.

"I would first like to thank Rod Fuller and all the team members that helped make David Powers Motorsports a great part of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series the last four years," Powers said. "Also, Caterpillar and Matco Tools and all of our great sponsors who supported us along the way. And, we have to thank Tom Compton and the great staff at NHRA. The sport of NHRA drag racing is in good hands and will continue to prosper."

David Powers Motorsports is selling its Top Fuel and show car program assets. The racing assets include two complete Brad Hadman race cars, 12 sets of cylinder heads, seven short blocks, a 2008 Caterpillar-powered Kenthworth tractor, and Competition Trailerstransporter. It is the ideal package for a race-winning Top Fuel program. The show car comes with two one-piece carbon fiber bodies and fifth-wheel Goldrush trailer.

"During these difficult times, I need to focus on homebuilding," Powers said. "During my 26 years in the homebuilding industry, these are the most challenging times I've been through. We will keep pressing forward and persevere."

Hot Rod Fuller and the Caterpillar Top Fuel team finished sixth in the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series standings posting one victory in four final round appearances, including runner-up finishes at the final two races at Las Vegas and Pomona, Calif. Fuller also earned one pole in 2008 (Norwalk, Ohio). In four seasons, Powers and Fuller won seven races in 18 final rounds, claimed seven No. 1 qualifying awards, and won the $100,000 Technicoat Shootout at Las Vegas in 2007. They finished in the POWERade Top 10 all four seasons.

"Despite today's announcement, Caterpillar remains proud of the success this sponsorship in 2008," Caterpillar NACD parts & service marketing Todd Goins said. "We enjoyed our relationship with the entire race team and were proud to be represented by such a great driver and person, Hot Rod Fuller."

-credit: dpm