Las Vegas: Urs Erbacher preview

Marnell Masonry to back Erbacher in Vegas

LAS VEGAS (April 10) -- Reigning FIA Top Fuel champion Urs Erbacher of Switzerland will banner Las Vegas builder and former Pro Stock racer George Marnell's company -- Marnell Masonry -- as the primary sponsor of his dragster this weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"I still love the sport and it's neat to have a car with your name on it," the former national event winner said from his Las Vegas home. "It gives all the kids and our employees someone to root for.

"I haven't met Urs Erbacher in person yet but I hear he's quite a character. I'm interested to hear his stories about racing in Europe and I know all the guests we have coming up to the suite can't wait to meet the European champion. It would be really something if he can go some rounds this weekend."

Aside from the race itself, Erbacher will be representing Marnell Masonry at the Champions Meet & Greet from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Palms Hotel and Casino. He's also making an appearance at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Club Nitro at the Strip, and will serve as color commentator of the NHRA All-Star race at the Bullring beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Erbacher made a little history at the last stop on tour when he recorded a round win in Houston, thereby becoming the first European Top Fuel driver in 31 years to win a round in NHRA competition. Clive Skilton of England was the last driver to do so.

At the conclusion of the ninth annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, Erbacher's entire operation will be shipped to England for the start of the 2008 FIA tour.

-credit: ur