Skuza gains Mopar as major sponsor

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2000) - Mopar Parts, the parts division of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, is proud to announce its primary sponsorship of the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Dodge R/T Nitro Funny Car of driver Dean Skuza. Mopar assumes the primary slot after serving as an associate the last five seasons.

"This is something special for Skuza Motorsports," said Skuza, 33, who has two NHRA national event victories to his credit. "When you look at Mopar's history in drag racing, you begin to understand how incredible this is for Skuza Motorsports. The corporate and fan support will be tremendous in 2001."

In 2000, the Ohio resident tallied a final-round appearance following the Sears Craftsman Nationals at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill. and a semifinal round outing during the Autolite Nationals at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Skuza Motorsports is owned and operated by Skuza's father Don Skuza, who, along with crew chief Lance Larsen, hope to propel Mopar to a NHRA Funny Car championship in 2001.

"I'm really looking forward to next season," Don Skuza said. "Mopar has been a long-time supporter of Dean and I can't think of a better partner for this team's future. We have what it takes to run for a championship."

DaimlerChrysler Vice President of Motorsports and Mopar Performance Parts Lou Patane, a long-time drag racer himself, is pleased with the new program.

"We feel that Dean, Don and the whole Team Mopar NHRA Nitro Funny Car operation will represent Mopar and our employees very well," Patane said. "Week in and week out, Dean is one of the top drivers on the NHRA circuit. His technical knowledge and driving expertise, along with his popularity among drag racing fans, make him a great addition to Team Mopar."

Mopar Parts, which has supported drag racing for more than 30 years, currently serves as primary sponsor on the two-car Nickens Brothers Pro Stock effort of three-time NHRA Winston World Champion Darrell Alderman and current elapsed-time record holder Scott Geoffrion. In addition, Mopar Parts sponsors the No. 1 Ultra Motorsports Dodge Ram NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series effort and defending Pennzoil World of Outlaws champion Mark Kinser.

Mopar also sponsors the Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo.