GLENDORA, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2010) – NHRA announced today that Tire Kingdom®, a leading brand of service centers for Florida-based TBC Retail Group Inc. (TBC), has signed a multi-year contract extension to continue its title rights sponsorship of the tradition-rich NHRA Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway.
In addition to title sponsorship of the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, Tire Kingdom will be a national partner of the NHRA Youth and Education Services (YES) Program presented by the U.S. Army, utilizing its Tire Kingdom, NTB-National Tire and Battery®, Merchant’s Tire and Auto Centers®, and Big O Tires ® brands. TBC Retail Group will also have a presence in NHRA’s Manufacturer’s Midway at a number of events on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule throughout the year.
“After its successful support of this year’s Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, TBC Retail Group decided to extend and expand its relationship with NHRA,” said Tony Driscoll, vice president of sales and business development, NHRA. “We are excited to have the TBC Retail Group brands associated with NHRA at the title rights level and within the NHRA YES program presented by the U.S. Army.”
The Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals has a long and storied history serving as the East Coast opener for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Next year, the event will celebrate its 42nd anniversary of thrilling fans throughout the state of Florida, and as the home to numerous records and memorable moments. In 2011, NHRA will be celebrating its 60th anniversary and will announce a number of special events and activities planned throughout the year.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to become multi-year sponsors of the NHRA Gatornations since The Tire Kingdom Gatornationals was a tremendous success for us last year,” said Bob Crostarosa, SVP, marketing and advertising, TBC Retail Group. “This relationship has enhanced our exposure in the Florida market where the Tire Kingdom brand has a huge presence. We are fired up to engage our associates and customers as we increase our participation in the NHRA.”
