Norwalk, Ohio, January 24, 2011 – Summit Racing Equipment, new title sponsor of the International Hot Rod Association's Summit Racing Tournament of Champions year-end sportsman championship tournament, announced today that it will increase the purse for the tournament by $15,000 beginning with the 2011 season.
The new purse will increase the payout for the ninth and 10th place finishers in the world based on performance at the Summit Racing Tournament of Champions. It will also benefit drivers finishing from third place through 10th place by offering them substantial Summit Racing Equipment product certificates in addition to the regular Summit TOC purse.
"Our goal has always been to support sportsman racing," said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipments Motorsports and Events Manage."Teaming up with the IHRA as the title sponsor of the Tournament of Champions is an incredible opportunity to expand our support for these competitive racers. We are excited to be able to increase the awards available to the top 10 in each class. The World Finals weekend promises to be very exciting."
Now entering its third year, the Summit Racing Tournament of Champions has become the most lucrative sportsman world championship program in drag racing today from a return on investment standpoint. Each sportsman class world champion receives $10,000 cash in addition to other perks befitting a champion without the tremendous costs associated with a traditional points chase. Instead of just a few drivers winning world championship prize money, the top 10 in each IHRA sportsman class all share in the $140,100 year end point fund.
"The Tournament of Champions is a great sportsman program that truly rewards the best drivers in the sport. And with the added weight and support of Summit Racing I am sure we can take this program to new heights," said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. "It is an exciting time to be a part of the IHRA as we continue to grow and expand our sportsman programs and find new ways to provide maximum value for all of our competitors."
In 2011 the Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions will take place at the World Finals at the conclusion of the Summit Pro-Am and Nitro Jam seasons. For the first time, this World Finals weekend will be dedicated entirely to the sportsman racer. The championship weekend will also feature the new Sportsman Spectacular event which will be a final TOC qualifier as well as the Summit SuperSeries World Championship and other special programs throughout the weekend.
