Mopar renews sponsorshipRacing series NHRA

MOPAR RENEWS SPONSORSHIP; EXPANDS MOPAR HEMI CHALLENGE GLENDORA, Calif. (June 28, 2006) -- Mopar has renewed its sponsorship of the popular Mopar HEMI Challenge at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals for the seventh consecutive year, expanding the action by two races to make the special event a full series, NHRA officials announced today. Featuring events at the JEGS.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals, the JEG'S Northern SPORTSnationals and Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the Mopar HEMI Challenge offers more than $20,000 in prize money in 2006.

"The expansion of the Mopar HEMI Challenge represents Mopar's commitment to the growth of this event," said David Hakim, marketing manager, Mopar Performance Parts. "The 1968 Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts that compete in the Mopar HEMI Challenge represent the high water mark of the production of super stock package cars.

This event helps to preserve the legendary status of these machines while, at the same time, implementing modern technology to further their status in the sport of drag racing." The JEGS.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals and JEG'S Northern SPORTSnationals events feature $5,000 payouts, while the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Indianapolis Raceway Park at Indianapolis continues to feature a $10,000 winner's purse.

The series winner of the Super Stock/AH series also will receive a cash bonus after the series' finale on Sept. 1, 2006. Among the entries for the prestigious event this season include past winners Bucky Hess, Richard Beshore, Jerry Jenkins, Jeg Coughlin and Charlie Westcott. "The Mopar HEMI Challenge is an extraordinary way to exhibit the power of the vehicles made famous by some of the legends of NHRA drag racing," said Len Imbrogno, NHRA director of sportsman racing and member tracks.

"We're excited to see this unique event continue to grow in popularity and offer a special spotlight for these drivers." Mopar is based in Center Line, Mich., and is the exclusive original equipment supplier of parts and accessories for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks.

The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Street Legal Drags presented by AAA. The NHRA also offers the O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17. -nhra-