JCB SPONSORS IHRA WORLD FINALS “NIGHT OF FIRE”

NORWALK, Ohio (October 2, 2006) – JCB, the fourth largest heavy equipment manufacturer in the world, will sponsor the Saturday “Night of Fire” during the final 2006 IHRA eMax Drag Racing Series event, the World Finals, held at Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina October 20 – 22.

JCB was founded in 1945 and today manufactures over 160 different models of machinery on five continents, employing more 4,000 people. Producing construction and agricultural heavy equipment, including backhoe loaders, forklifts, excavators and dump trucks, the company’s global headquarters is located in Rocester, Staffordshire, England. The North American headquarters is in Savannah, Ga.

JCB’s involvement with the IHRA began earlier this year in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with hospitality areas during the Rocky Mountain Nationals at Castrol Raceway. JCB and IHRA saw the natural fit for another partnership.

“The Edmonton event is the reason we are sponsoring the ‘Night of Fire’ in Rockingham,” said Andrew Henderson, marketing manager, JCB Inc. “The enthusiasm shown by the organizers, teams and of course the public toward JCB meant we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to come back for more.

“We always put on a great show for the public, whether it’s the Dancing Diggers or the 100 mph JCB GT Backhoe Loader, you can guarantee that both children and parents will leave with a smile on their faces,” added Henderson.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to further showcase IHRA drag racing to JCB and their customers,” said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. “Their professional presence left an impression on everyone during the Rocky Mountain Nationals. Between the supercharged wheel-standing backhoe, their high-traffic display trailer on the midway and the long line of construction equipment lining the entrance to Castrol Raceway, fans left that race seeing JCB yellow.”

Included in their “Night of Fire” sponsorship, during the event JCB will feature the “Dancing Diggers” synchronized backhoe dancing team, the supercharged wheel-standing backhoe, hospitality display area and the 350 mph record-holding JCB Dieselmax.

In 1945, Joseph Cyril Bamford (Mr. JCB) launched the construction and agricultural equipment manufacturing company that bears his initials. He began his business in a garage that measured 12 feet by 15 feet. The worldwide growth of the Backhoe Loader is due to Joe’s pioneering work on perfecting this machine in those early days. In just 60 years since Joe founded JCB, the company has grown to employ over 4,000 people and produce over 160 different models of machinery on five continents. For more information on JCB, log onto the company’s web site at www.jcb.com.

The IHRA World Finals, the concluding race of the 11-event eMax Drag Racing Series, will be held at Rockingham Dragway, October 20 – 22. To obtain media credentials or schedule interviews, please contact Travis Reynolds at (419) 706-8631, travisreynolds@livenation.com, or Mike Perry at (419) 660-4213, mikeperryihra@livenation.com.