Outback Mac Racing has signed a deal with sports marketing group Premiership Strategies International (PSI) that will see Australia's Garry McGrath contest the US $50 million US National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Powerade Funny Car Championship.
The Outback Mac-PSI sponsorship broking deal was announced in Melbourne recently with high level support from NHRA Marketing Manager Rick Quezada, who noted that Outback Mac will be the sole Australian team in the 23 event series.
"The NHRA Championship is enjoyed by more than 60 million viewers annually in the USA and many more worldwide on cable sports channel ESPN. Outback Mac will add an extra dimension and rivalry that our fans will love," said Quezada.
"Americans love all things Australian," McGrath said. "We've already had a huge response with the Croc Car at promotional events in Dallas, Las Vegas and California."
"The marketing potential of the car is limitless and PSI has been working hard in both Australia and the US on the necessary sponsorship for a big NHRA season in 2007 and beyond."
"It's a great opportunity for Australian companies looking to get huge exposure in the United States," said PSI Managing Director Robert Macdonald.
"The enthusiasm is contagious. We are working closely with Outback Mac Racing and prospective sponsors to ensure Garry does what he does best and wins races."
McGrath has been involved in nitro Funny Car racing since 1979. He won his last Australian national series title in 1998 and also has a long history in the management and promotion of drag racing in Australia.
He believes his 8000 HP Nitro Funny Car will be extremely competitive.
"We took the Croc Car on a US tour in 2002. The fans loved it and the NHRA can't wait to get us over there," he said.
"There's no doubt the Outback Mac Racing team will make a huge impact in the US, just like Paul Hogan, Greg Norman and the late and great Steve Irwin did when they hit America."
Story taken from The Sports Vine
