eMax Productions to Sponsor IHRA in 2006

[NickHolt]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Travis Reynolds - (419) 660-4225 - treynolds@ihra.com

Media Contact: Mike Perry - (419) 660-4213 - mperry@ihra.com

 

eMax PRODUCTIONS TO SPONSOR IHRA DRAG RACING SERIES

 

NORWALK, Ohio (February 22, 2006) – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced EntertainMax Worldwide, Inc., a company partly owned by EMAX Holdings, Corp., has entered into a multi-year agreement to be title sponsor of the 11-event IHRA Drag Racing Series. Effective immediately, the series will be known as the eMax Drag Racing Series.

 

This deal follows last week’s announcement by Hoosier Thunder Motorsports that eMax is sponsoring the team’s Top Fuel dragster driven by Terry McMillen.

 

As Nick Kontonicolas of C. Trade Group and McMillen finalized the agreement with eMax for the Top Fuel car, the idea of increased involvement in the sport was being discussed. “After a few introductions were made, IHRA and eMax began discussing the possibilities," said McMillen. "Through those conversations the eMax Drag Racing Series was born.”

 

EntertainMax will deliver a multi-tiered activation program through IHRA. EntertainMax, a multimedia, entertainment and broadcasting company, will partner with the sanctioning body, which enters its 36th year in 2006. As part of the announcement, EntertainMax will deliver cross-promotional entertainment packages, including a live concert series to be held during select national events for the 2006 season. The company will also provide marketing and promotional support, including advertising during IHRA’s exclusive television broadcast on SPEED Channel.

 

“EntertainMax offers a unique opportunity for IHRA to further increase the entertainment value of our national events while tapping into segments of the American public un-touched by the drag racing world,” said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. “We’re excited to welcome eMAX on-board. The depth of the company and its various divisions will make for a strong partnership with limitless possibilities.”

 

"The eMax family of companies has an expansive reach and we intend on using all our resources to promote this sponsorship of the IHRA Drag Racing Series,” said Nick Kontonicolas, CEO/President, C. Trade Group, the company responsible for this experiential partnership. “Coupling this partnership by sponsoring Terry McMillen’s Top Fuel dragster, the most coveted class in the sport, we will increase their visibility and add to the enthusiasm already surrounding IHRA drag racing.”

 

The EntertainMax Top Fuel dragster will be debuted by McMillen during spring testing events and at the 5th annual Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks and RVs and the San Antonio Express-News at San Antonio Raceway, March 24-26. McMillen will compete in Top Fuel after several successful seasons driving the Amalie-sponsored “InstiGator” Alcohol Funny Car, which will receive associate-sponsorship from eMax as well.

 

eMax replaces Hooters Restaurants as title sponsor of the IHRA Drag Racing Series. Hooters is now the presenting sponsor of the street legal racing and lifestyle event series, Kumho Street Warriorz presented by Hooters.

 

About IHRA

 

Headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), a division of Live Nation, professional, semi-professional and local level racing provides competitive opportunities for drivers at all levels. The eMax Drag Racing Series is an 11-event North American professional drag racing circuit. In 2006, the series will be comprised of eight events in major cities throughout the United States and three in Canada. The Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Championship consists of competition at national events and 35 events in six regional divisions, while IHRA’s Summit SuperSeries is conducted nearly every weekend at over 90 IHRA-sanctioned tracks. Providing a safe environment to develop future stars, IHRA offers the PM-1 Junior Dragster Racing Series for youths ages 8-17. Stand-alone events include Live Nation’s entertainment-filled “Thunder Jam” shows and the street legal racing and lifestyle event series Kumho Street Warriorz presented by Hooters. More information can be found at www.ihra.com.