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INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 1, 2006) - Multi-team owner Don Schumacher today announced that Matco Tools, which has been a major primary and associate sponsor of Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series since 2001, will not return to the team as a major sponsor in 2007.
Matco Tools earned three NHRA world championships as a DSR sponsor: two with Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel and one with Gary Scelzi in Funny Car. Matco Tools was also the primary sponsor on the Funny Car driven by Whit Bazemore to two championship runner-up finishes. Bazemore has won 13national events to date driving the Matco Tools flagship car.
"It's possible that Matco Tools may return with DSR in 2007 as an associate sponsor, but that remains to be determined," said Schumacher.
Bazemore's status with DSR for 2007 is unclear at this stage, Schumacher added. "I will not run that car without a sponsor. So, the first thing I need to do is find a new sponsor.
"I respect the fact that Matco Tools conveyed this information to me today at the U.S. Nationals. This will give me an opportunity to work aggressively through the rest of this 2006 season to replace them as a primary sponsor.
"We've had a long, rewarding relationship with Matco Tools since 2001, and I wish them continued success with their future motorsports programs," added Schumacher. "Matco Tools will continue as the tool of choice in the DSR camp for the time being."
DON SCHUMACHER RACING ANNOUNCES MATCO TOOLS' DEPARTURE IN 2007
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 1, 2006) - Multi-team owner Don Schumacher today announced that Matco Tools, which has been a major primary and associate sponsor of Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series since 2001, will not return to the team as a major sponsor in 2007.
Matco Tools earned three NHRA world championships as a DSR sponsor: two with Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel and one with Gary Scelzi in Funny Car. Matco Tools was also the primary sponsor on the Funny Car driven by Whit Bazemore to two championship runner-up finishes. Bazemore has won 13national events to date driving the Matco Tools flagship car.
"It's possible that Matco Tools may return with DSR in 2007 as an associate sponsor, but that remains to be determined," said Schumacher.
Bazemore's status with DSR for 2007 is unclear at this stage, Schumacher added. "I will not run that car without a sponsor. So, the first thing I need to do is find a new sponsor.
"I respect the fact that Matco Tools conveyed this information to me today at the U.S. Nationals. This will give me an opportunity to work aggressively through the rest of this 2006 season to replace them as a primary sponsor.
"We've had a long, rewarding relationship with Matco Tools since 2001, and I wish them continued success with their future motorsports programs," added Schumacher. "Matco Tools will continue as the tool of choice in the DSR camp for the time being."
