Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Search under way for new sponsor

Thursday, July 19, 2001 | 11:24 a.m.

Brian Hilderbrand covers motor sports for the Las Vegas Sun. Reach him at bh@lasvegassun.com or 259-4089.

NHRA president Tom Compton clearly is a man who sees the glass as half full.

In the wake of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's decision to end its 27-year sponsorship of the NHRA Drag Racing Series at the conclusion of this season, Compton referred to this as "an exciting time" for the series.

Although the search for a new series sponsor certainly can be a daunting task, Compton said he has been pleased with the reception he has received from the companies he already has contacted.

"There are a number of companies out there right now that are extremely interested in what we have to offer," Compton said. "Obviously, we have been talking to people ... we've got a number of incredible opportunities.

"We have been working with RJR all along and this announcement really came as no surprise. The sport has never really been in a better position and ... we actually look at this, in some ways, as an opportunity."

Compton said he expects to announce a new series sponsor by the end of summer, but he is not going to take the first offer that comes along.

"If it was just a case of selling it to whoever came along, we would already have sold it," Compton said. "We are looking for another long-term partner, one that can help us build the sport.

"It's very important to find the right fit. We're looking at someone who can help us maintain NHRA Drag Racing, get the word out to mainstream America -- not just maintain what we have but build upon the momentum that we have been generating this season."

Compton declined to address rumors that he approached Budweiser about a series sponsorship, but was turned down.

An industry source told the Sun that real estate giant RE/MAX is interested in sponsoring the NHRA. RE/MAX currently sponsors the ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America) stock car series.

Compton also said that he would attempt to secure sponsorship for current Team Winston drivers Gary Scelzi (Top Fuel) and Angelle Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle), who also will be losing their Winston sponsorship at the end of the season.

"We gained some rounds on Warren and Yates," Coughlin said. "Pro Stock is so tough and competitive this year; I have lost some races by less than a hundredth of a second, and I actually won a couple of rounds (in Pomona) buy less then a hundredth of a second.

"The points race tightened up and we're back in the thick of things. We never felt we were too far out but (the Pomona win) helped tremendously."

The drivers also will be wearing special "Jurassic Park" firesuits and helmets in Denver.