The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

GM Performance Parts to Sponsor Al Hofmann

7 March 1998

Gainesville, Fla.; -- The world's quickest Funny Car will carry the GM Performance Parts logo this weekend at the NHRA Mac Tools Gatornationals. GM Performance Parts will be an associate sponsor on Al Hofmann's Pontiac Firebird Funny Car for the remainder of the 1998 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series.

"Al Hofmann's dedication to winning and his hands-on approach to performance are qualities that he shares with our customers," said GM Service Parts Operations Sports Marketing Manager Bill Fitzgerald. "Al is a hot rodder at heart -- and GM Performance Parts is proud to support a racer who has turned his passion into his profession."

Hofmann recorded a 4.862-second elapsed time at the season-opening NHRA Winternationals -- the quickest pass by a Funny Car driver in NHRA history. The 50-year-old pro from Umatilla, Fla., has racked up 14 career victories in 29 final round appearances. He scored five straight Top Five finishes in the NHRA championship from 1992 to 1996, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the points race in 1995.

"As far as I'm concerned, GM Performance Parts is one of the best sponsors in the business," said Hofmann. "It's a perfect match for me to represent the brand that's famous for factory-engineered performance.

"Without a doubt, this association will make a huge difference for our team," Hofmann added. "I believe there is still a lot more left in my race car. The resources that GM Performance Parts is bringing to our program will help us reach an even higher level of performance. I know the competition is concerned!"

Hofmann's "never-give-up" attitude propelled him to two victories in 1997. He was runner-up at the Winternationals and won the Gatornationals six weeks later -- but then disaster struck. A fiery engine explosion and crash put Hofmann in the hospital and relegated him to the unfamiliar role of spectator for several months. Through sheer force of will, Hofmann recovered, regrouped, and rebounded to score a stunning victory in Dallas in October.

Hofmann is an avid hot rodder whose stable includes a pair of classic '55 and '57 Chevrolets, a split-window '63 Corvette with a 600-cubic-inch big-block V8, a rare 427ci/435hp Corvette, and an all-original '67 Camaro.

"Every car I own is a GM model," Hofmann explains. "Although I don't have much time to work on my hot rods during the racing season, I get a real kick out of restoring, modifying, and driving them."

"The GM Performance Parts line includes more than 1200 components that are designed and engineered specifically for enthusiasts like Al Hofmann," said GM Performance Parts General Product Manager Michael Fellberg. "The brand stands for more than just power; it represents advanced technology that is developed, tested, and validated by the engineers who design GM vehicles."

GM Performance Parts participates in a wide range of motorsports activities. Two famous father-and-son teams carry the GM Performance Parts logo: Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in NASCAR stock car racing, and Pro Stock racers Warren and Kurt Johnson in NHRA drag racing. GM Performance Parts also sponsors Jay Sauter in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series.

GM Service Parts Operations, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Mich., markets automotive replacement parts and accessories worldwide under the GM and ACDelco brand names. The GM Performance Parts catalog can be downloaded free of charge from the GM Performance Parts website at http://www.gmgoodwrench.com. Consumers can call 1-800-577-6888 for the location of the nearest GM Performance Parts Authorized Center.