NHRA: Kendall Oil, Chuck Etchells Remain Teammates in 1999
11 October 1998
Putnam, Conn. - Officials from Kendall Motor Oil and Chuck Etchells Racing today announced that they had reached an agreement in which Kendall would remain as primary sponsor of Etchells' Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Nitro Funny Car for the 1999 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season. This extends one of the longest and most recognized relationships on the drag racing circuit, marking the seventh season that Kendall has been the primary backer of the Etchells Racing "fuel coupe"."We are glad to announce our continued involvement with Chuck Etchells Racing ," said Susan Tate, Manager of Marketing and Sales Support for the Branded Lubricants business of Sun Company. "Chuck's long-standing record of success in the world of NHRA Winston Drag Racing is a good marriage with Kendall's overall business philosophy and reputation for providing a high quality product. Our goal is to use our racing program to enhance national brand support, and effectively drive our business."
Kendall Motor Oil is a division of the Lubricants business of Sun Company, Inc, one of the world's largest independent petroleum refiners/marketers. Throughout its history, Kendall has been one of the pioneers in the industry. Among their many innovations are being the first to produce an SAE 10W-30 motor oil, and to market a Passenger Car Motor oil with a 2,000 mile drain interval, which is the origin for their well-known logo with the two fingers in a "V". For 1999, the company will look to use the Etchells racing program as a key component in their Dual Brand marketing efforts, which is designed to promote both the Kendall and Sunoco product names.
Chuck Etchells, who indelibly wrote his name into the NHRA record books in 1993 with the first four-second run ever recorded in a Funny Car, is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career. Throughout the year, Etchells has won two events in Phoenix and Richmond, posted one of the top elimination-round win percentages and remained among the leaders in the chase for the Winston championship. Etchells has also recorded several personal milestones in 1998, including setting a new best elapsed time of 4.892 seconds, and leading the points standings for the first time in his illustrious career, which he has done on two separate occasions. With his primary sponsorship package in place, the Etchells team will continue the pursuit of their ultimate goal - winning the Winston Drag Racing world championship.
"I know I speak for everyone at Chuck Etchells Racing when I say how glad we are to have Kendall Motor Oil back on the Etchells Racing Camaro Z28 for next year," stated Etchells. "I have had a wonderful relationship with Kendall for fourteen years, and they have been my primary sponsor since 1993. It is truly gratifying that they see value in our program and the NHRA's Winston Drag Racing Series, and are going forward with us. Although the 1998 season is far from over, we look forward to another successful year with them both on and off the track in 1999."
