NHRA signs deal with ESPEN

NEW YORK -- The National Hot Rod Association and ESPN have agreed to an exclusive five-year television agreement and strategic partnership that will put the NHRA Drag Racing series on ESPN and ESPN2 through the year 2005.

In addition, NHRA announced an expanded schedule for its weekly magazine show, NHRA Heat, with more than 40 shows scheduled beginning in 2001. The show, which presently airs as a lead-in to the popular RPM2Night on ESPN2, will air each week during the NHRA 24-race season.

The move will provide even more coverage of NHRA Drag Racing and is designed to meet the need for information craved by the NHRA's growing fan base. The agreement extends to both the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series and NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series.