At what was believed to be the final NHRA Full Throttle Series race at what was then known as Gateway International Raceway, AAA was the title sponsor of the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals. It was an especially memorable race for AAA as Robert Hight, the Auto Club-sponsored Funny Car driver for John Force Racing, earned the victory that day.
With the NHRA returning to the newly-named Gateway Motorsports Park, it seems only fitting that AAA returns to sponsor the first Full Throttle Series race there, the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals Sept. 28-30.
The facility, now owned by St. Louis businessman Curtis Francois, will host the third of six Countdown to 1 playoff-style races that will determine the champions in all four NHRA Full Throttle Series’ classes (Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock, Funny Car, and Top Fuel).
“We are proud to have a top-caliber company like AAA Insurance as the title rights sponsor of the NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park this fall,” Francois said. “This year, we are poised to offer one of the most exciting, diverse and inclusive racing schedules motorsports enthusiasts have ever seen, and AAA Insurance will be a welcome partner for our NHRA event.”
The St. Louis market has always been a strong one for the NHRA. In a city that has seen other top motorsports sanctions, such as NASCAR and the IndyCar Series, struggle, the NHRA has almost always enjoyed robust crowds and support in the Gateway City. It was for that reason the Glendora, Calif.-based NHRA felt it was so important to return once the track reopened.
“The Automobile Club of Southern California has grown to become a very significant and important partner of NHRA,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. “The race entitlement provides a tremendous platform for AAA Missouri to market its insurance and member services to NHRA’s loyal fan base in the greater St. Louis area.”
As part of the title rights at Gateway Motorsports Park, AAA Insurance will receive exclusive promotional opportunities around the event, as well as broadcast elements, display space and signage on-site at the event, pre-event customer activities, and corporate hospitality.
“It has been gratifying to watch this relationship grow the way it has over the past 17 years, especially now that it includes some of our other motor clubs, such as AAA Missouri, which serves the area around Gateway Motorsports Park,” said Tom McKernan, Auto Club, CEO. “There is a close alignment between the objectives of the Auto Club, AAA Missouri, and the NHRA. We each place a premium on quality service, and we use our brand and resources to promote automotive and driver safety on the track and in the community.”
For ticket information for the NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park as well as other races on the NHRA Full Throttle Series schedule, visit the official NHRA ticket Web site.
