NHRA AWARDS CEREMONY RETURNS TO THE DESERT (NHRA)

The Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage Once Again Named
Site of 2005 NHRA POWERADE Drag Racing Series Awards Show

GLENDORA, Calif. (Aug.16, 2005) – For the second consecutive year, the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony will be held at The Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Monday, Nov. 7, 2005.

The ceremony will be highlighted by the crowning of the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series world champions in all four professional categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle) and will take place the day after the final race of the season, the 41st annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at historic Pomona (Calif.) Raceway.

“Last year the NHRA racing community enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the Westin Mission Hills Resort, in addition to the elegant setting,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. “The venue served as a great getaway following an exciting yet demanding 10-month battle for the four POWERade championships.”

The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony will feature a pre-event cocktail reception amidst the backdrop of the resort’s beautiful scenery followed by a formal sit-down banquet and finally an after-party at the stunning Bella Vista Restaurant.

The Westin Mission Hills Resort is renowned for its championship caliber golf, world-class service and incomparable amenities that include a Peter Dye Golf Course plus the only Gary Player Signature Course in Southern California, four pools, seven lighted tennis courts and a health spa, making the experience a true getaway for the NHRA racing community after a long season and hard-championship chase.

The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Awards Presentation also will take place at the Westin Mission Hills Resort, also on Nov. 7, and will be held prior to the night’s festivities for the professional categories.