Candlewood Suites, IHG’s midscale extended-stay brand, announced today it will join Kalitta Motorsports, one of the most accomplished teams in the history of NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Professional Drag Racing, as a major associate and primary sponsor for the team in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.  This sponsorship is IHG’s first for the NHRA circuit.

”Just like in the hot rod community, we provide a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere at Candlewood Suites, where our ‘fans’ feel free to relax on their own terms,” said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Americas Brand Management, IHG.  “Many of our guests already enjoy racing, and this sponsorship gives us the opportunity to showcase our brand to an even larger audience.”

Candlewood Suites, IHG’s midscale extended-stay brand, announced today it will join Kalitta Motorsports, one of the most accomplished teams in the history of NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Professional Drag Racing, as a major associate and primary sponsor for the team in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.  This sponsorship is IHG’s first for the NHRA circuit.

”Just like in the hot rod community, we provide a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere at Candlewood Suites, where our ‘fans’ feel free to relax on their own terms,” said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Americas Brand Management, IHG.  “Many of our guests already enjoy racing, and this sponsorship gives us the opportunity to showcase our brand to an even larger audience.”

The Candlewood Suites logo will be displayed on all three of Kalitta Motorsports’ nitro-fueled, 8,000-horsepower, 300+ mph race cars, including the team’s two Top Fuel dragsters driven by Doug Kalitta and Dave Grubnic, as well as the DHL Funny Car driven by Jeff Arend. The sponsorship kicks off at the prestigious Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., Feb. 24-27, 2011.

Candlewood Suites will also serve as the primary sponsor on the Grubnic-driven Top Fueler at four events in 2011 –

• NHRA Nationals, Commerce, GA (Atlanta)—May 13-15, 2011
• Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Chicago, IL—July 7-10, 2011
• Mac Tools US Nationals, Indianapolis, IN—August 31-September 5, 2011
• NHRA Arizona Nationals, Phoenix, AZ—October 14-16, 2011

“It’s an honor for us to be partnered with such a great brand as Candlewood Suites,” Connie Kalitta, team owner and drag racing legend, said. “Candlewood Suites is synonymous with down-to-earth hospitality, which aligns with the personality of our fan base.  We are very pleased that they have chosen our team and NHRA Drag Racing to further their marketing efforts.”

 

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