Castrol ending 29-year partnership with NHRA's John Force Racing

Crain News Service report

DETROIT (Aug. 21, 2013) — BP Lubricants USA Inc.'s Castrol brand, long-time sponsor of John Force Racing (JFR), is pulling its support of the team after 29 years in the stable.

Castrol's announcement follows word from Ford Motor Co. earlier this month that it was leaving the top levels of the NHRA, including it's support of JFR.

Both Ford and Castrol are leaving JFR at the conclusion of the 2014 season.

"John Force has been the ultimate ambassador for the Castrol brand and we are grateful for his passion and dedication," said Rich Pond, head of U.S. marketing for Castrol. "But after 29 successful years, we have decided to pursue new ways to engage with our consumers and customers, while still celebrating the superiority of Castrol motor oils."

During this partnership, John Force and his organization captured a record 17 NHRA Funny Car championships. He won 15 titles, including 10 in a row from 1993-2002.

"Castrol has been with me for so long now, they really are part of the JFR family," Mr. Force said. "They've been there as my daughters have grown up with the Castrol name on all those cars for all those years. It's gonna be tough to part ways, but I want to thank them for being a great partner.

"All of us are going to stay focused on the rest of the 2013 season and on winning a final championship for Castrol in 2014. It's far from over. We've had a great past but I believe we also have a great future.

"I'm just going to keep doing my job and we'll see who's ready to be part of our success going forward."

Through the end of their current agreement in 2014, both John Force and Brittany Force (NHRA Top Fuel) will continue to represent the Castrol brand.

This report appeared on the website of Autoweek magazine, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.