BAYTOWN, Texas — Shell Oil Co.'s Pennzoil brand has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Houston Raceway Park (HRP) that will see the 30-year-old facility adopt the name Houston Race Park powered by Pennzoil.
The quarter-mile dragstrip, founded in 1988 by Greg and Gary Angel, is located in Baytown, near Houston.
The agreement includes naming rights, designation for Pennzoil as the official lubricant of Houston Raceway Park powered by Pennzoil, logo placement on numerous buildings throughout the facility, including the left-lane scoreboard and the VIP Tower Suites, as well as all high-traffic areas within the pits.
HRP Vice President Seth Angel called the announcement "another exciting chapter" in the history of the raceway.
"The commitment Pennzoil has made to the sport of NHRA drag racing, specifically through its association with Don Schumacher Racing, is a testament to its faith in the future of our sport," Mr. Angel said. "We couldn't be more thrilled to 'Make the Switch' to Pennzoil as we head into the 2019 race season."
Patty Lanning, vice president of North American Marketing for Shell Lubricants, said Pennzoil has a long history in motorsports, including several years in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
"In fact, our relationship with Don Schumacher Racing is a great example of that success, both on and off the track," she said. "This new entitlement at Houston Raceway Park is a perfect opportunity for Pennzoil and Houston Raceway Park to begin a new chapter and build on a solid history of supporting an incredibly exciting and popular motorsports series."
As part of the agreement, Pennzoil is able to offer exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences at the facility to employees, customers and Pennzoil race team fans.
Mr. Angel lauded Pennzoil's presence in the Houston area. "Likewise, we've always strived to make our facility one of the best on the circuit with continual upgrades to both the racetrack and the common areas to make sure the racers and our guests have a great time."
HRP powered by Pennzoil will be the site of the 32nd annual NHRA SpringNationals, April 12-14.