Georgia Drag Racing News

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Friday, April 21, 2006

GM Performance Parts Set to Unleash All New Power Shop

NHRA's Warren and Kurt Johnson help unveil new mobile display at The Year One Experience

Drag racing simulator offers enthusiasts the feel of power first-hand

Fully operational ZZ572 big-block crate engine on display

DETROIT - As the leader in providing high performance solutions to the automotive aftermarket, GM Performance Parts (GMPP) has developed an extensive line of factory-engineered parts and accessories. From chrome dress-up pieces to the legendary 720-horsepower ZZ572 big-block crate engine, GMPP offers everything for the automotive enthusiast looking to upgrade his or her ride.

This weekend at the annual convention of horsepower, style and speed- known as The Year One Experience in Braselton, GA - GM Performance Parts will unveil an all-new mobile exhibit, the GM Performance Parts Power Shop. The exhibit will travel cross-country, making appearances at NHRA, NSRA, Goodguys, and Super Chevy events giving performance enthusiasts an up-close look at GM Performance Parts, and offering an interactive experience in a drag racing simulator.

"GM Performance Parts is working to raise the bar in the high performance automotive aftermarket, and we feel our new Power Shop reflects that forward-thinking philosophy," said Eric Cunningham, marketing director, GM Accessories and Performance Parts. "The Power Shop is an innovative marketing approach that we feel is vital to growing our sales in this segment, and we couldn’t have picked a better location for its debut than the Year One Experience."

"The Power Shop is designed to both inform and entertain customers, giving them an opportunity to see what we have to offer and, to feel the power of our line of high performance parts," said Cunningham. "With people from all levels of the hot rodding community converging on Braselton this weekend, we expect to have a full house for our opening event."

The GM Performance Parts Power Shop’s innovative and interactive floor plan offers several ground-breaking features. Playing a prominent role will be the fully operational GMPP ZZ572 big-block crate engine, which is the first of its type on a touring display. Fans will also be able to feel the power first-hand by competing in the revolutionary drag racing simulator, where they will strap into a highly responsive Super Gas dragster and get the full sensory experience of rocketing down the quarter-mile. Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson and noted drag racing instructor Frank Hawley partner to add to the realism, acting as on-screen guides to take would-be racers through the ride.

Finally, the area will showcase a wide spectrum of GM Performance Parts products, from GM Cat-Back Exhaust Systems, plus-sized wheel displays, and replacement engines to a line-up of completely dressed GMPP crate engines. Before leaving the exhibit, visitors will have the chance to enter a sweepstakes where the grand prize is a GMPP LS7 crate engine valued at $17,495.00.
Assisting GM Performance Parts officials during the Power Shop's opening weekend will be two men whose names are synonymous with horsepower, NHRA Pro Stock standouts Warren and Kurt Johnson.

"Warren and Kurt are the most successful father
and son team in drag racing history and we're excited that they are taking time from their busy racing schedules to represent GM Performance Parts and to spend time with their fans and fellow gearheads," said Cunningham.

"We share a common goal with GM Performance Parts, namely to be the very best in our respective fields," said six-time champion Warren Johnson. "The GM Performance Parts Power Shop reflects their philosophy of working with automotive enthusiasts to bring the very best to GMPP customers, and we're looking forward to christening the display at the Year One Experience, and spending time with people who have a passion for all things automotive. Besides, maybe we can pick up a few pointers from the drag racing simulator!"

GM Performance Parts continues to set the standard for performance and value. Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM, can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads and components, from GM dealerships and GMPP Authorized Centers nationwide. For more information or to locate the closest GM dealership visit
www.goodwrench.com.

Contacts:
Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing


Cheryl McCarron
GM Performance Parts Communications