Beckman, Valvoline join forces

In a time when sponsorship dollars are hard to come by, Jack Beckman's NHRA Funny Car team landed a big one.
Valvoline will back Beckman's Dodge Charger R/T for Don Schumacher Racing in 2008. Mail Terminal Services, the primary sponsor on Beckman's car last year, will remain with the team as an associate sponsor.
"I tell you what I think is so cool," said Beckman, who finished fifth in the 2007 Funny Car class after winning two national events, "is that I'm able to race for companies I personally and overwhelmingly support. With MTS what we've been able to do for the troops with the Mail from Home program is outstanding and we still get thanks and emails from them."
The Mail Terminal Service program allows fans and competitors to send cards to U.S. troops stationed overseas. Last year, more than 90,000 postcards were distributed to war-zone troops through the Mail Terminal Service program.
In addition to being the primary sponsor on Beckman's car, Valvoline will be an associate sponsor on all the Schumacher teams in NHRA. Mail Terminal Services will have a similar deal with the Don Schumacher Racing teams.
"And I've been a Valvoline guy since my dad used Valvoline products when I was a kid," said Beckman, a driver from North Hills. "I have used Valvoline in my Sportsman car. In fact, when I go out and bracket race now, I'm still a Valvoline guy. So, to be able to promote something that I've been a longtime customer of and believe strongly in is awesome."
Beckman has been with Don Schumacher Racing for a little more than a year. This will be his second full season in the NHRA Funny Car division.
"I think I'm more excited now that I've got one full year under my belt," Beckman said. "I've been to every race track with the exception of the 24th race, which will be new for everybody. And I feel like out of the gate this year everybody will know that the Valvoline/MTS car is contending for the championship."
The NHRA released a 24-race schedule with an open date on Sept. 11-14, after the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. The season opens Feb. 7 with the Carquest Auto Part Winternationals in Pomona.
"We are proud to expand our relationship with Valvoline this season to include a primary sponsorship of the Dodge Charger that Jack will race," team owner Schumacher said. "All the DSR crew chiefs regard Valvoline products very highly and we use them in every one of our vehicles.
"Having Mail Terminal Services return as a major associate sponsor is also exciting for everyone at DSR. We expect an even more successful season for Jack than he had last year. We predict the Mail from Home program originated by Rodger and Karen Comstock will reach more fans and racers wishing to support our troops overseas as MTS and DSR continue to develop the program."