LUCAS OIL AND KELSEY MEDIA SUPPORT THE BRITISH DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME GALA AWARDS DINNER
Lucas Oil Products UK has announced that it is renewing its sponsorship of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame 
(BDRHoF) Gala Awards Dinner – this year being held at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey on November 18th.
It will be joined by Kelsey Media as joint hosts of the pre-dinner drinks reception – welcoming guests to an evening celebrating those who have helped the sport grow since its beginning in the late 1950s.
Lucas Oil also sponsors the BDRHoF Lucas Oil Global Achievement Award. In 2016 this was presented to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) for the crucial role played by NHRA and its employees in organising, governing and growing the sport of drag racing throughout its 65 years of existence – including the establishment of the FIA Drag Racing Commission that organises championships in Europe and Australia.
NHRA President Peter Clifford sent a photo and message saying how thrilled they were with the award and that they are proudly displaying it in their Glendora Head Quarter’s conference room.
Lucas Oil UK Managing Director Les Downey said, “It is rewarding that British drag racing and Lucas Oil are represented in the sport’s corridors of power in California. Our company has a long history in drag racing and also sponsors the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame based in Florida. And we are proud to continue our support of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner and this year act as joint hosts of the pre-dinner drinks reception with our friends from Kelsey Media.
As well as celebrating the sport’s UK pioneers at the BDRHoF Gala, many of whom have become personal friends of mine, Lucas Oil is committed to celebrating the young people entering drag racing by co-sponsoring two tables for the Junior Drag Racing Champions and their families It is great that the 2017 Junior Drag Racing Champions can attend the Gala again and meet so many legends of our sport. I know they really look forward to the occasion. The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame is doing important work and I would encourage more companies to get involved.”
The Andy Willsheer photo was taken at the 2016 BDRHoF Gala Awards Dinner and shows, from left, Les Downey of Lucas Oil Products UK, Don Schumacher and the 2016 Junior Drag Racing Champions. Sponsorship Partner and BDRHoF International Liaison Advisor Geoff Stilwell of Beech Underwriting is on the right.
British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Limited CEO Brian Taylor said, “I have known Les for many years and he is a true friend of drag racing. This year the event will have a revised format aimed at streamlining the awards programme and providing more time for socialising. I can’t think of anyone better to welcome guests before the Awards Dinner and set the right atmosphere of the evening and I thank him for his support.”
Joining Lucas Oil this year is Kelsey Media – a business now publishing a multitude of magazines and organising events covering the automotive sector and many other areas too. A visit to their website www.kelsey.co.uk shows you the amazing breath of their coverage these days. The world of drag racing knows them for Custom Car – a magazine that has been helping to promote our sport since its launch in 1970. In 2007 the magazine was inducted into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for its long association with the sport and, along with US Automotive, sponsored the Souvenir Programme for the 2014 BDRHoF Gala Awards Dinner.
From low-budget traditional hot rods and customs to hi-tech street rods and 300mph dragsters, every month the team of writers at Custom Car brings together event coverage, technical articles, project cars, news and reviews and feature cars. In addition, the magazine offers a classified section for those looking to buy and sell. It is available in print and digital format and is part of the Fast Car Entertainment event series which brings motoring enthusiasts together to celebrate their shared passion.
Managing Director of Kelsey Media Phil Weeden said, “Kelsey Media, and in particular Custom Car magazine, are delighted to be supporting the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner. We’re equally pleased to be sharing that support with a brand of repute like Lucas Oil. Custom Car magazine is part of a growing family of motoring publications, websites and events at Kelsey Media. All have a passion for motoring at their heart. The knowledge and enthusiasm for cars in particular is especially evident in a brand like Custom Car magazine, which has been around now for over 40 years, reflecting the best in hot rods, customs and drag racers.”
Honorary Chairman of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Stu Bradbury said, “Custom Car is part of our family, being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, and it is very rewarding that they are supporting us again. I remember when the magazine was launched and what a difference it made to how drag racing was perceived by the public and sponsors. Of all the titles out there this is the one that has shown longevity in its association with our sport and it is a special pleasure to welcome them back as a sponsor.”
The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by email at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone at 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65.00 each and this includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
