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FOR RELEASE: January 22, 2003 CONTACT(S):
Pontiac Awards Grand Prix GTP To IHRA Summit Champion Chip Horton
CONVINGTON, Ky. - Chip Horton now has to make room in his garage for a brand-new, 40th anniversary Pontiac Grand Prix GTP as the Jesup, Ga., resident won the limited-edition automobile after being crowned overall IHRA Sportsman champion in the inaugural Summit SuperSeries presented by Pontiac. GM Racing's Fred Simmonds presented the 40th anniversary Grand Prix to Horton last Saturday night at the 32nd annual Hooters IHRA Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Horton, who lost his left leg in an accident when he was 17, has won over 700 races and 22 track championships during his career - all without hand controls or special equipment. "What a beautiful car," exclaimed Horton after being presented the keys to his new Pontiac. "I want to thank Pontiac for this outstanding 40th anniversary Grand Prix, and Summit Racing and IHRA for this tremendous honor and the opportunity for bracket racers all over the country to become an IHRA world champion." Horton's limited-edition Grand Prix GTP comes equipped with a 240-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission with Enhanced Traction System. Standard exterior features include Dark Cherry Metallic Paint, unique rear-deck spoiler with exclusive Grand Prix emblem, polished stainless steel dual-exhaust tips, 16-inchrome multispoke wheels, NASCAR-style roof fences and 40th anniversary badge. Interior features include ruby-red leather steering wheel and seating with 40th anniversary embroidered seatbacks. "Pontiac wanted to offer the Sportsman competitors a high-performance automobile that embodied the spirit of the IHRA Summit SuperSeries," said Simmonds. "The 40th anniversary Grand Prix was the perfect car and really something very, very special. We're happy for Chip and know that he'll make a great champion." In 2003, Pontiac will award a 2004 Grand Prix GTP to the Summit SuperSeries presented by Pontiac champion. In order to be eligible for the series championship, racers must participate for points at their local IHRA track, and comply with all participant guidelines for the program. To be crowned the overall winner, participating racers' performances will be measured against the performance of the other IHRA Sportsman racers. The racer with the highest performance average at the end of the 2003 racing season (April-Sept.) will be crowned Summit World Champion and will be awarded the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.
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