All images credit: nhra.com

In these tough economic times in which motorsports and drag racing in particular have been hard by companies who have reigned in their marketing budgets substantially, welcoming any new major sponsors into the game is a positive for anyone with a vested interested in the sport. And two? Well, that’s even better.

The familiar Funny Car teams of Tony Pedregon and the Paul Lee-driven machine of legend Jim Dunn have both signed on new marketing partnersfor the 2011 season, and both will undoubtedly be in the hunt for Countdown berths late in the season.

Pedregon, a two-time NHRA Funny Car champion, has teamed up with American Racing Custom Wheels – a leader in performance and off-road wheels – to back his efforts to chase yet another championship as both a primary and associate sponsor.

Per Nhra.com: “As a professional racer and performance enthusiast, I have grown up knowing the history and popularity of American Racing wheels, and it is a privilege to partner with a company that has had such an influence and tradition in our sport,” said Pedregon. “I look forward to debuting our American Racing Funny Car at one of the most exciting races of the year!” American Racing will serve as the primary backer at select events, including the Winternationals and the Auto Club Finals. In between, the brand will remain as an associate sponsor.

Likewise, Jim Dunn Racing has welcomed engine treatment manufacturer Rislone and it’s Rislone Fuel Injector Cleaner brand to his team for 2011, where Paul Lee will once again pilot the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Funny Car for the Hall of Famer who will mark his 62nd year in the sport. Bar’s Leaks and former major backer Canidae All Natural Pet Foods will serve as associate backers.

“I know a lot of our NHRA fans are familiar with the Rislone name and its products firsthand, so we’re excited to have them onboard with us,” said Dunn. “We’re fortunate to have Rislone join our list of other great sponsors that support us and allow us to race in this ultracompetitive Funny Car class.”

“Rislone has a long, rich tradition in racing, particularly in drag racing, so we’re proud they selected Jim Dunn Racing to partner with and support,” said Jon Dunn, JDR business manager. “We’ve got tremendous sponsors, and we’re excited to have Rislone as a part of the team. Seems like we just pulled out of Pomona from the World Finals last week, but we’ve been working hard in the off-season and can’t wait to get back on the track.”

Rislone also serves as the primary sponsor for multi-time Top Alcohol Dragster champion Bill Reichert.