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After running under the Fram and Autolite banner for part of the 2000 race season, Rhonda Hartman-Smith has officially signed on with both brands to drive the Fram Top Fuel dragster for the 2001 race season.

Fram Vice President Jeff Bye commented, "This program enhances Fram's heavy involvement with the NHRA. We see Rhonda as a driver with great potential, and value the visibility this sponsorship gives the Fram name, while involving the brand in one of the most exciting categories of motorsports today. We're looking forward to participating even further with Rhonda; her husband and crew chief, John Smith; and her father, Virgil Hartman, the owner."

The deal has enabled the team to purchase a new 2000 Murf McKinney dragster. "This is a great car and we have high hopes it will bring us a win soon. We kept our former car, so that also gives us a lot more flexibility at future races," explains Hartman-Smith.

This sponsorship began last June at the Prestone Route 66 Nationals in Chicago, when the car debuted its Fram Triad, Fram X2 Extended Guard and Autolite Platinum logos. The response was so positive that FRAM and Hartman Racing decided to continue the relationship through the summer. Fram has supported the young up-and-coming driver since she got back involved in the sport in 2000 after taking time off to have a family. Fram has stepped up the level of sponsorship this year to cover the whole car, which gives the Hartman team more resources to develop their technology and more practice time on the track.

Hartman-Smith continued, "We rely on Fram and Autolite products to get us across the finish line. Fram and Hartman Racing work well together, so we're happy to take on a higher level of sponsorship. They're a super bunch and now we're set to start winning under their banner."

Hartman-Smith has been racing Alcohol Funny Cars and Top Fuel dragsters since she was 16, starting in the IHRA. Rhonda finished the 2000 race season in 12th place, with NHRA Winston Top Fuel points standings of 743. In April of this year at the O'Reilly Nationals in Houston, she ran her career best elapsed time of 4.668 seconds and her career top speed of 312.35 mph.

The Honeywell Consumer Products Group manufactures and markets FRAM® oil, air, transmission and fuel filters; Prestone® antifreeze/coolant and car care products; Autolite® spark plugs; and Holts® car care products. Information about FRAM products is available on its website at www.fram.com.