I can't believe I'm the first to bring this up, since this may be the biggest news in years. It was posted on the IHBA web site on 3/25.

There was a meeting last week at Lucas Oil with representatives from CDBA, IHBA, KDBA, SDBA and SLDBA to discuss how the associations can work together for the betterment of the sport of drag boat racing. Lucas Oil has been involved in Drag Boat Racing and sees a growth opportunity for all involved! They have now brought the above associations under the banner of the “Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series” for 2009 and beyond. Great news!

Here are a few items from the meeting:
 
1) If you are a full time IHBA member, you are also a member of Lucas Oil Dragboat Series. You will receive $150 worth of Lucas Oil products when you have paid your IHBA membership and return the oil order form (found under racer forms on the website). The forms must be turned in by June 15th to receive your oil this season. Your oil products will be delivered to the next IHBA event if you send you order to the IHBA office two weeks prior to the event. (i.e. To receive your product at the season opener April 24 at Firebird, your order must be turned in before april 10.)

2) Full time IHBA members will be allowed to race at other Lucas Oil Dragboat Series association races without paying a member fee (you still have to pay a race registration fee). However, if you want to earn points with another association, you will have to join that association, just as you have previously.

3) Each association still does it's own points and it's own schedules. When racing with another association, please check with them in advance for any updates/changes and ask about items that may apply to a certain track. As with all events, promoters may have different requirements.

4) We are working on having one rulebook for the above associations; items were discussed and the new rulebook will be available shortly. There won't be any major changes for IHBA members for the 2009 season. There are a few though. We will have the changes posted once all represetatives go over them again.

5) Ken Dollar will act as race director for IHBA events. Many of you already know Ken so we thank you in advance for making him feel welcome. This opportunity Lucas Oil is providing everyone in drag boat racing is incredible! Let’s all work together and make this happen in a positive, productive

Yeah, but 12 years ago there was not a leader of the motorsports world, like Lucas Oil, bringing their marketting and production companies to the table.

01/26/2010 - Rockstar Energy Drink and Lucas Oil Products Forge National Motorsports Alliance

Today, Lucas Oil Products and Rockstar Energy Drink have finalized an agreement that brings the Rockstar Energy brand into the complete spectrum of Lucas Oil motorsports endeavors. Rockstar Energy Drink is also named “The Official Drink” in each of the involved series. The properties that encompass this program include: the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series and newly renamed Rockstar Energy Modified Racing Series.

“This unprecedented partnership unites the excitement of the lifestyle branding of Rockstar Energy with our deep involvement in the motorsports culture nationwide,” said Lucas Oil Products Executive Vice-President, Bob Patison. Patison continued, “With a strong presence in national and worldwide event broadcasts combined with on-site activation, this complete program gives Rockstar an all inclusive package that extends beyond the more traditional marketing efforts commonly engaged in by the energy drink segment. We are thrilled to have them alongside us as a partner.”

Through this comprehensive initiative, Rockstar Energy will reach a broad range of consumers with their innovative branding philosophies and aggressive marketing programs. In addition to significant television branding elements throughout broadcasts on CBS, NBC, SPEED, Versus, Outdoor and Mav-TV, Rockstar will be seen on-site at a wide range of these motorsports events nationwide with product sampling teams, models and give-a-ways promoting their unique lifestyle to a new audience. To further enhance their presence, Rockstar will support a competitive Rockstar Energy Drink branded team in each of the various series.

Rockstar Energy Drink Vice President, Marketing Frank Guernsey spoke on the new venture. “Lucas Oil Products has seen phenomenal growth through the utilization of a variety of diverse motorsports properties. The development of their in-house studio and production facilities has established Lucas Oil as an industry leader in motorsports programming. With this new endeavor focusing on grass roots racing, we are eager to see Rockstar Energy Drink in the hands of people that may not have yet discovered our product. With Lucas Oil Products leading the way, we are confident that Rockstar will reach an exciting new audience.”