NHRA’s Gary Densham Gives Recognition to China

Seattle, Washingon - JULY 21, 2009 - For the first time, an NHRA driver reaches out to the most populous country in the world. ESPN's telecasts of NHRA's 24-race season have long reached both national and international audiences via ESPN2 and ESPN International. Now, Funny Car Team owner and driver Gary Densham has teamed up with with Kwan International Marketing & Media in his efforts to expand NHRA's appeal on a global scale.

Beginning with the Seattle race this past weekend, Densham debuts his Funny Car with eight Chinese characters across his hood. More significant than the actual meaning of the characters is what the unveiling actually represented, which was reaching out to China. After the NHRA’s prestigious ringing of the opening bell at the NYSE on June 10, the stage was set for a global message. “This is one of the greatest sports. I want to reach out to everyone not just nationally, but internationally in hopes of bringing a uniting message that we in NHRA want to share what we do with everyone in the world.”

At the forefront of this global effort is Densham. With the help of Christina Kwan, owner of Kwan International, and who is also known for her accomplishment as the only Chinese to ever garner a US National Championship and World Amateur Championship in boxing, Densham looks to continue to make ground breaking achievements towards his goal of expanding the sport of NHRA drag racing's global awareness.

With the power of 1.3 billion people in China, it is no wonder why Densham wanted to give recognition to the citizens of the country. “With European and Middle Eastern representation existing within the NHRA, let’s not forget the most populous country in the world,” says Densham.

Many businesses today inherently operate in additional facilities in foreign countries and Densham recognizes that businesses around the world also connect with one another in order to perfect an international presence.

“With ESPN International television being the gateway for NHRA to expand its viewership worldwide, it is especially significant for me as a team owner and driver.
The world’s support will be the foundation that enables our marketing partners to receive global exposure.”

With these 8,000 horsepower cars racing to 1,000 feet in just over three seconds at over 300 mph, it's the fastest sport in the world. Although the mere sight of these nitro cars racing is mesmerizing enough, it is also a business which allows the companies that partner with these drag cars to reach a world audience. Says Densham, "I have always admired the work ethic of the Chinese and the foundation in which they raise their families. I was a teacher for 27 years and I also place a high emphasis on the value of education. Christina and I have a great collaboration effort as we promote our message since she, too, is not only an advocate of education, but one who has achieved a record of academic excellence in her life as well."