Shreveport: Bill Harper preview

PADUCAH, Ky. (October 9, 2001) - While Louisiana is known for its Cajun fare, Billy Harper and his Venomous Green Viper will be feasting on pizza - Papa John's style. Papa John's Pizza has joined the Billy Harper Motorsports (BHM) team by sponsoring ...

PADUCAH, Ky. (October 9, 2001) - While Louisiana is known for its Cajun fare, Billy Harper and his Venomous Green Viper will be feasting on pizza - Papa John's style. Papa John's Pizza has joined the Billy Harper Motorsports (BHM) team by sponsoring the Pro Modified Dodge Viper in this weekend's International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) 4th Annual Mopar Performance Parts World Finals to be held at Red River Raceway in Shreveport, La.

The Shreveport (La.), Bossier City (La.) and Texarkana (Texas) Papa John's Pizza locations will be supporting the Billy Harper Motorsports team as they seek their first victory of the season. Bob Clements, spokesperson for the Papa John's franchisee organization, feels that pairing with Billy Harper Motorsports is a natural fit. "We are really pleased to have the Billy Harper Motorsports team come down to Shreveport," stated Clements. "We know that racing fans are loyal to motorsports sponsors, and we hope to increase our exposure in the Shreveport area. Hopefully, we'll have packed stands to see the Papa John's Pizza Dodge Viper in action."

The team is honoring their sponsor with a special paint scheme featuring America's favorite food. The Venomous Green Viper, usually depicted on the car ready to take a bite out of the competition, will instead be biting into a piece of Italian pie. Harper is excited to have a new partner involved with his favorite pastime. "The team is so excited to have Papa John's Pizza join us for the Shreveport race," stated Harper. "Both our team and Papa John's Pizza strive for excellence, and I think that we can put this Dodge Viper into victory lane."

This weekend's event marks the last race on the 2001 IHRA schedule. Billy Harper Motorsports has run a limited IHRA schedule, participating in events in Cordova, Ill., Madison, Ill., Boise, Idaho and Budd's Creek, Md. The team has also made a successful trip to the prestigious National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) U.S. Nationals, an event limited to only the top competitors in drag racing. With the accomplishments the team has experienced in its five events to date, Billy Harper, owner and driver of the Dodge Viper hopes to increase the number of events the team attends in the 2002 season.