Caterpillar and its dealers are working with David Powers Motorsports (DPM) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to sponsor a dragster in the popular motor sport circuit during the 2008 racing season.

The dragster will help recruit service technicians for Cat dealers in the United States and Canada.

The proposed agreement follows a successful technician recruiting pilot program already under way with Caterpillar, some of its dealers, DPM and the NHRA. A shortage of qualified service technicians prompted the pilot. Caterpillar and its dealers found the NHRA drag racing format offers a rich recruiting environment of highly skilled candidates with mechanical backgrounds.

“These races provide a venue for our dealers to meet one-on-one with these drag racing and engine enthusiasts who are also prospective employees,” said Bill Mayo, vice president of Caterpillar’s North American Commercial Division. “Recruiting — especially in this arena — is vital to the future growth of both Caterpillar and our dealers. We are constantly looking for creative investments like this to secure talent for Team Caterpillar.”

As part of the pilot program, DPM has already worked with Mustang Cat, Fabick Cat, Wagner Cat, Peterson Cat and Ransome Cat. The events have yielded significant leads for dealer service technician candidates.

“We’re thrilled Caterpillar and its network of dealers chose our team as a partner when entering the NHRA venue,” said David Powers, DPM owner.

“Together, we will help Cat and its dealers find these much-needed service technicians. And, in turn, we’ll strive to carry the Cat banner into the winner’s circle time and time again.”

NHRA events are attended by up to 125,000 people per event and the televised races reach more than 91 million viewers. DPM’s driver, Rod Fuller, currently leads the NHRA Top Fuel standings in his third season with the race team. Fuller raced the Wagner Cat dragster to a win at the Denver race in July.

For more information, visit www.cat.com.

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