GLENDORA, Calif. -- NHRA officials announced today a new engine program for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League with the acceptance of the Briggs & Stratton 206 engine beginning in 2013.

The accepted 206 crate engine must be factory sealed and is approved for all NHRA age groups: 8-9 year old class (12.90-seconds & slower), 10-12 year old (8.90 & slower) and 13-17 year old class (7.90 & slower). No alterations or modifications are permitted except for installation of exhaust header and air filter.

“We could not be more excited to announce this new program and renewed relationship with Briggs & Stratton” expressed Josh Peterson, NHRA V.P. Racing Administration. “The program will greatly reduce the entry level costs for families to get involved in the sport and stimulate the growth of the NHRA Summit Jr. Drag Racing League.

Briggs & Stratton launched the 206 crate engine program in 2008 to give racers an out-of-the-box (simple), cost-effective, performance solution. Building from the proven reliability of the Animal racing engine, the 206 crate engine maintains a level playing field by isolating the performance variables commonly found in standard, mainstream manufacturing. Each 206 crate engine is hand-built in a dedicate facility to exacting standards and measured against a factory developed rule set. The end-result is a performance racing engine with the proven repeatability that has led to four years of world-wide wins at the highest levels of racing right out of the box.

“We are incredibly excited to once again have the opportunity to work with the NHRA and their Jr. Drag Racing League” said David Klaus, director-Briggs & Stratton Racing. “As one of the original founding partners we were able to help be a part of the growth of the league as well as get to know the racing families involved. This sport makes great racers but it also helps make family memories. That is something that Briggs & Stratton Racing loves to be a part of and we look forward to the future.”

“NHRA’s acceptance of the 206 crate engine is a great opportunity for us to support the league with a new option for cost-effective racing,” continued Klaus. “Families now have another cost-effective option to help build memories that will last a lifetime.”

For more information and availability of the 206 Engine (part # 124332 8201-01) please visit www.BriggsRacing.com.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 24 national events featuring the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League for youth ages 8 to 17. In addition, NHRA owns and operates five racing facilities: Atlanta Dragway in Georgia; Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville in Florida; National Trail Raceway in Ohio; Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis; and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. For more information, log on to NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.