Multi-time champion drag racer Jay Payne expanded his fan base exponentially this weekend by welcoming FireIce as the primary sponsor of his Valvoline Top Alcohol Funny Car. As part of the agreement, Payne and FireIce, a non-toxic, biodegradable fire suppression gel, will salute the nation's 300,000 firefighters at racetracks around the country.
"This is an exciting day for our race team," Payne said. "Obviously, sponsorship is essential for what we do, but when you can have a sponsor with an agenda centered on paying tribute to our nation's firefighters; it makes it so much better all the way around. Everyone loves firefighters!

"We look forward to meeting these brave men and women all around the country and telling them about FireIce, which contributes greatly to their overall safety. This is an incredible formula that mixes straight into the pumper trucks, helicopters, fire planes, and even handheld extinguishers that just kills fires so much quicker than water. It's really revolutionary."

FireIce, a division of GelTech, a publically traded company (OTCBB: GLTC), has picked a great driver to promote their product. Payne earned his first national championship in 1995 and has 11 divisional crowns to his credit, including the last five Southeast Division titles. He's also a JEGS Allstars champion and his 36 national event victories rank him a lofty 24th on NHRA's all-time list, which dates back to 1951.

"Everyone at FireIce and GelTech is thrilled to be on Jay's racecar," said Michael Cordani, CEO of GelTech. "He's a proven winner and a great person to represent our products and bring the firefighters around the U.S. the recognition they deserve.

"FireIce is the latest technology in firefighting and will undoubtedly save firefighter lives. Aside from recognizing the importance of these first responders in our communities, our team is committed to giving something back by donating to the Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Federation of Burn Foundations. This is something that is very important to all of us at GelTech and FireIce."