Caterpillar to pilot engineering development relationship with David Powers Motorsports as part of the Engineering Rotational Development Program 

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (May 29, 2008) – Caterpillar Inc., primary sponsor of Rod Fuller’s Top Fuel dragster, and an official NHRA partner, has entered into a one-of-kind relationship with David Powers Motorsports (DPM) to pilot an Engineering Rotational Development Program  (ERDP) rotation at the team’s Brownsburg, Indiana race workshop. 

The purpose of the ERDP is to begin the development and training of the next generation of Caterpillar's technology leaders.  The program provides highly capable engineers with experience in product engineering, manufacturing and supply chain development over a 15-month period.  The rotations offer a broad exposure to Caterpillar, provide cross-functional job experiences and include valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar leadership.  Approximately 300 college graduates begin the program each year. 

The DPM rotation will provide a unique engineering experience focusing on the first participant’s area of development in engine performance.  The experience will also include cross-functional marketing exposure, providing invaluable customer-facing interaction.  Further, by acting as an informational conduit between the race team and Caterpillar, the ERDP engineer will have broad networking opportunities.  DPM crew chiefs Lee Beard and Rob Flynn will assign projects to be completed by the engineer.  The DPM development rotation began with Caterpillar’s engineer joining the David Powers Motorsports and Cat Drag Racing Team in Chicago on June 7, 2008, at the 10th annual Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals.

“This will give DPM the ability to scientifically analyze some of the problems that we’re confronted with racing our Top Fuel dragsters,” said DPM crew chief Lee Beard.  Beard added that the newly formed relationship with Caterpillar will prove “vital to the growth of our operation.” 

An exciting and significant initiative for Caterpillar, this groundbreaking relationship between sponsor and race team is the first of its kind in NHRA history.  As Caterpillar faces a fierce engineering hiring market, including ongoing needs for talent and innovation, proactive engagements such as the Caterpillar and David Powers Motorsports connection are a strategic step in the right direction…to attract and retain the right people.   

About David Powers Motorsports
Headquartered in Houston, with race operations located in Brownsburg, Indiana, David Powers Motorsports fields the Caterpillar Top Fuel dragster driven by seven-time Top Fuel winner Rod Fuller, and the Matco Tools dragster piloted by 18-time winner Antron Brown.  

www.davidpowersmotorsports.com