MANCHESTER, N.H. – New Hampshire College in Manchester has reached an agreement with Pittsfield’s Adam Friend to remain as the auto racer’s sponsor for the American Canadien Tour through the 1997 season.

Friend, whose No. 97 Thunderbird is emblazoned with the NHC logo, will begin his second season on the circuit in 1996. Friend finished this season 14th overall in the point standings and fourth among rookies.

NHC signed Friend in 1994, becoming the first four-year academic institution to sponsor a racing team.