FAIRFAX, Va. - The NRA National Action Pistol Championship, also known as the MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup, has a seen a tremendous growth in sponsorship in 2012. The return of longstanding supporters along with the addition of new sponsors helps the championship to maintain its standing as the richest and most prestigious shooting tournament in the world.As the title sponsor, MidwayUSA's generous support of the Bianchi Cup for 2012 exceeds $65,000. The company will once again provide $15,000 in cash prizes for the First-Time Shooters Awards. First-time Men, Women and Junior competitors in the Production Class achieving the highest aggregate score of all (4) four Championship Events will take home $2,500 for 1st place, $1,500 for 2nd place and $750 for 3rd place."We're excited to welcome everyone back to our hometown and we look forward to attending another great championship," said MidwayUSA Founder and CEO Larry Potterfield. "Brenda and I believe it's our responsibility to support organizations that promote the shooting sports, but we wouldn't be able to do it without the continued support from our Customers."Action Target returns as the official target sponsor of the NRA Bianchi Cup with several industry leaders coming on board as official sponsors for 2012. Aimpoint, ATK/Federal, and Woolrich have signed on as the official optic, ammunition, and garment sponsors, respectively."The Bianchi Cup can attribute its growth over the years to the generosity of our sponsors. The continued support of the shooting sports industry brings more competitors to the Cup each year" said Dennis Willing, Director of NRA Competitive Shooting. "Having MidwayUSA as title sponsor ensures the longevity of the Championship and means that action pistol enthusiasts will continue to see the Bianchi Cup reach new levels."Bianchi Cup Event sponsors are returning in 2012 including Colt for the Speed Event, Safariland for the Barricade, and Sig Sauer for the Moving Target. Universal Coin & Bullion will sponsor the Falling Plates this year, with Blade-Tech signing on as the Practical Event sponsor.The 2012 MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup will be held at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club outside Columbia, Missouri, from May 23-26, 2012. Named for founder John Bianchi, the NRA Bianchi Cup has retained its original course of fire since its inception in 1979. The Championship consists of four events: Practical, Barricade, Moving Target and Falling Plates. Speed and accuracy are the keys to winning the competition. Each event is timed and worth 480 points, equaling a total of 1920 possible points.For more information on the 2012 MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup, or the NRA Action Shooting Program, contact Damien Orsinger at 703-267-1478 or bianchicup@nrahq.org . For more information on NRA Competitive Shooting Sponsorships, please visi www.nrasportsponsors.com or contact Woody Arenas in the NRA Competitive Shooting Division at 703-267-1469 or warenas@nrahq.org