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Champion Spark Plugs Gain Season's First NASCAR Short-Track Win In Food City 500

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 24 -- Driver Kurt Busch claimed his first NASCAR Winston Cup event title of 2003 and Champion Spark Plugs captured the year's first short-track victory with another impressive performance in Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Champion powered not only Busch's race-winning #97 Ford, but also runner- up Matt Kenseth (#17 Ford) and third-place finisher Bobby Labonte (#18 Chevrolet). Sunday's race marked the fourth Winston Cup event title of 2003 for "The World's Favorite Spark Plug." Champion spark plugs are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation.

"Short tracks like Bristol represent a brutal operating environment for spark plugs, but Champion showed why it's the best choice for any race and any vehicle make or model," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "It's especially gratifying to see the Champion logo on each of the top three finishers' cars -- further proof that the brand of spark plugs can make a huge difference in performance and reliability."

Champion's 1-2-3 finish at Bristol has resulted in virtual domination of the early-season Winston Cup points standings, with each of the top five drivers -- Kenseth, Busch, defending Winston Cup champion Tony Stewart (#20 Chevrolet), Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip (#15 Chevrolet), and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#8 Chevrolet), respectively -- relying on Champion plugs.

Just as Champion is the choice of the most aggressive young drivers in Winston Cup action, it's the number-one brand among professional technicians who service all makes and models. Now it's easier than ever to rely on Champion for any automotive tune-up through the enhanced technology and expanded coverage of Champion Double Platinum(TM) spark plugs. Available for nearly 300 additional late-model General Motors models, Champion Double Platinum plugs feature exclusive Heat-Active(TM) alloy electrodes that quickly reach optimal operating temperature and maintain stable temperatures under varying heat loads. Each plug also utilizes a precision-welded fine wire center electrode for a more focused spark, producing greater power for quicker acceleration and a smoother idle.

For more information on Champion spark plugs, contact your nearest Champion supplier or write to: Champion Marketing, Federal-Mogul Corp., 26555 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48034. Product and promotional information also are available online at: www.federal-mogul.com/champion .

Federal-Mogul is a global supplier of automotive components and sub- systems serving the world's original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. The company utilizes its engineering and materials expertise, proprietary technology, manufacturing skill, distribution flexibility and marketing power to deliver products, brands and services of value to its customers. Federal-Mogul is focused on the globalization of its teams, products and processes to bring greater opportunities for its customers and employees, and value to its constituents. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899 and today employs 47,000 people in 24 countries. For more information on Federal-Mogul, visit the company's web site at http://www.federal-mogul.com/ .