Racing Legend A.J. Foyt On Box...of Wheaties

    INDIANAPOLIS--(BW SportsWire)--May 24, 2002--Wheaties today announced the release of a new special-edition package honoring one of auto racing's greatest legends. At a press conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this morning, Wheaties unveiled a new package honoring A.J. Foyt.
    Foyt's career accomplishments place him among auto racing's elite drivers of all time. He is the only seven-time national Indy car champion (1960-61, 63-64, 67, 75, 79) and the first four-time Indy 500 winner (1961, 64, 67, 77). He also is the only driver in history to win the Indy 500, the Daytona 500 (1972) and the 24 Hours of LeMans (1967). Foyt retired in 1993 as the all-time leader in Indy car wins with 67.
    "Every race car driver dreams about winning the big race," Foyt said. "I was fortunate enough to win my share of big races, including the Indy 500 four times. Now, to be back in Indy to unveil this Wheaties box is very special. Wheaties is the Breakfast of Champions and I am honored to be counted among those champions."
    "A.J. Foyt's incredible career makes him one of the greatest drivers of all time," said Wheaties Marketing Manager Brian Kittelson. "We are thrilled to welcome him into the Wheaties family."
    The soon-to-be-released 18-ounce package will be available throughout Indiana, Michigan and the Southeast United States beginning in June. In addition, for those A.J. Foyt fans outside of the distribution area, a limited number of packages can be purchased for a limited time by calling 952-814-2900.
    Wheaties began its association with sports in the mid-1930s with a sign on the left field wall at old Nicollet Park near downtown Minneapolis. General Mills' broadcast deal with the minor league Minneapolis Millers on WCCO Radio included the large outfield signboard that Wheaties would use to introduce its new advertising slogan: "Wheaties--The Breakfast of Champions." From that rather humble beginning, Wheaties has built a heritage that embraces many of the greatest athletes of all time.
    Other members of the Wheaties family include Frosted Wheaties, Wheaties Raisin Bran, and new Wheaties Energy Crunch.

    The Breakfast of Champions(R), Wheaties(R), Frosted Wheaties(R), Wheaties Raisin Bran(R) and Wheaties Energy Crunch(R) are registered trademarks of General Mills, Inc.