Georgia-Pacific, Petty Enterprises Keep it All in the Family; Kyle Petty to Drive #45 Georgia-Pacific Petty Dodge in 2003

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 7 -- Richard Petty, seven-time Winston Cup champion, and Georgia-Pacific Chairman and CEO A. D. "Pete" Correll announced today that Kyle Petty, veteran NASCAR driver and CEO of Petty Enterprises, will be behind the wheel of the #45 Georgia-Pacific Dodge for the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season and beyond.

Sharing the podium at the Richmond International Raceway, the Pettys and Correll unveiled plans to shift Georgia-Pacific's sponsorship to the #45 car, with Petty Enterprises' lead driver, Kyle, at the wheel.

"Our partnership with Petty Enterprises is based on the common values our organizations share, including a strong commitment to family, community, hard work and performance," Correll said. "We've been proud to have the Georgia- Pacific name on a Petty Enterprises' race car for the past couple of years. Having Kyle behind the wheel of the Georgia-Pacific Dodge is the perfect next step in our partnership."

"I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to drive for Georgia- Pacific," Kyle said. "Over the years, they've become a part of the Petty family. Georgia-Pacific will have an increased presence on all Petty Enterprises cars next season, and I believe the #45 Georgia-Pacific Petty Dodge will be a terrific symbol of the dynamic things to come for both G-P and Petty."

A Winston Cup driver since 1979, Kyle Petty has distinguished himself on and off the track. Known for his philanthropy, he established the Kyle Petty Ride Across America in 1995 to benefit children's charities and was named NASCAR's Person of the Year in 2000 (along with his father, Richard) by NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated magazine.

The #45 Kyle Petty Georgia-Pacific Dodge, bearing a striking new design, will be unveiled on October 25th at Atlanta Motor Speedway during Georgia- Pacific Qualifying Day.

"Although the #45 car will be our primary focus, by linking the Georgia- Pacific name with the other Petty Enterprises' teams, we will be able to further spotlight our household brands such as Brawny®, Dixie®, Angel Soft® and Vanity Fair®, among others, through our participation in NASCAR racing," Correll said.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of tissue, packaging, paper, pulp, building products and related chemicals.