Chris Carrier Wins Crew Chief of the Week Honors from IRWIN

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       																	Contact:Yancey Casey
																	Golin/Harris International
																	(312) 729-4379
																	ycasey@golinharris.com
				

Sawing Through Adversity, No. 4 Crew Chief Chris Carrier Takes Home IRWIN Crew Chief of the Week Honors 


VERNON HILLS, Ill., September 24, 2002 - Persistence and quick reactions paid off for the No. 4 Kodak Team at Sunday's MBNA All-American Heroes 400 at Dover Speedway.  As a result of the team's close call and solid effort in the pits, team crew chief Chris Carrier takes home this week's IRWIN "Rough to the Finish" Award.

While running at the 13th position on lap 239, Mike Skinner pitted under green-flag conditions. After having bad luck over the past several races and qualifying 34th, it looked like the team was on it's way to a good day. 

On that pit stop, jackman Tony Cardamone was struck by the No. 4 car as it entered the pit stall. Cardamone rolled across the hood of the Kodak Chevrolet, got up and continued to finish the pit stop. Cardamone was not injured. Skinner returned to action in 27th and finished the race in 19th place, two laps down.  


Each week throughout the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season, IRWIN, makers of professional power tool accessories like MARATHON PLUS saw blades and SPEEDBOR flat bits, is partnering with Performance Racing Network to honor the crew chief that had the toughest day in the pits, but still managed to help his team to a strong finish.


"IRWIN is proud to honor the hard-working crew chiefs of NASCAR Winston Cup Racing with this award," said David Pirkle of IRWIN.  "Much like our line of bits and blades optimize a power tool's performance, these professionals have had to perform in all types of conditions, with many surprises and under intense pressure.  Through the course of the race the selected crew has been able to optimize their car's performance."


The IRWIN Rough to the Finish Award includes an assortment of tools for the crew chief and a $250 check donated to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund in the racing team's name.  The year-end winner of the crew chief points standings will win a $5,000 check donated to the Fund.  Race fans wanting to make a contribution to the Fund may do so by sending it to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund, PO Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338.


In addition to the crew chief award, IRWIN is also sponsoring the weekly nationally syndicated radio show, "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons", throughout the 2002 season.  


"Working with Benny Parsons and the PRN family is a natural fit for the IRWIN bits and blades line," said Pirkle.  "The NASCAR fan-base is a hands-on group of people that are driven to do it themselves, if they can.  IRWIN bits and blades are engineered to last long and provide precise cuts that will help professionals and DIYers do their best work."


IRWIN offers a complete line of saw blades and drill bits. From framing to the finest trim work; the performance of your bit and/or blade can be the difference between a long, hard day or one that runs smooth and easy.  IRWIN specializes in the engineering and the manufacturing of these high performance bits and blades.  Each is engineered to last, to deliver precision cuts and to optimize the output of your power tool.  IRWIN drill bits includes SPEEDBOR wood boring bits, TURBOMAX drill bits, UNI-BIT step drill bits, and the unique IRWIN multi-purpose drill bits that penetrate various materials such as brick, marble, plastic, metal, cement and wood.  A complete list of IRWIN products and capabilities is online at www.irwintool.com <http://www.irwintool.com>.


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Molly Morter
Golin/Harris International
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Chicago, IL  60601
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mmorter@golinharris.com
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