Tony Gibson Wins IRWIN Crew Chief of the Week Award

> For more information, contact:
> Yancey Casey
> Golin/Harris International
> (312) 729-4379
> ycasey@golinharris.com
> 
> Sawing Through Adversity, No. 1 Crew Chief Tony Gibson Takes Home 
> IRWIN Crew Chief of the Week Honors 
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> VERNON HILLS, Ill., October 2, 2002 - Steve Park, driver of the No. 1 Pennzoil Chevrolet, topped his season best finish at Indy with a sixth place run last weekend at the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.  As a result of the team> '> s efforts, new crew chief Tony Gibson takes home this week> '> s IRWIN > "> Rough to the Finish> ">  Award.
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Due to a rained out qualifying session, the field was set by points, forcing Park to start 35th.  He maneuvered the Pennzoil Chevrolet to the front quietly throughout the course of the caution-free event.  Gibson helped call the shots Sunday, and he led the team to lightning-fast pit stops, taking only two tires each time.  The car got steadily better as the day went on, and Park was in the front pack for the entire race.  His sixth place finish is his best of the 2002 season and moves him up one spot in the Winston Cup points.

"I couldn't be happier how things turned out for this team today," said Gibson.  "It is a credit to this team to overcome the things it has this season and turn out a performance like this.  Everybody in the pits works hard each week; no one ever gives up.  This award is a credit to their efforts week in and week out."

> Each week throughout the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season, IRWIN, makers of professional power tool accessories like MARATHON 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.
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> "> 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.> "> 
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> 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.
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> 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.  
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> "> 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.> "> 
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> 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.
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