Champion(R) Spark Plugs Power Rare 1-5 Sweep in NASCAR UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 4 -- Cars powered by Champion(R) spark plugs swept the top five positions in the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Sunday, March 2, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Champion spark plugs are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation.

Champion -- "The World's Favorite Spark Plug" -- helped power Matt Kenseth (#17 Ford) to his first event title of the 2003 season, followed in close order by four Champion-equipped entries: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#8 Chevrolet), Michael Waltrip (#15 Chevrolet), Bobby Labonte (#18 Chevrolet) and defending NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Tony Stewart (#20 Chevrolet), respectively.

"When we launched our marketing theme, 'Champion Powers All,' we were targeting exactly this level of performance, both on and off the track," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "Our sweep in Las Vegas, coupled with our win in Daytona last month, is a dramatic reminder to professionals and consumers alike that no matter what the vehicle make or model, Champion spark plugs are the only choice for superior power and reliability."

Champion's sweep of the top five positions in Las Vegas follows a rare 1-2 finish in the season-opening Daytona 500, where Michael Waltrip and Kurt Busch (#97 Ford) roared past leader Jimmie Johnson in the closing laps. Waltrip took the checkered flag in the rain-shortened event.

Sunday's race wasn't quite as dramatic, with Kenseth and Earnhardt collectively leading 186 of the 267 laps around Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile tri-oval.

A re-energized Champion confirmed its NASCAR leadership last year with 16 wins on the Winston Cup circuit. The brand has enjoyed similar success in automotive repair shops, servicing all makes and models.

Federal-Mogul has made it even easier for automotive technicians to rely on Champion for virtually any application through the enhanced technology and expanded coverage of Champion Double Platinum(TM) spark plugs. Now available for nearly 300 additional late-model General Motors models, 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 more power for quicker acceleration and 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 .

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 www.federal-mogul.com .

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