The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Champion(R) Spark Plugs Continue '03 NASCAR Winston Cup Roll With Win in Atlanta

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 10 -- Champion(R) spark plugs earned a trip to the winner's circle for the third time in four NASCAR Winston Cup events Sunday as Bobby Labonte's Champion-powered #18 Chevrolet led 172 of 325 laps en route to the Bass Pro Shops/MBNA 500 title at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Champion spark plugs are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation.

Champion-powered entries once again dominated the top five positions, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#8 Chevrolet), Matt Kenseth (#17 Ford) and defending Winston Cup champion Tony Stewart (#20 Chevrolet) finishing third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in Sunday's race. Champion drivers claimed all five top positions in last week's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the top two spots in the season-opening Daytona 500.

"Champion continues to prove what thousands of professional automotive technicians have been telling their customers -- for every make and model, Champion plugs provide the perfect blend of power and durability," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "It's clear that spark plug technology makes a huge difference, both on the track and on the street."

Champion -- "The World's Favorite Spark Plug" -- is the preferred technology of many of the most aggressive young drivers in Winston Cup action. In addition to Labonte, Earnhardt, Kenseth and Stewart, Champion powers 2003 Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip (#15 Chevrolet), Kurt Busch (#97 Ford), Kyle Petty (#45 Dodge), Steve Park (#1 Chevrolet), and John Andretti (#43 Dodge).

It's now easier than ever for automotive technicians to rely on Champion for virtually any make or model through the enhanced technology and expanded coverage of Champion Double Platinum(TM) spark plugs. Available for nearly 300 additional late-model General Motors models, Champion 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 greater 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/champion .

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 http://www.federal-mogul.com/ .

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000525/DETH025LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/306225.html