Spark Plugs Power Tony Stewart to Victory In Sunday's NASCAR Pocono 500

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 9 -- Defending NASCAR Winston Cup champion Tony Stewart claimed his first victory of the season Sunday as his Champion spark plug-powered #20 Chevrolet pulled away from the pack with three laps remaining in the Pocono 500 in Long Pond, Pa. Stewart's victory marked the seventh win in 14 events for "The World's Favorite Spark Plug." Champion plugs are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation.

Stewart, who started fourth and led 37 of 200 laps on Pocono's demanding 2.5-mile tri-oval, is eager to climb back into the championship points race -- he currently stands 13th -- with half a season to go. Only Kurt Busch -- whose #97 Ford also is powered by Champion spark plugs -- and Ryan Newman (#12 Dodge) have more than one win. The current standings reflect well on the Champion brand, with Matt Kenseth (#17 Ford), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#8 Chevrolet) and Busch running first, second and fifth, respectively.

"Champion is on pace to match or beat its 2002 performance, when our plugs powered 16 of 36 wins representing all makes and models on the track," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "Whether it's a NASCAR vehicle or standard passenger car, our engineering goal is to provide exceptional ignition performance. Today's win is further proof we're doing our job."

Just as Champion is the brand of choice for many of the most aggressive young drivers in Winston Cup racing, it's also the number-one brand among automotive technicians. And it's easier to rely on Champion for any automotive tune-up 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 a smoother idle.

Federal-Mogul is a global supplier of automotive components, sub-systems, modules and 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/ .