Graco Lubrication Equipment Joins NASCAR Automotive Aftermarket Program

    MINNEAPOLIS--July 3, 2003--Graco Inc. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Minneapolis, MN-based Graco Inc. have reached an agreement for the manufacturer's lubrication equipment to join the NASCAR Automotive Aftermarket marketing program, it was announced today. The agreement names Graco Inc. the "Officially Licensed Lubrication Equipment of NASCAR."
    An industry leader in lubrication equipment for more than 77 years, Graco Inc. provides pumps, reels, dispense valves, used oil equipment, fluid management systems and parts/accessories for servicing vehicles in auto dealerships, fleet centers, fast lube and general service centers, as well as industrial lubrication applications around the world. Graco lubrication systems are in Jiffy Lube, Wal-Mart and Sears fast lube centers, as well as most major fleet repair facilities.
    "We are excited about a partnership that combines two market leaders," says Pat McHale, vice president of Graco's Lubrication Equipment Division. "As NASCAR teams can attest, proper maintenance is essential to maintain a vehicles' high performance. Graco provides the world-class lubrication equipment necessary to perform this maintenance properly and efficiently, whether you are talking about a performance-driven NASCAR race car or the family vehicle."
    The NASCAR Automotive Aftermarket program, developed in 1996, builds awareness for the sport by creating marketing alliances with leading manufacturers in the automotive industry. The Aftermarket group recently launched its newest marketing program called the NASCAR Performance Network. Located on NASCAR.com, consumers can utilize the NASCAR Performance Network to find automotive service and body shop repair facilities near their home who value an association with NASCAR and its loyal fan base.
    "Graco will be a great addition to the NASCAR aftermarket program," said Odis Lloyd, NASCAR managing director, automotive aftermarket. "With the launch of the NASCAR Performance Network and our efforts to help the automotive industry focus on unperformed vehicle maintenance, Graco and its exposure within the lubrication industry is a perfect fit."
    Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid materials. A recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries.
    NASCAR is one of America's most popular professional sports with more than 75 million fans and 17 of the top 20 most attended events in the U.S. last year. NASCAR sanctions 1,800 events at 120 tracks in 38 states across the country.