The 'King' of the Road Takes-Off With STP's Jet Fuel Launch

NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Takes to the Sky With the World Famous Blue Angels

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 24 -- Seven-time Winston Cup Champion Richard Petty may think he knows fast. Long-time sponsor STP wanted to make sure of it. Petty suited up and tested his mettle with a supersonic jet ride courtesy of the elite U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Video footage of Petty's sound barrier-breaking experience with the Blue Angels will appear as part of the pre-race activities for the Checker Auto Parts 500 at the Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, November 2.

Just like he did during his racing days, Petty again traveled at warp speeds. This time however, he did it at 20,000 feet in the air, in a two-seat Navy Blue Angel F/A-18-Hornet. Petty was excited for his latest challenge, even though he had to trade in his signature cowboy hat and sunglasses for aviator shades and flight helmet.

"In all of my years of driving, I've never experienced anything like a ride in an F/A-18 fighter jet," Petty said. "I know what quality ingredients like jet fuel can do on the ground, that's why I have put STP in my truck's tank for so long."

STP uses jet fuel as a carrier fluid for active ingredients in all of its fuel additives. Jet fuel is highly regulated and thoroughly tested to meet the demanding standards of military jets and commercial aircraft. It is high standards like these that help STP deliver unmatched consistency during the manufacturing process for all of its products.

The partnership between Richard Petty and STP, now in its 32nd year, is the longest running sponsorship in sports history. Beginning in 1972, STP and Richard Petty teamed up to win a NASCAR record 200 races.

Petty, who stepped out of his legendary #43 STP car for the final time in 1992 still maintains an active sponsorship with STP. In fact, Petty and STP recently agreed to extend their record sponsorship into 2004.

"STP is very fortunate to have a sponsorship with a living legend like Richard Petty," said Dan Dahlgren, Vice President/Category Manager, STP. "Since Richard is already a master of the road, we felt that putting him up in the sky would elevate 'The King' to a whole new level."

About STP

The Armor All/STP Products Company is a leading manufacturer of quality car care products. The STP line of products includes STP(R) Gas Treatment, STP(R) Fuel Injector and Carburetor Treatment, STP(R) Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner, STP(R) Complete Fuel System Cleaner and STP(R) Octane Performance Booster.

About Petty Enterprises

The 2003 season will mark Petty Enterprises' 54th year of racing, evolving from a small A-frame shop in the middle of North Carolina into one of the most successful racing organizations in motor sports history. Combined, the Pettys have won 273 races. This year, Petty Enterprises will field two NASCAR Winston Cup teams: Jeff Green's No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge Intrepid, and Kyle Petty's No. 45 Georgia-Pacific Brawny Dodge Intrepid. In addition, Christian Fittipaldi, driving the No. 44 Petty Blue Dodge Intrepid, will run a limited schedule in Winston Cup, Busch and ARCA for 2004.