Spark Plug Maker Celebrates Second Straight NASCAR Winston Cup Title

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 13, 2003 -- Two years after launching an aggressive engineering and marketing initiative to establish itself as the preferred spark plug for all vehicle makes and models, Champion(R) spark plug is celebrating its second straight NASCAR Winston Cup championship -- and its second championship-winning engine nameplate -- as Matt Kenseth and his #17 Ford clinched the 2003 points title Sunday in Rockingham, N.C.

Champion spark plugs, manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: FDMLQ) , also powered last year's Winston Cup champion, Tony Stewart, who drove the #20 Pontiac.

Kenseth's fourth-place finish in Sunday's Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Speedway gave his Roush Racing-owned Ford an insurmountable 226-point lead with just one race remaining in the 2003 season. Kenseth has led the Winston Cup standings for all but four races this year thanks to one win, 11 top-five and 25 top-10 finishes. Stewart showed similar dominance in 2002, with three wins, 12 top-five finishes and six top-10 finishes.

"Matt and Tony have proven how important consistent power and performance can be when it comes to winning a NASCAR Winston Cup championship," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "The same can be said about spark plugs for any engine make or model -- when you want exceptional power and reliability, the first choice is Champion."

In addition to Kenseth and Stewart, Champion plugs provide race-winning power and durability for Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#8 Chevrolet), Bobby Labonte (#18 Chevrolet), Kurt Busch (#97 Ford), Kyle Petty (#45 Dodge), Michael Waltrip (#15 Chevrolet), Christian Fittipaldi (#43 Dodge) and John Andretti (#1 Chevrolet).

"Each of these talented young drivers -- representing every vehicle manufacturer in Winston Cup racing -- has helped us prove why Champion is the world's favorite spark plug, not only for racing applications but also for every passenger car, light truck and SUV on the road," Cole said.

Federal-Mogul has made it easier than ever for technicians to rely on Champion for any automotive tune-up -- regardless of make or model -- through the enhanced technology and expanded coverage of Champion Double Platinum(TM) spark plugs. Now available for nearly 300 additional late-model GM applications, 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.

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, 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 more than 46,000 people in 24 countries. For more information on Federal-Mogul, visit the company's Web site at http://www.federal-mogul.com/ .