CHEVROLET SILVERADO NCTS ANNOUNCEMENT--FRIDAY AT HOMESTEAD

Chevrolet Adds Sponsorship to its NASCAR Portfolio 

Two Craftsman Truck teams to race in 2004 under Chevy brand banners

 

 

DETROIT - Already established as the most successful manufacturer in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history, Chevrolet will increase its role to include primary sponsorship for two Silverado teams in 2004.

 

The #46 Silverado driven by Dennis Setzer for Morgan-Dollar Motorsports will carry the divisional flagship vehicle line "Silverado" as its primary sponsor. The #16 Silverado driven by Jack Sprague for Xpress Motorsports will be branded "Chevy Trucks."

 

This new level of activation by Chevrolet is yet another program emphasizing the division's support of racing as a key marketing platform for increasing sales.

 

"Chevrolet is committed to NASCAR and the Craftsman Truck series for the long term," said Jim Campbell, marketing director for Chevy Racing. "We know from our research that racing fans are extremely loyal and passionate in their support of racing, and we want to reinforce our commitment to making the Chevy Silverado the 'Right Truck' for their needs. The Craftsman Truck series continues to provide us with a strong platform for making that connection of dependability and performance between Silverado, Chevy trucks and consumers."

 

In addition to the two primary sponsorships, several GM internal associate sponsors will be featured on both trucks. These include: GM Powertrain key equity brands Duramax Diesel, Vortec Engines, Allison Transmission and key technology partners XM Radio, Quadrasteer by Delphi and OnStar. The bedcover of both trucks will carry rotating sponsorship from regional Chevrolet dealers linking with local race venues.

 

These two teams will be joined the #75 Spears Motorsports Silverado, driven by David Starr, and the new #6 GM Goodwrench Silverado, driven by Matt Crafton, in receiving factory support from GM Racing.

 

"GM Racing is also stepping up its support in 2004," said Pat Suhy, GM Racing Oval Track manager. "We're moving from one to four teams receiving factory support next year. Given this new group, GM Racing will organize a Key Partners program similar to what we did in Winston Cup. We will also create a new position within GM Racing for someone to work exclusively on truck development and, we will also provide a new dedicated shock specialist."

 

Since the inception of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series in 1995, and with one race to go (Homestead-Miami) in the 2003 season, Chevrolet has won five of nine manufacturers titles and 104 of 215 races run for a winning percentage of 48.3 percent.

 

General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931.  More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.