Earnhardt Jr., Champion Spark Plugs Go 3 for 3 in NASCAR's Opening Weekend

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 20, 2004 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his Champion spark plug-powered #8 Chevrolet posted one of the most impressive racing weekends in NASCAR history with three wins in three starts, including Sunday's Daytona 500. Earnhardt also was victorious in one of Thursday's Gatorade 125 qualifiers and Monday's Hershey's Kisses 300 Busch Series race.

"The World's Favorite Spark Plug," Champion plugs are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: FDMLQ) .

Earnhardt's first Daytona 500 victory came at the expense of 2002 NASCAR Winston (now Nextel) Cup champion Tony Stewart, whose Champion-powered #20 Chevrolet led 97 of the 200 laps on Daytona's legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval. Stewart relinquished the lead to Earnhardt Jr. with just 19 laps remaining.

"Few things are more exciting than watching one of your teams go three for three over a single weekend and taking the top two spots in the Daytona 500," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "Champion once again proved that its proprietary power-building plug technologies deliver the perfect spark for any vehicle make or model."

Champion plugs also power defending Nextel Cup champion Matt Kenseth (#17 Ford), Bobby Labonte (#18 Chevrolet), Kurt Busch (#97 Ford), Michael Waltrip (#15 Chevrolet) and John Andretti (#1 Chevrolet).

"NASCAR's most talented and demanding drivers and teams choose Champion because they understand there's no better way to ignite the horsepower needed to win a Nextel Cup championship," Cole said.

The Champion brand's unprecedented success in NASCAR competition continues off the track for passenger applications through an exclusive electrode approach combining precious-metal conductors with optimized firing-end geometries for exceptional spark focus. Champion plugs also provide exclusive thermal management characteristics that maximize performance under virtually all engine conditions.

The ideal choice for hundreds of popular vehicle makes and models, Champion Double Platinum(TM) spark plugs feature platinum center and ground electrodes matching the specifications of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers. These plugs also incorporate premium Fine-Wire center electrodes and V-trimmed grounds for ultra-high spark concentration. Champion's patented Heat-Active(TM) alloy allows these plugs to quickly heat up and maintain stable operating temperature under varying heat loads. The result is a highly focused spark that provides greater power for quicker acceleration and 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. Information also is 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 45,000 people in 24 countries. For more information on Federal-Mogul, visit the company's Web site at http://www.federal-mogul.com/ .

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