Champion Spark Plugs Power Kenseth to Photo-Finish Win in Subway 400

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 25, 2004 -- Defending NASCAR Winston (now Nextel) Cup series champion Matt Kenseth, driving the #17 Ford powered by Champion(R) spark plugs, edged Kasey Kahne by .0138 seconds to win Sunday's Subway 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, N.C. Kenseth's victory returned "The World's Favorite Spark Plug" to the winner's circle for the second time in the season's first two events.

Kenseth's second Subway 400 title in three years is sure to rank among the most exciting finishes in NASCAR history, as the #17 Ford fought off Kahne and Jamie McMurray over the final 10 of 393 laps for a photo-finish decision. The victory gives Champion plugs a perfect record in 2004 Nextel Cup competition; Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Champion-powered #8 Chevrolet took the checkered flag in the season-opening Daytona 500 last weekend.

"Matt's win is proof that a perfect spark is every bit as important on mile 400 as it is at the starting line," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "Champion has now powered two straight victories this year in two different engine models. We're proud to build on our heritage of delivering the ideal spark for every make and model on the track and on the street."

Champion's success in all makes and models also can be seen in each of the past two Winston (now Nextel) Cup championships: Both Kenseth and 2002 winner Tony Stewart (#20 G.M.) relied on Champion plugs for race-winning power.

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.