Kenseth's Latest Win Makes Champion(R)-Powered Vehicles 3 for 3 in Nextel Cup Series

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 9 -- Defending NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth won his second straight race of 2004, doubling last year's total, in Sunday's UAW DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway. Kenseth's #17 Ford is powered by Champion, "The World's Favorite Spark Plug," which now has made its way into the winner's circle in each of the season's first three Nextel Cup events.

Champion spark plugs are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: FDMLQ) .

Kenseth's second straight 2004 win, which came in the same event he won last year, was sealed with less than five laps remaining as challenger Kevin Harvick's #29 Chevrolet ran out of fuel. Rookie Kasey Kahne was runner-up to Kenseth for the second time in two events while '02 Nextel Cup title winner Tony Stewart -- whose #20 Chevrolet also relies on Champion-sparked power -- was third.

Sunday's victory came two weeks after Kenseth prevailed in a thrilling photo finish to the Subway 400 in Rockingham, N.C., and three weeks after Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Chevrolet -- also powered by Champion -- claimed the season-opening Daytona 500. With Kenseth's latest victory, Champion plugs have helped power four of the top seven drivers in Nextel Cup points: Kenseth, first; Stewart, second; Kurt Busch (#97 Ford), fifth; Earnhardt Jr., seventh.

"We're thrilled for Matt and the Champion brand," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "There's no better way to start the season than with three straight Nextel Cup wins; Champion's industry-best technologies continue to do what they've done for decades -- power all makes and models to victory in the world's toughest racing series."

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.