Champion(R) Spark Plug-Powered Cars Remain Unbeaten in NASCAR Nextel Cup Racing

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 18 -- Cars powered by Champion spark plugs maintained their perfect record in NASCAR Nextel Cup Series competition with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win in Sunday's Golden Corral 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Ga.). Champion plugs have now powered the winning cars in each of the first four 2004 Nextel Cup events.

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

Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Chevrolet, powered by Champion plugs, claimed its second win of the 2004 season by pulling away from runner-up Jeremy Mayfield over the final 15 laps on Atlanta Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile oval. It was Earnhardt Jr.'s second Nextel Cup victory of the year, matching defending Nextel Cup champion Matt Kenseth, whose #17 Ford also relies on Champion plug technologies for race-winning performance.

"The #8 Chevrolet was clearly the best car on the track Sunday, and Champion continues to demonstrate it's the best spark plug for any vehicle make or model," said Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole. "Champion engineers match the operating characteristics of each engine platform with the ideal plug electrode technologies to ensure superior performance and reliability."

With four wins between them, Kenseth and Earnhardt Jr. now stand first and third, respectively, in Nextel Cup points, with 2002 Cup champion Tony Stewart in second place. Stewart's #20 Chevrolet also relies on Champion plugs for an ideal blend of power and reliability.

"Nextel Cup racing is the perfect proving ground for automotive spark plug technologies," Cole said. "The sport's best drivers and teams rely on Champion because they understand optimum engine performance begins with the perfect spark."