Kurt Busch, Champion(R) Spark Plug-Powered #97 Ford Winners at Bristol Motor Speedway

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 1 -- Kurt Busch claimed his third straight victory at Bristol (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Champion Spark Plug- powered cars continued to dominate NASCAR Nextel Cup racing as Busch's #97 Ford took the checkered flag in Sunday's Food City 500. Busch's victory gives Champion, "The World's Favorite Spark Plug," five wins in six '04 Cup Series events.

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

Busch, who took the lead on lap 382 of 500 and never relinquished it, went the final 60 miles without pitting in a race plagued by caution flags. The #97 Ford's near-flawless performance in spite of the repeated slowdowns speaks to the durability of the car's Champion-powered engine, according to Champion Marketing Director Garth Cole.

"Short-track racing creates higher engine temperatures and grueling conditions. We're very pleased with the performance of Champion plugs in this brutal environment, and we're obviously thrilled to have won five of six Nextel Cup events," he said.

Busch's win also gives Champion a presence at each of the top four positions in Nextel Cup Series points. Current points leader and defending Cup champion Matt Kenseth (#17 Ford) relies on Champion plugs, as do Busch (second place), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#8 Chevrolet, third place), and 2002 Cup champion Tony Stewart (#20 Chevrolet, fourth place).

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 premium plugs also incorporate a Fine-Wire center electrode and V-trimmed ground electrode for ultra-high spark concentration. Champion's patented Heat-Active(TM) alloy allows these plugs to reach optimal temperature quickly and maintain the ideal heat range under varying loads. The result is a highly focused spark that provides greater power for quicker acceleration and smoother idle.