CASCAR: Mark Dilley & Power Water announce sponsorship
April 8, 2005 MARKHAM, ON – Power Water and Mark Dilley jointly announced a new sponsorship agreement today that will see Power Water become a major part of Dilley’s 2005 Championship campaign. Power Water will be a Major Associate Sponsor on Dilley’s number 64 Dodge for the ten oval events on the 2005 CASCAR Super Series schedule, and will be primary sponsor for the two road course events at the Molson Indy Toronto and Mosport International Raceway. Fans will have to get used to seeing Dilley in different colours this year with NTN Bearings and Mark parting ways after a highly successful fifteen-year relationship. Dilley indicates that further sponsorship negotiations are in the final stages and more announcements are soon to come. “I am very excited to welcome Power Water as a new Major Associate Sponsor on my CASCAR team,” stated Dilley. “They have an incredible motorsports program for 2005, and I am very proud to be a part of it. I will be announcing some additional new Major Sponsors very shortly, and would like to welcome back Leland Industries, Avenue Motor Works, National Waste Services, Concepts on Wheels, Dodge, Mopar, and CRS Trucking as sponsorship partners for my 2005 CASCAR Super Series Championship campaign”. In addition to this Major Associate Sponsorship agreement with Mark Dilley, Power Water is the primary sponsor of the number 02 Ford Taurus of Kerry Micks, and title sponsor of the Ontario-based CASCAR Power Water Sportsman Series. This makes Power Water one of the largest supporters of Canadian motorsports, and the company indicates that additional driver partnerships have been completed and will be announced shortly. TWO WAYS TO “DRIVE” BUSINESS With the 02 Power Water Ford of Kerry Micks already on the track at each Super Series event this season it may seem a little strange for Power Water to add a second car, but there is a lot more to this deal than meets the eye, the company tells us. “Our new partnership with Mark goes well beyond the race track,” stated Power Water ceo Duncan Cleworth. “Mark is a ‘scratch’ golfer and experienced golf tournament organizer, and he will be operating the first-ever Power Water Golf Tournament at National Pines Golf & Country Club this year. So when Mark isn’t driving for Power Water on the racetrack, he’ll be driving for us at the golf course. Also, many of our business partners will be treated to the thrill of their life this summer when they get to take part in the ‘Mark Dilley Driving Experience’ at Barrie Speedway.” “In addition to these non-racing initiatives, Mark will act as a spokesperson for Power Water,” continued Cleworth, “and attend many of our special events and corporate functions throughout the year. Our passion for racing made it a natural fit to tie the program into Mark’s CASCAR team, but this is a sponsorship agreement that goes well beyond the race track.” Cleworth revealed that another reason for the partnership was a desire to support a Dodge team in the Super Series. “Power Water has become a major supporter of CASCAR Racing in 2005,” Cleworth reflected, “and we recognize the huge role that Mopar and Dodge have played in supporting the series for many years now. We wanted to support a Dodge driver to show our appreciation for their contribution to the sport.” KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE… Mark and Kerry Micks had a chance to talk about their new status as teammates in a recent meeting at Micks’ Mount Albert-based race shop. Although long-time competitors on the track it’s obvious that the two have a close friendship off the track. “It shouldn’t be as scary seeing Kerry in my mirror now that we’re on the same team,” joked Dilley when asked about the new relationship. “Kerry is an aggressive driver so I think it’s a case of ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’” Dilley continued with a chuckle. “Dilley is way off base with the comment about the mirror,” Micks shot back. “I’m always ahead of him on the track so he’s got nothing to worry about. But in all seriousness I’m really excited to have Mark as a teammate for the upcoming season. We have been racing together for years and I think that together we can make a tremendous impact for Power Water.” There’s no doubt that it is a dynamic team. Both drivers are past CASCAR Champions and have a long list of racing accomplishments. Both drivers won Super Series races in 2004, and both are considered top threats for the 2005 Super Series Championship. Dilley finished the 2004 Championship battle in sixth position, with Micks one spot ahead in fifth. Both drivers are determined to take the title from current and four-time defending Super Series Champion Don Thomson Jr. Power Water will also have identification on the number 39 Dodge of Dilley’s current and long-standing teammate Dave Whitlock. Whitlock was in the Championship chase right into the final event of 2004 and ended the season in third place. Whitlock Motorsports will continue to prepare Dilley’s cars. With an All-Star driver lineup like this, it’s clear to see that Power Water is serious about taking the Super Series Championship in 2005. READY TO RACE With the start of the season only six weeks away, Dilley has a lot of work to get done before he takes his new car to the track. The final sponsor announcements and car design will be announced shortly, but the concept shown below gives a glimpse of what to expect. Power Water is distilled, oxygenated water and is the purest drinking water available. More information is available at www.powerwater.com.