DuPont and Hendrick Motorsports Extend NASCAR Sponsorship; Jeff Gordon, #24 Chevrolet Monte Carlo to Continue DuPont Brand Association

DOVER, Del., June 5 -- DuPont and Hendrick Motorsports today announced the extension of DuPont's longstanding sponsorship of the #24 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

The new pact builds on an association launched 13 years ago with a flashy "rainbow" paint scheme and a 21-year-old rookie driver named Jeff Gordon. Under the new contract, DuPont continues as the primary sponsor for three years, through the 2008 racing season, with the option to extend for an additional two years. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"We're proud to have Jeff Gordon represent DuPont," said Edward J. Donnelly, group vice president, DuPont Coatings & Color Technologies. "We believe he represents the future growth of NASCAR's fan base because he can communicate with a wide range of people, regardless of where they live or what they do for a living."

"With Jeff behind the wheel, supported by the marketing and technical powerhouse that is Hendrick Motorsports, our DuPont Motorsports program can't help but succeed," Donnelly added.

"DuPont and Hendrick Motorsports have formed a terrific team for more than a decade," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "Week after week, we're able to pair Jeff Gordon, one of the most dynamic talents in our sport, with DuPont, a respected and well-recognized brand throughout the world. It's a relationship we take a great deal of pride in and one we're extremely excited to continue."

NASCAR's rapid growth across geographic and demographic boundaries appeals to diversified companies such as DuPont. The designation of DuPont automotive paints as "the official finish of NASCAR" benefits the company's Automotive Finishes business directly. Famed motorsports artist Sam Bass was commissioned to create the special DuPont Performance Alliance design featured on the #24 car at the Nextel All-Star Challenge on May 21. The DuPont Performance Alliance is composed of the very highest quality collision repair shops exclusively using DuPont Automotive Refinish products.

In addition to automotive finishes, a variety of DuPont brands, including Tyvek(R) HouseWrap(TM), Corian(R) solid surfaces and Suva(R) refrigerants, are advertised throughout the racing season on the DuPont #24 car.

The DuPont-Hendrick association began in 1992 with Gordon's Cup Series debut and his first full season in 1993, when he earned Rookie of the Year honors. The combination has since netted 72 wins and four championships in NASCAR's premier division.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

The DuPont Oval, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and Tyvek(R) HouseWrap(TM), Corian(R) and Suva(R) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.