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NASCAR WCUP: Lap Sponsors Show Support of Sport

25 March 1999

FORT WORTH-DALLAS - The popularity of NASCAR is evident by the number of race fans sponsoring laps for the March 28 PRIMESTAR 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race.

"The lap sponsorships have been a great success so far," said Eddie Gossage, speedway general manager. "We have sponsors for each of the 334 laps of the PRIMESATAR 500 ... some actually have two sponsors. The response has been overwhelming."

For the first time ever, Texas Motor Speedway offered fans the opportunity to sponsor a lap. Lap sponsorships are $250 per lap and include: two VIP pit passes; a message in the race program; two tickets to Pole Day; a certificate printed with the lap sponsors name, the lap sponsored, and the driver who led the lap; and the lap sponsors wording of choice on the web site.

Program messages range from company names to words of encouragement for the drivers -- Dale Earnhardt, Terry and Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Jarrett rank among the favorites. Anniversaries, birthdays and company slogans are also found on the list.

"Were very pleased with the fans support of the idea," said Gossage. "Its a successful program. We will definitely be giving fans the same opportunity for our other race events."

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