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NHRA: Mopar will Not Continue Sponsorship of NHRA Top Fuel Team Beyond 1999 Season

7 May 1999

CENTER LINE, Mich., - Team Mopar will not exercise the option to renew its sponsorship of the Darrell Gwynn-owned NHRA Top Fuel team at the conclusion of the 1999 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season.

"These types of decisions are always difficult and this was one of the hardest decisions we've ever made," said Lou Patane, Vice President of Motorsports Operations and Mopar Performance Parts. "Motorsports is growing globally and we are presented with multiple opportunities to create the greatest return on investment for our shareholders. This decision was reached after evaluating and quantifying our long-term return on investment against Mopar's internal business strategy.

"The Gwynn family and team have represented Mopar with professionalism in every respect," added Patane. "We commend Darrell and his team for their hard work, dedication and support of our strategic marketing program and for the results they have achieved. We look forward to working with them for the balance of the 1999 season in their quest for the championship."

Mopar has been a sponsor for the Darrell Gwynn-owned Top Fuel team since 1986 which currently leads the NHRA Top Fuel points standings with driver Mike Dunn.

"It has been a great run with Mopar," said team owner Darrell Gwynn.

"We understand that this is a business and sometimes tough decisions have to be made. We are proud of our accomplishments over the last 13 years and will continue to work hard to bring Mopar a Top Fuel championship this season."

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