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NASCAR: The Thunder Rolls

12 May 1999

CONCORD, N.C. -- NASCAR Thunder retail stores and Melling Racing have partnered to create the first Thunder Road Tour. Melling Racing's No. 9 The Atlanta Braves on TBS car will visit three NASCAR Thunder stores in late May to promote the retail outlets and TBS's involvement in NASCAR.

"The Thunder Road Tour is unique to Melling Racing," said Lake Speed Jr., team marketing coordinator for Melling Racing. "The NASCAR Thunder stores have had show cars before, but this is the first organized cross-promotional effort they have done with teams."

The No. 9 Braves/Melling Engine Parts Ford will be making appearances at NASCAR Thunder stores starting May 27 at Gwinett Place Mall in Atlanta, continuing May 28 at Hamilton Place in Chattanooga, Tenn., and May 29 at West Towne Mall in Knoxville, Tenn. In addition, driver Jerry Nadeau will make a special appearance at the Chattanooga tour stop to greet fans and sign autographs from 5-7 p.m.

"We want Braves fans in the heart of Braves country to know that the Melling Racing Ford will feature the 'Braves on TBS' paint scheme at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in August," Speed explained. "TBS has a great involvement in NASCAR racing with this sponsorship and race broadcasts. This is a great opportunity for us to see our fans and give them a chance to meet Jerry. "

TBS will broadcast three NASCAR Winston Cup Series races this year including the May 30 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Charlotte, the July 25 Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono (Penn.) Raceway and the Oct. 10 UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

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