IRL: Pennzoil and Panther Racing: Until 2002 A Winning Tradition Continues
28 September 1999
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Indianapolis, Ind. -- Pennzoil-Quaker State Company
today
announced a new three-year sponsorship program with Panther Racing to
compete through the year 2002 in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League. Panther
Racing has represented the Pennzoil(r) brand since 1998, the team's
inaugural year in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League, and is pleased to
continue this winning partnership.
Officials at Pennzoil-Quaker State Company echoed Panther Racing's excitement. "Our customers like auto racing, and we are pleased to to associate Pennzoil(r), America's No. 1-selling brand of motor oil, with one of the most exciting teams in open-wheel racing," said James J. Postl, chief operating officer and president of Pennzoil-Quaker State Company.
Panther Racing was formed in 1998 under the co-ownership of Gary Pedigo, John Barnes, Mike Griffin, Doug Boles and San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Beginning with little more than a dream, this ownership team has brought Pennzoil Panther Racing to the forefront of open-wheel competition in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League. "We started this knowing we could be successful with the right sponsors, the right team members and a winning philosophy. Pennzoil has helped us make this dream a reality by providing their support," said team co-owner John Barnes. "Pennzoil's history in open-wheel racing has been a path of success, and we are proud to be carrying the Pennzoil name into the millennium."
Pennzoil's involvement in open-wheel racing began in 1930 with company-sponsored driver Russell Snowberger. Snowberger finished in the top-10 at the Indy 500 five times and was the first of many to race a Pennzoil-sponsored car at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Pennzoil cars driven by Johnny Rutherford, Rick Mears and Danny Sullivan followed Snowberger at the Indy 500 and started a tradition of Pennzoil cars dominating the famed race. In 1999, 63% of the cars racing in the Indy 500 were running Pennzoil(r) motor oil in their engines.
Panther Racing is continuing the Pennzoil tradition of winning in open-wheel racing, with two victories this season and a current second-place standing in the championship for the Pep Boys Indy Racing League title.
Pennzoil(r) brand products are manufactured by Pennzoil-Quaker State Company, a leading automotive consumer products company. Pennzoil-Quaker State Company markets premium quality lubricants and some 1,300 other car care products, and is the parent company of Jiffy Lube International, Inc., the world's largest franchiser of fast oil change centers.
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