The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NASCAR WCUP: Fans Voted for Car That Will Race in the Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400

12 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -Thanks to NASCAR fans the No. 26 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn Ford Taurus will sport the "Turbo Popper" car design for the inaugural Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 at North Carolina Speedway October 24. Unveiled at Lowe's Motor Speedway today, the "Turbo Popper" was one of four Pop Secret car designs that NASCAR car fans could vote on throughout the summer in the Pop Secret Perfect Paint Scheme Sweepstakes.

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn gave fans a chance to vote on four car designs, which were featured on packages of Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn and on-line at http://zone.msn.com/popsecret. Hundreds of thousands of votes were cast and the "Turbo Popper" won out with 32% of the votes. The "Track Melter" finished second in the voting, followed by "The Indulger" and "Butter Bomber".

"It was really fun to have the fans pick my car," said Johnny Benson, who will drive the "Turbo Popper" Ford Taurus. "I personally think they made a great choice."

In addition to choosing the winning design, Julie Vossen-Henslin of Willmar, Minnesota, was named the sweepstakes grand prize winner. Vossen-Henslin's name was drawn from among those who voted for the "Turbo Popper" paint scheme.

Vossen-Henslin has won a trip for two to "The Rock" and at least $26,000 in cold hard cash, but could win over $80,000 depending on Benson's performance in the Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400.

Vossen-Henslin could collect $26,000 if Benson wins the Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400. Vossen-Henslin is also eligible for $100 for every lap Benson completes during the race, $260 for every position Benson improves from his qualifying position to the finish, $2,600 if Benson leads a lap and $2,600 if he leads the most laps.

"This has been a fun opportunity for the fans to get involved," said John Haugen, Director of Snacks at General Mills. "I hope they have enjoyed it as much as we have and we are looking forward to awarding Julie Vossen-Henslin a lot more cash at Rockingham with Johnny Benson's help. We certainly don't mind parting with that kind of money if it means Johnny has raced the No. 26 Ford into Victory Lane."

In addition to the grand prize, Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn awarded first and second prizes from the sweepstakes. Two first-prize winners received a 32" Magnavox television. 260 voters received a coupon for a free three-pack box of Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn and a 1/64th scale die-cast Pop Secret/Cheerios race car.

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn is a product of General Mills, a primary sponsor of the Roush Racing No.26 Ford Taurus. Other General Mills sponsors include Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, and Box Tops for Education, General Mills' program designed to raise money for America's schools.

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.