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ASA: Tecumseh, LaFavre Racing Ink Multi-Year ASA Deal

10 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
GRAFTON, Wis.-- Tecumseh Products Company announced it has reached a four-year agreement with LaFavre Racing Teams Inc. to continue sponsorship through the 2003 ASA ACDelco Series season. Mike Garveys number 1 LaFavre Racing Chevrolet will carry the Tecumseh name and colors for the second consecutive season.

Tecumseh, the worlds largest manufacturer of engines and transaxles in the lawn and garden industry, began its partnership with LaFavre Racing in 1997 when they signed a one-race deal which developed into a multi-race program with then LaFavre driver and 1997 ASA National Champion, Kevin Cywinski.

Through its involvement with LaFavre Racing and as a series official sponsor, Tecumseh has been able to develop a strategic marketing and promotional plan that allows them to integrate employee and customer events around race weekend activities.

"This is really exciting for us," said Tecumseh Motorsports Coordinator Dick Melius. "The fact is that four years brings us stability and allows us to focus on the combination of Tecumseh Motorsports, LaFavre Racing and Mike Garvey to develop new marketin g opportunities with our motorsports program."

Garvey teamed up with LaFavre Racing and Tecumseh prior to the start of the 1999 season. Producing a career season in 1999, Garvey collected four wins, including three-straight late in the season, along with 11 top-fives, three poles and more laps led than anyone with 1,212.

"I couldnt be in a better position racing for LaFavre Racing with Tecumseh as a sponsor," stated Garvey. "Last year, the first year we were all together, created a strong bond. All the people at Tecumseh, including Dick Melius and (Vice President of Mark eting and Sales) Tom Hockycko, couldnt treat me any better than they do."

Owner Scott LaFavre has expanded his operation and will field a three-car team in the 2000 ACDelco Series. Along with Garvey, Cywinski returns and Johnny Sauter will compete for Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year honors.

"A four year agreement allows both Tecumseh and ourselves the opportunity to market together on a long-term basis," said LaFavre. "The people at Tecumseh couldnt be better. Were thrilled to be working with them as partners."

Tecumseh Products Company is a full-line independent global manufacturer of hermetic compressors for air conditioning and refrigeration products, gasoline engines and power train products for lawn and garden applications and pumps. Additional information a bout Tecumseh can be found on the World Wide Web at www.tecumseh.com.

Text Provided by Jeremy Troiano

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.