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NASCAR WCUP: Lee Petty dies Wednesday

6 April 2000

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Following is a statement from Rick Sanders, president of Sports Marketing Enterprises at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. regarding this morning's death of Lee Petty.

"We at R.J. Reynolds are deeply saddened by the death of Lee Petty. The Petty family has been a pillar of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for many, many years. Lee was an accomplished driver in his own right winning 55 times during his career. But more importantly, he ignited a racing passion that now extends through four generations of drivers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family."

Text provided by Denny Darnell