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NorthernLight IRL: Midas to sponsor racing event at Atlanta

20 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
ATLANTA- Midas, Inc. (NYSE: MDS), one of the world s largest providers of automotive service, has reached an agreement to become the title sponsor of the Indy Racing Northern Light Series event on July 15 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The Midas 500 Classic will take place on the 1.54-mile quad-oval at AMS. The Midas 500 Classic is one of two popular night races on the 2000 series schedule and will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. (EDT) on ESPN.

"Were excited about the opportunity to work with an industry leader such as Midas," said Bob Reif, Indy Racing League senior vice president of sales and marketing and chief marketing officer. "The Midas name is known worldwide for quality automotive service and is a good match for our superb product on the racetrack and loyal fans."

The Midas 500 Classic is the seventh of nine races on the 2000 Indy Racing Northern Light Series schedule, as the chase for the Northern Light Cup and $1 million season champions bonus will reach new heights during the event.

"The New Midas is a lot more than mufflers," said Wendel Province, chairman and CEO of Midas, Inc. "Weve expanded our services, have a new, clean look to our shops, and were focused on building long-term customer relationships. The audience and excitement of the Indy Racing League are the ideal environment for the New Midas."

Atlanta Motor Speedway has played host to exciting Indy Racing events since 1998. Scott Sharp is the defending champion of the event, as he edged Robby Unser for the victory last July.

Two legendary names in American motorsports will make their Atlanta Motor Speedway debuts in the Midas 500 Classic. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. will drive in the race for Galles ECR Racing, and Jeff Andretti, son of 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti, will make his Indy Racing Northern Light Series debut with Walker Racing.

"We are excited to welcome Midas into our sponsor family at the Atlanta Motor Speedway," said Ed Clark, Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager. "We look forward to working with them as they launch the New Midas and are pleased that they selected AMS and the Indy Racing Northern Light Series as a marketing vehicle."

Midas, Inc., headquartered in Itasca, Ill., provides exhaust, brake, steering and suspension services, as well as batteries and maintenance services at 2,700 franchised and licensed Midas shops in 19 countries, including more than 2,100 in the United States and Canada.

Midas has more than 30 shops in the Atlanta area. Atlanta market promotional plans include a tie into the national Midas "Summer Trip Check" promotion. Consumers who purchase the "Summer Trip Check" service will receive tickets to the Midas 500 Classic.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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