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NASCAR BGN: Phillips 66 Racing Salutes USA Swimming During 2000 Olympics

29 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
BARTLESVILLE, OKLA. --- The Phillips 66 Racing team will compete at three different race tracks during the month of September, with the first one being the 1.366-mile oval of Darlington Raceway. During the very same month of September, another team with athletes supported by Phillips Petroleum Company will take to a swimming pool in Sydney, Australia as part of the 2000 Olympic Games. In support of USA Swimming, the No. 66 Phillips 66 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will carry a logo showing the race team's support of the USA Olympic Swim Team's efforts in Sydney.

"I have to believe that anyone who competes in a sport, be it stock cars, football or basketball, gets excited about the Olympics," said Todd Bodine, driver of the No. 66 Phillips 66 Chevrolet. "I know growing up, a lot of kids, myself included, dreamed about going to or competing in the Olympics. I feel pretty honored to have a way to show my support for the USA during the Games. I think the Olympics create an excitement that's pretty much felt all over the world, including the NASCAR community. "

The Phillips 66 Racing Team got involved as part of Phillips Petroleum Company's involvement with amateur swimming. The Bartlesville, Okla.-based company has been involved with USA swimming for nearly three decades. It represents the longest continuous corporate sponsorship of an amateur sport. "Phillips 66 and USA Swimming have been partners for 27 years," said Chuck Wielgus, executive director of USA Swimming. "Their commitment to this organization has been instrumental in helping young athletes reach their fullest potential.

"By allowing our logo to appear on their car, USA Swimming will reach a new audience of young athletes who could dedicate themselves to becoming tomorrow's world champions."

The NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division competes at Darlington, Richmond and Dover during the month of September. Athletes from around the world will compete in the Olympic games for a little over one week beginning on September 16th and ending on the 23rd. Throughout the month of September, the Phillips 66 Chevy will sport the logo showing support for USA Swimming as the team competes for gold in the Olympic games "down under."

"Phillips 66 is very proud of its involvement with amateur and professional sports," said Bob Pomeroy, director of sponsorship for Phillips Petroleum Company. "The opportunity to express our encouragement for the USA Swimming athletes through our NASCAR Busch Series team serves as a way of introducing our race fans to the sport of swimming and our swimming supporters to the sport of stock car racing. It also gives Phillips 66 and the Cicci-Welliver Racing team a chance to show support for the United States in the Olympic games."

Text provided by Penny Copen

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