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NHRA: Kessinger MotorSports Adds Third S-10

7 September 1999

                
Stevie Johns to Drive Chevy S-10 Pro Stock Truck in 2000 for Kessinger
Motorsports 

        INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 7, 1999):   James Kessinger, owner of Kessinger
Motorsports,  announced today that Stevie Johns, former Winston Champion in
Competition Eliminator and shop foreman for Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins'
engine-building operation, will drive a third Kessinger Motorsports Chevy
S-10 in the Pro Stock Truck category of the NHRA Winston Drag Racing
Series, debuting at the Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., in February of
2000.

        "For me there were no other choices", stated Johns.  "By far, this
is the best Pro Stock Truck team out there.  "I've been itching to get
behind the wheel again, and I'm overjoyed to hang my driving uniform with
the Kessinger group."

        Although it is no surprise to see Johns at NHRA events, his role
while at the track in 2000 will be somewhat different.  "My position at
Jenkins Competition in no way will be affected by my driving a Pro Stock
Truck next season", said Johns.  I feel very fortunate that Bill Jenkins is
allowing me the opportunity to fulfill a dream, as I have guaranteed him my
role at his shop will not be hindered."

        Johns' responsibilities extend past building engines with Jenkins
and weekend racing events.  As a husband and father of two, managing time
efficiently is something that Stevie has learned to master over the years. 
 "My wife, Rose, is wonderful", said Johns, of Mountville, Pa.  "She is and
has always been very supportive of the time I have spent racing on weekends
and at Jenkins during the week."

        With the arrival of Stephen Jr., barely 2 months old, and his 3
year-old little girl, Victoria, there is never a dull moment for Johns. 
"The time I am home, I have my hands just as full as I do when I am at the
track", he said.

        As Johns has spent a lifetime in the racing industry, involved
since he was a little boy at the dirt tracks, his knowledge and expertise
impressed team owner, James Kessinger.  "The Kessinger Motorsports team has
seen many vital changes over the past couple weeks," stated Kessinger. 
"Finalizing the driving deal with Stevie for the 2000 season is the icing
on the cake for us.

        "The team is optimistic about what is in store for us as the '99
season comes to a close, with Mark Osborne currently sitting first in
Winston Points and teammate Tim Freeman residing in sixth," Kessinger
continued.   "Now, with the addition of Johns in a third S-10, another
proven winner and top class driver, the team is just as optimistic about
what the 2000 season will hold."

        "As my goal for the 2000 season will be what every driver out there
will be going for, the Championship," said Johns, "I know  that the
Kessinger Motorsports team, my team, will have the baddest group of
drivers, tuners and crew chiefs in the pits.   That's what it will take for
me to win another Championship ring next season."

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