New Driver, Renewed Commitment For Pennzoil Pontiac

[an error occurred while processing this directive] CHARLOTTE -- When the NASCAR Winston Cup cars arrive at the Daytona International Speedway in February, the #30 Pennzoil Pontiac will have a new driver behind the wheel and a renewed commitment from one of auto racing's most prolific sponsors.

Bahari' Racing announced today that Johnny Benson will pilot the Pennzoil Pontiac for the next three years. In addition, Pennzoil Products Co. announced it has extended its contract with Bahari' Racing through 1998.

Bahari' Racing, owned by Chuck Rider and Lowrance Harry, has carried the familiar Pennzoil yellow since 1991. The Mooresville, N.C. team posted a 12th-place finish in the 1994 Winston Cup points standings and is now ninth in this year's points race.

Benson, 32, a native of Grand Rapids, Mich., has the potential to be one of the sport's next great stars and spokesmen, according to Rider. He is the current points leader in the Busch Grand National Series and the 1993 champion of the American Speed Association (ASA).

"We are excited to have Johnny in our car for the next three years," said Rider. "Johnny is highly competitive on the track, and we think he will be an excellent representative for Pennzoil off the track as well."

Rider also said he appreciates the faith Pennzoil has shown in the Bahari' team by extending the contract through 1998. He said the extension allows Benson and the Bahari' team time to develop a successful relationship and produce quality finishes.

"We are confident this is the combination that will take us to victory lane," Rider said.

Benson said he looked forward to his association with Pennzoil and Bahari' which culminates a life-long dream to race in Winston Cup. He said he is confident the Bahari' crew and the new 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix design will allow him to compete aggressively for rookie honors and for victory lane.

"This is what I have been waiting for since I drove on the ASA circuit and is the beginning of a long-term relationship between me, Bahari' Racing and Pennzoil," Benson said.

"The name of the game in this sport is winning," he said. "Hopefully we will achieve that soon."

Pennzoil Group Vice President W.E. Welcher said he expects the signing of Benson and the contract extension to add to Pennzoil's long and successful tradition in motorsports.

"We feel the Bahari team has shown steady improvement since 1991 and Johnny Benson has the ability to push the team to even greater heights in the next three years," Welcher said.

Pennzoil sponsors a number of teams on other racing circuits, including IndyCar, World of Outlaws, Trans-Am, and drag racing.