MOORESVILLE, N.C. – January 25, 2011 – Martin Truex Jr. announces his support for KeepAmericaFishing.  KeepAmericaFishing™ is leading the fight to preserve anglers’ rights to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways.  As the voice of the American fisherman, KeepAmericaFishing™ works to keep our public resources – our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams – open, clean and abundant with fish.

“When I’m not racing the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota, I enjoy being out on the water.  I fully support KeepAmericaFishing™ and their efforts to preserve our rights to fish.  As an avid fisherman, I help manage our fish populations by practicing sustainable methods of preserving our fisheries.” said Martin Truex Jr.

Across the country, preventing or limiting recreational anglers’ access to public waters fisheries is being touted as a new way to manage fish populations. This unprecedented shift undermines the achievements of proven fisheries management methods that focus on conservation and promote sustainable fishing. As a result, the past 10 years have seen a dramatic increase in bans on recreational fishing from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Who is KeepAmericaFishing™?

In an effort to combat access restrictions around the country, the American Sport Fishing Association launched KeepAmericaFishing™ to unite the nation’s 60 million anglers under one voice. Through policy, science and conservation, KeepAmericaFishing™ works to minimize access restrictions, promote clean waters and restore fish populations. With its conservation partners, KeepAmericaFishing™ works to limit and provide for review and revision science-based closures to areas in which they are clearly beneficial to the health of the fishery.  For more information, visit http://www.keepamericafishing.org.

About Martin Truex Jr.

In 2010, he climbed into the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing. He teamed up with veteran crew chief Pat Tryson and they netted seven top 10s and one pole during the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Truex burst onto the NASCAR scene in 2003, after developing a friendship with famed driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. He won back-to-back Nationwide Series Championships in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, he graduated to NASCAR’s premier division, the Sprint Cup Series.

When Martin is away from the track, he spends most of his time hunting and fishing.  He is also heavily involved with the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, which was formed in 2007 to help children in need. For more information, visit http://www.mtjauthentics.com.

Montoya, McMurray Return for 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Season

CONCORD, NC (Jan. 24, 2011) – Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray will return for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) season. Montoya will be behind the wheel of the No. 42 Target Chevrolet for the third consecutive season and his fifth full-season in the NSCS. McMurray will make his return in the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/ McDonalds Chevrolet for his second straight season with the team and ninth overall in the NSCS.

Both drivers look to carry over their 2010 success, which saw them  break the organization record for wins in a single season (four), scoring victories in the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, Watkins Glen event  and Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Montoya and McMurray will return to the newly re-paved Daytona International Speedway in February for Speedweeks, which kicks off with the Budweiser Shootout Feb. 12 followed by the 53^rd running of ‘The Great American Race’ on Feb. 20.

Notes of Interest:

• McMurray enters 2011 coming off a record 2010 season where he became known as NASCAR’s “Big Event” driver, becoming only the third driver in history to win both the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same season. He scored a third win at Charlotte, finished second at Darlington, Talladega and in the Coke 600, and also won the 2010 overall pole award with four.
• Montoya enters the 2011 season coming off a solid 2010, scoring a win at Watkins Glen in August which gave longtime partner Target their first NSCS victory. Montoya is the first foreign-born driver to have wins in NASCAR’s elite series. He scored a career-high three poles, and finished third at both Talladega races and Atlanta.
• All six of Ganassi’s drivers visited victory lane in 2010, where they accumulated 19 victories across all three series in which they compete (NASCAR – 4, INDYCAR – 6 and GRAND-AM – 9) winning two championships in the process. Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas claimed Ganassi’s fourth GRAND-AM Championship and Dario Franchitti captured a third consecutive IZOD IndyCar Series title for Ganassi.
• Ganassi added two more drivers to his 2011 line-up with Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball joining Scott Dixon and Franchitti in the IZOD IndyCar Series. The majority of Ganassi’s driver line-up will be on display in the GRAND-AM Rolex 24 At Daytona January 28- 30 as they look to capture a record fourth Rolex 24 Hour At Daytona victory for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.
• In 2010 Chip Ganassi became the first owner to win both of Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s marquee events –the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 and he was able to accomplish it in the same year.
• Chip Ganassi Racing claimed their first-ever weekend sweep, winning races in all three of the major touring series (NASCAR, IndyCar and GRAND-AM) in which they compete.  Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas won the Rolex GRAND-AM Series event at Watkins Glen, Juan Pablo Montoya picked up a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at Watkins Glen, and Dario Franchitti completed the hat-trick with an IZOD IndyCar Series win at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
• CGR now boasts 134 total wins (1990-2010): 80 – INDYCAR, 32 – GRAND-AM, 10 – Sprint Cup, 6 – Nationwide and 6 – ARCA.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  John Olguin at Earnhardt Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, 704-662-9642

LIFTMASTER® To Be Associate Sponsor for Earnhardt Ganassi

Racing with Felix Sabates and Jamie McMurray’s No. 1 Team in 2011

Number One Brand of Professionally Installed Garage Door Openers Excited to Raise Awareness Open New Doors To Success with Associate Sponsorship of Defending Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 Champion

CONCORD, N.C.  (January 24, 2011) – Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates today announces a mulit-year sponsorship with LiftMaster, the leading brand of professionally installed garage door opener systems and access solutions.  The LiftMaster logo will adorn defending Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 Champion Jamie McMurray’s No. 1 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chevrolet above the rear side window.  In addition to the highly visible logo placement, LiftMaster will also receive team assets throughout the length of the agreement.  This partnership with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing is LiftMaster’s first-ever venture into the realm of NASCAR sponsorship.

Notes of Interest:

About LiftMaster:  

LiftMaster is the number one brand of professionally installed residential garage door openers, as well as a major manufacturer of commercial door operators, residential and commercial gate operators, telephone entry systems and related access control products.  Driven by the access and security needs of the marketplace, LiftMaster’s expansive line of state-of-the-art residential and commercial products are designed to fit any lifestyle or application, providing consumers with the latest technology and innovations in safety, security and convenience.  For inquiries on LiftMaster products or to locate a professional LiftMaster dealer near you, visit www.LiftMaster.com. 

McMurray Makes a Splash in First Season Back with Team Owner Ganassi:  Jamie McMurray made the most of his first season with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in 2010. The driver, hailing from Joplin, MO, kicked off the season in dramatic fashion by winning the Daytona 500, in his first time out with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Teamed with veteran crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion, the duo went on to capture the Brickyard 400 at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and followed that with a triumph at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Chase for the Championship.  In 2010,  McMurray claimed three wins, four pole positions, nine top-five, and 12 top-10 finishes, while finishing 14^th in the final standings.

Quote Board:

Ken Roehl, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, LiftMaster: “As the leading manufacturer of garage door opener systems and access solutions, and backed by our loyal network of more than 4,000 professional dealers, we are thrilled to partner with Jamie and the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Team. They have proven to be leaders within the sport of NASCAR, winning the two most prominent races – the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. We look forward to what this partnership can bring to our valued LiftMaster staff, our customers and our professional dealers.  As a team, we are excited to be supporting Jamie’s quest for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship.”

Steve Lauletta, President, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing:  “We are very happy to begin this new relationship with LiftMaster and our No. 1 NASCAR program with Jamie McMurray. It means a lot to this organization that LiftMaster chose us as a partner for their first endeavor into our sport. There is a natural tie to the LiftMaster line of high-performing, quality garage door openers and our own drive to out-perform the competition.  We feel the partnership will help LiftMaster generate additional awareness for their brand among the large number of dedicated race fans. We look forward to a successful partnership with LiftMaster and their network of professional dealers.”

Jamie McMurray, Driver, No.1 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing:  “This announcement is another testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.  I look forward to working with the folks at LiftMaster and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to once again represent a great brand on and off the racetrack.  We’re looking forward to another exciting season as we inch closer to 2011, and we’re happy that LiftMaster will be coming along for the ride!”

For more information log onto www.earnhardtganassi.com

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Energizer and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing celebrate 16 years of racing partnership by Lighting Up the NASCAR Sprint All Star Race to Set World Record

ST. LOUIS, January 24 – Coming off of their best season yet, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is once again teaming up with Energizer to make records of an altogether different variety. At this year’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Energizer and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most flashlights lit up at one time at a sporting arena.

The Energizer Light Up The Night event kicks off the 16^th year Energizer and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing have worked closely together to bring excitement and innovation to the race circuit.

At the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday night, May 21, Energizer will distribute free Energizer_®  LED Headlights to race fans as they enter the track. When signaled to “flash their brights” during pre-race activities, fans will turn on their headlights to Light Up The Night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to record the event.

“Energizer is proud to be a long-time sponsor of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing,” said Jim Olsen Vice President North American Marketing, Energizer Holdings, Inc. “Earnhardt Ganassi Racing had a record setting 2010 and to celebrate Energizer is excited to rev up fans by setting a record in the stands. Now That’s Positivenergy™”

In addition to helping set records, fans can stop by the Energizer tent and be entered in drawings to win Energizer prize packs and Target gift cards.

The Light Up the Night event is illuminated by Energizer_® lighting products.  Innovative and dependable lighting has been Energizer’s passion for more than 110 years, and each year the company raises the bar by delivering technology solutions in portable lighting that meet the needs of the most demanding consumers. From the versatile, hands-free Energizer LED headlights to a full line of emergency preparedness lights, Energizer offers lighting solutions that provide the brightness levels, runtimes, and design elements that consumers require.

Driving Home the Preparedness Message

Since the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race is taking place in May – which is right before the start of hurricane season – Energizer will make a donation to a Charlotte-area disaster response group to help them get prepared in advance of severe weather. The donations will be generated, in part, by purchase of Energizer batteries and lights at Target.

“As part of the new Now That’s Positivenergy™ platform Energizer is committed to making a difference in communities across the country. We want to help the residents of Charlotte power through whatever Mother Nature throws their way,” said Olsen.

*Free Energizer_® Headlights available to fans while supplies last

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WIDIA™ Partners With Earnhardt Ganassi Racing –

Sponsors No. 1 Chevrolet for Martinsville Race

(LATROBE, PA) – On April 3, 2011, the familiar No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/ McDonald’s Chevrolet, driven by 2010 Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 Champion Jamie McMurray of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, will become the No. 1 WIDIA Chevrolet as WIDIA makes its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) debut. The April 3 date at Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville, Virginia) marks another milestone for Jamie McMurray, his 300^th NSCS start.

High-performance machine shops and the latest in tooling innovations are as necessary as high-performance tires in keeping race teams competitive, so the partnership between WIDIA and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing was a natural fit.

WIDIA Products Group™ is a complete portfolio of milling, turning, reaming, grooving, precision hole finishing, and other precision metalworking applications from a single source. “From the spindle to the workpiece, WIDIA products provide one-stop shopping for manufacturers seeking tools that get the job done and improve production processes,” says Bernie McConnell, Vice President, WIDIA Products Group. The group includes metalworking tools and systems from WIDIA as well as leading specialty products, such as WIDIA-Manchester™, WIDIA-Clapp-DiCo™, WIDIA-GTD™, WIDIA-Hanita™, WIDIA-MetCut™ and WIDIA-MetalRemoval™.

“The 2010 season that Jamie and the No. 1 team put together allows us to feel great about being able to bring new brands to our team and into the sport,” said Steve Lauletta, President of Chip Ganassi Racing Teams.  “We are confident that the experience will deliver a business return that will get them hooked on the power of NASCAR and our team.  Both us and our partners at Widia are very much looking forward to the 2011 season and more specifically Jamie being behind the wheel of the No. 1 Widia Chevrolet in Martinsville.”

McConnell further describes WIDIA as a “tremendous growth opportunity created to maximize our penetration of the growing indirect market channel,” he adds. “We have received excellent feedback from our channel partners on their success introducing a complete metalworking portfolio of products to their customers, and we’ll continue to strengthen and upgrade our channel partners with continued new product introductions and comprehensive training and service events in every region of the world.”

NASCAR fans and metalworking customers alike are urged to visit WIDIA.com  (http://widia.com/racing), Facebook® (http://facebook.com/WIDIAProductsGrp), Twitter® (http://twitter.com/WIDIAProductsGrp), and YouTube® (http://youtube.com/WIDIASolutions ) to keep up with the latest news and promotions from WIDIA connected with this event.

WIDIA-brand products and services have defined innovation in the metalcutting industry for more than 80 years — from the world’s first patent for carbide indexable inserts to the development of the world’s first coated grades. The WIDIA brand offers a complete portfolio of precision-engineered products and services. With thousands of milling, turning, holemaking, and tooling systems products available through a worldwide network of authorized distributor partners, you’ll find everything you need from one single source.

Commemorates 10^th Anniversary of 2001 Victory, 25^th Consecutive 500 Start

CORNELIUS, N.C. – Michael Waltrip Racing and NAPA AUTO PARTS announced today that two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will drive the No. 15 NAPA Toyota in his 25^th consecutive Daytona 500 on Feb. 20.

“This is a very special day,” said Waltrip who unveiled the No. 15 NAPA paint scheme Tuesday morning during the annual Charlotte Motor Speedway media tour.

“Ten years ago I won the 500 in my first race with NAPA and we know February 18, 2001 is a day that NASCAR fans will never forget. What looked to be a storybook ending turned to tragedy seconds later.  To mark the 10^th anniversary of that race and my 25^th consecutive 500 will be quite emotional for me and fans alike.”

Waltrip broke a 0 for 462 streak when he won the 2001 Daytona 500 driving for car owner Dale Earnhardt who died in a turn four accident on the final lap.  Waltrip chronicles the events of that weekend as well as his life and the challenges building a Sprint Cup organization in his book “In the Blink of an Eye” that goes on sale Feb. 1.

“I’ve spent much of last year writing the book. It forced me to put into words a lot of emotions from that weekend and how we and the whole NASCAR world dealt with the loss of Dale,” said Waltrip. “When I got my first copy the other day I told people that I felt like I had given birth. The book has become a part of me and I know fans are going to love it.”

“Hard to believe 10 years have passed since that fateful day in 2001 when we celebrated Michael’s Daytona 500 win and unfortunately mourned the loss of our friend, Dale Earnhardt,” commented Bob Susor, NAPA President. “We could not think of a better way to honor our friend, Dale as well as mark this milestone in Michael’s career than to bring the NAPA No. 15 back to the Daytona 500 with a special paint scheme.  We are hopeful fans, family and friends enjoy the tribute to both Michael and Dale.”

While Waltrip will certainly relive events of a decade past, this year’s time on the track and Daytona will be all about winning. While he has competed in just a handful of races in 2010, Waltrip finished 18^th in last year’s race and lead laps at both Talladega Superspeedway races.

Waltrip won’t be alone in the draft at Daytona. MWR will also field cars for No. 56 NAPA Toyota driver Martin Truex Jr. and the No. 00 Aaron’s Toyota for David Reutimann.

Waltrip and brother Darrell are the only brother combination to win the Daytona 500 and Michael’s 2001 and 2003 victories made him one of only eight drivers with multiple wins in NASCAR most prestigious race. The 2011 Daytona 500 marks Waltrip’s 764^th Sprint Cup start and 1,049^th NASCAR start. Waltrip, Richard Petty and Mark Martin are the only drivers with more than 1,000 starts.

While he’s reduced his NASCAR schedule he hasn’t slowed down. Waltrip raced in Dubai earlier this month and took the “Michael Waltrip Comedy Garage” to appearances in Kansas and Canada. He plans a handful of superspeedway races in 2011 and more international racing.

Click here to view a message from Michael Waltrip: http://tiny.cc/4fc3b.

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Sponsor Announcements

During a lunch presentation on the first day of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway, officials from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (EGR) made several new announcements concerning sponsors and the 2011 season.

Acting as emcee for the event, television broadcaster Larry McReynolds confirmed that Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray will again drive in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for EGR in 2011. Montoya, driving the No. 42 Target Chevrolet, marks his third consecutive season with the team.

McMurray will start his second season in the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/McDonald’s Chevrolet. Last year the teammates secured a record four victories for the organization in a single season.

EGR welcomed companies WIDIA (pronounced VEE-dee-uh) and LiftMaster, both of whom are new to NASCAR competition. WIDIA, a manufacturer of precision machine tools, will assume sponsorship of McMurray’s No. 1 Chevrolet when he makes his 300th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start in the April 3 race at Martinsville Speedway. Garage door-opener manufacturer LiftMaster has signed a multi-year associate sponsorship agreement with EGR for placement on McMurray’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car.

Energizer to Light Up the Night at Charlotte Motor Speedway

During the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing presentation, Gail Taylor, manager of shopper marketing with longtime EGR sponsor Energizer, detailed that company’s “Light Up the Night” event that will take place during the May 21 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Energizer, with the help of fans in attendance at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, will attempt to set a world record for shining the most flashlights simultaneously in a sporting arena. Energizer will distribute thousands of its LED Headlights and ask fans to “flash their brights” during pre-race activities. Representatives from Guinness World Records will record and judge the “Light Up the Night” event.

Energizer will also make a donation to Charlotte-area disaster response groups to help them prepare for hurricane season.

Stewart Haas Racing Has Momentum, Expectations for New Season

The NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway paid a visit to Stewart Haas Racing (SHR) on Monday afternoon. SHR drivers Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman, along with their respective crew chiefs Darien Grubb and Tony Gibson, and Director of Competition Bobby Hutchins, talked about the teams’ 2011 Sprint Cup season outlook.

Stewart opened the session by talking about the team’s development as it entered its third season.

“Last year I think we all started feeling a lot more comfortable in knowing what to expect,” Stewart said. “It’s definitely not easy for sure, but we have Bobby Hutchins leading this for us. We have some great crew chiefs in Darien Grubb and Tony Gibson. And I have a great teammate with Ryan (Newman). Those are the key ingredients that you have to have.”

Newman echoed Stewart’s sentiments.

“We are just continuing to build,” he said. “We’re working hard on our race cars. I had a good year last year and am looking forward to this year to start off strong. That’s one thing we haven’t done as a team. To start the season off with the Daytona 500 is a good opportunity. We had some fun down there with testing and I’m looking forward to the entire Speedweeks.”

Grubb relayed some of his thoughts on last week’s Daytona testing and the new Chevrolet nose the teams will have this season.

“This is a good time for us,” he said. “The program we have has gotten so strong. The competition level is so high and I think we have a leg up on this year. We have a leg up with Mobil 1 and their technology. We have been trying to pay attention to our downforce. We are working on fuel. We have the new E85 coming this year. We need to make sure we get the mileage and performance when we get down to Daytona.”

Gibson addressed the No. 39 Chevrolet team’s preparation for 2011.

“One of the biggest things we have been working on is our aero department,” he said. “Chevrolet has done a great job. We have spent time in the (wind) tunnel. It’s been a huge benefit for us.”

For Hutchins, the logistics of all these changes presents a challenge.

“The engineering department has really been working hard getting ready for 2011,” he said. “They have been out in Phoenix at the Chevrolet proving grounds working on our speedway program. They were at the General Motors facility in Michigan working on parts and pieces. Mobil1 and Wix Filters and their technical departments have helped us in the transition over the off season. This will hopefully make our end product better on Sundays. Everyone here wants to make our third season the most successful yet.”

SHR picked up the Mobil1 sponsorship on Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet in select races in 2011. Most of the team’s other partners returned for the

2011 season, including Office Depot, Burger King, Tornados, U.S. Army, Haas Automation and Wix Filters.

Quotes of the Day

Steve Lauletta, president of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, on returning sponsor Target, which has been with the organization for 22 seasons: “Obviously 2010 was a successful year for us. That had an effect on the impact we could offer to our partners. That was proven by a “Sports Business Journal” image impact study that listed the top 12 drivers who provided brand exposure for their sponsors. Only two of the 12 drivers did not make the Chase [for the NASCAR Sprint Cup]. Those were Juan Pablo Montoya in fourth place and Jamie McMurray in ninth place.”

Tony Stewart on 2011: “I am really excited about getting a new season under way. We have some great partners here with our sponsors this year. All of them are what makes this possible. These great companies are what makes us a family.”