HARRISBURG, NC (January 21, 2003) - Haas CNC Racing
announced today the team would field Pontiac Grand Prix racecars
throughout the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season.
Jack Sprague, a three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck
Series champion, will open the 2003 campaign behind the wheel of the No. 0
NetZero Pontiac at Daytona International Speedway, February 16, 2003.
"Pontiac has had a long history of excellence in
NASCAR Winston Cup racing, including winning the 2002 Winston Cup
championship," said Sprague on behalf of the team. "I'm extremely happy to be
driving a Pontiac for Haas CNC Racing this year because I think it will give us the
best opportunity to run up front on a weekly basis this season."
"Pontiac and GM Racing are eager to work with Jack
Sprague and the NetZero team in 2003," said Bob Kraut, Pontiac
marketing manager. "Pontiac is proud of its history of racing championships and
Jack certainly has proven himself to be extraordinary driver capable of
winning on every level in which he has competed. We look forward to capturing yet
another NASCAR title together."
The Pontiac brand has totaled 30 NASCAR Winston Cup
victories over the last four seasons. Tony Stewart's 2002 Winston Cup
championship marked the 35th crown for General Motors since NASCAR began
honoring its champions in 1949. General Motors, through its participation of
its Pontiac and Chevrolet brands, is easily the most successful automobile
company involved in NASCAR racing winning 25 of the last 30 Winston Cup
championships.
"We're pleased the team has selected the extremely
competitive new Pontiac Grand Prix for our first season as a Winston
Cup sponsor," stated Brian Woods, EVP and chief marketing officer for
NetZero. "We believe that NetZero, Haas CNC Racing, Jack Sprague and the new
Pontiac Grand Prix are going to be a great combination for what promises to
be an exciting season."
Sprague will be a Raybestos Rookie of the Year
candidate this season. The most successful driver ever in the Craftsman Truck
Series, Sprague enters the Winston Cup ranks this season after a fifth-place
finish in the final 2002 NASCAR Busch Series championship standings.
"Pontiac's history speaks for itself," said Sprague.
"A lot of great drivers, legends like Fireball Roberts, and Richard
Petty, and recent champions like Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte, all
were successful behind the wheel of a Pontiac. We'll be looking to do the same
this season with the No. 0 NetZero Pontiac."
