Sponsor named for Yeley Racing Chili Bowl entries

Interstate Batteries to Sponsor Two J.J. Yeley Racing Entries in 21st Annual Chili Bowl

St. Jude Research Hospital to Benefit from Unique Yeley Uniform and Helmet Auction

DALLAS (Jan. 5, 2007) - NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver J.J. Yeley and Interstate Batteries announced today they will team up for the 21st annual Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Okla., with the local Interstate All Battery Center retail store sponsoring Yeley's No. 47 car and Interstate Batteries of Tulsa sponsoring the No. 18 car owned by Yeley and driven by veteran open-wheel racer Ricky Gaunt.

The Tulsa Interstate Battery Center, which will adorn Yeley's No. 47 machine, features thousands of batteries to power up everything from laptops, cell phones, tools, watches and more. The Interstate Batteries of Tulsa distributorship, which will adorn Gaunt's No. 18 car, is a key entity for Interstate dealers to provide consumers with top-quality automotive, commercial and marine batteries to the area.

"I am elated that my Nextel Cup sponsor, Interstate Batteries, has decided to partner with me for the Chili Bowl," said Yeley. "Interstate, through its extensive network of dealers and distributors, has been very supportive of my NASCAR career. Having Interstate pull together to support us is just another example of their dedication. We couldn't be more grateful for both the Tulsa Interstate All Battery Center and the Interstate Batteries of Tulsa distributorship for their support during the Chili Bowl. Ricky and I will carry the Interstate Batteries logos very proudly in Tulsa."

Yeley is also joining forces with Interstate Batteries to offer a unique opportunity for Chili Bowl fans to benefit a very worthwhile charity. Yeley and Interstate Batteries have designed a special firesuit and helmet for the Chili Bowl. At the conclusion of the event on Jan. 13, a few lucky fans will leave with Yeley's uniform and helmet, with separate drawings scheduled for each item.

Raffle tickets and specially designed J.J. Yeley Chili Bowl T-shirts will be available in the pit area at Yeley's hauler throughout the five-day event. All proceeds from the uniform and helmet raffle will go to Yeley's preferred charity - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

"I had the opportunity to visit St. Jude last year, and the facility and the atmosphere is amazing," said Yeley. "To see these young children face incredible circumstances, it makes you want to do all you can to support them and their families."

In addition to Yeley competing in the Chili Bowl, he'll also be signing autographs and meeting with fans on Fri., Jan. 12 at the following locations in Tulsa:

* Interstate All Battery Center located at 7102 South Memorial Drive from 12-2 p.m. CST * Interstate Batteries of Tulsa located at 4116 South 88th East Ave. from 3:30-5:30 p.m. CST

Yeley, competing in his 10th Chili Bowl, comes to Tulsa looking for his first ever Chili Bowl title. In 2004, Yeley put on one of the most exciting performances in Chili Bowl history. After breaking a steering gear in an early heat race tangle and an accident in another early qualifying round, he stormed all the way from the second F-Main on the final day to make the final race. Yeley completed 120 laps, passed 69 cars and finished third overall after a wheel-to-wheel battle with Tony Stewart - his Nextel Cup teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing - over the last several laps.

One of the most accomplished racers in United States Auto Club (USAC) history, Yeley has 51 career USAC wins and five overall championships to his credit.

During the 2003 season, Yeley set a new USAC record of 24 wins in a single season, breaking A.J. Foyt's record of 19 wins, set in 1961. Yeley handily won the Triple Crown that year by earning titles in the Sprint, Midget and Silver Crown divisions, becoming only the second driver to win all three of USAC's top divisions in a single season - a feat first accomplished by Stewart in 1995.

In addition to raffling off his driver's uniform and helmet to benefit St. Jude, J.J. Yeley T-shirts will be available for purchase at the Chili Bowl, the Tulsa Interstate All Battery Center and online at www.jjyeley.com while supplies last.

About Interstate Batteries

Founded in 1952 and based in Dallas, Interstate Batteries has more than 300 distributors serving nearly 200,000 retail outlets. Current annual sales exceed 14 million batteries for automobiles, boats, commercial vehicles, golf cars, motorcycles and more. Interstate All Battery Centers have more than 50 retail stores in 25 states and in Canada, and offer more than 12,000 different types of batteries for tools, laptops, cameras, watches, remotes, and much, much more. To learn more about Interstate Batteries visit www.interstatebatteries.com.

-credit: IBUSA