Dale Earnhardt Signs Contract Through 2003

GM Goodwrench Service Plus, Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt have been one of the most successful combinations in NASCAR over the last decade and today they announced the extension of their relationship through the 2003 NASCAR season.

Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress started their relationship in 1981 with a brief stint of 11 races. They rejoined in 1984 and never looked back. Together the two have achieved legendary success as car owner and driver winning six NASCAR Winston Cup championships and 67 Winston Cup races. This newest contract extension puts the championship duo together for a 20-year period dating back to the 1984 season.

"Dale and I have been talking about this contract for almost a year," remarked Richard Childress. "I wasn't worried about it and he wasn't either that's why we didn't rush to complete the signing. He is the best of the best in my book and what we accomplished last year was just the beginning of what's to come over the next four years. We want to get that next championship. And when we do I'll be ready to extend it again until he says he's ready to get out of the car."

GM Goodwrench Service Plus began its relationship as an associate sponsor in 1985 winning two championships in 1986 and '87. In 1988 the colors changed to that of the now infamous black No. 3GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet. As the relationship blossomed so did the success winning four out of five championships from 1990 to1994, and putting GM Goodwrench in the record books as Earnhardt accomplished a record tying seven championships.

"We are delighted at GMSPO and our GM Goodwrench brand to continue our 16 year relationship with Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt, " said Bill Fitzgerald, GMSPO event marketing manager. "GM Goodwrench Service Plus has achieved great success with the No. 3 RCR team and with this agreement it extends our relationship with them to almost 20 years. I believe this reaffirms our loyalty and commitment to Dale and Richard as well as our involvement to NASCAR."

For Dale Earnhardt there was no question as to if he would extend just a matter of when and for how long. "I never planned on going anywhere," commented Dale Earnhardt. "I told everyone all along that we were in the process of extending, but just didn't get around to it until now. Richard knows how I feel about that 3 car. I've always said, 'God, Teresa, my family and that No. 3 car were the most important things to me. Richard and I have achieved more together than either one of us ever thought we could. Why would we change what got us to where we are. GM Goodwrench Service Plus has been a great supporter of our racing program and we are proud to represent them on and off the track. They have always been there when we needed them and I look forward to winning another championship with their support.

"The second question is NO I don't plan on retiring in 2003. I would like to drive for maybe five or six years, but who knows. Well see how many championships we've won between now and 2003, then decide about our future."

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.