Dick Seidenspinner joins Mattei as GM

HARRISBURG, N.C. (Nov. 19, 1999) - Dick Seidenspinner, who has been a fixture in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for the past 16 years, has joined Mattei Motorsports as general manager.

Seidenspinner, who has spent the past five seasons at Butch Mock Motorsports and Mock 2 Motorsports, will begin his duties full-time immediately after the season finale this Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He will oversee all day-to-day operations for the team, which currently fields the No. 7 Philips Chevrolet for driver Michael Waltrip. NationsRent will take over as the primary sponsor for the organization beginning with the Daytona 500 in February 2000.

"I am looking forward to this opportunity," said Seidenspinner. "I expect it to be a very challenging position, but something that I'm ready for. This team has developed a great deal during 1999, and it will be exciting to capitalize on that effort in the months to come."

Team owner Jim Mattei, who is wrapping up his second full season in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, is excited about adding Seidenspinner to his operation.

"Dick will be a great asset for our race team," said Mattei. "I've know him for more than 10 years. He is a great family man with tremendous work ethic and a wealth of knowledge that will help us get to the next level in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series."

During a career than started in 1985, Seidenspinner has been involved in nearly every aspect of race team operation. His first stint in the NASCAR industry was with Rahmoc Racing, where he served as director of operations. While there, he worked with drivers Lake Speed and Neil Bonnett, focusing on licensing, hospitality, show cars and the day-to-day management of the team.

In 1988, Seidenspinner became the first person hired by Felix Sabates to run the day-to-day operation at Team Sabco. During his five years with Sabates, Seidenspinner continued to manage all major aspects of the operation while the team fielded cars for Kyle Petty, Robbie Moroso, Tommy Kendall and Kenny Wallace.

During the past five years at Butch Mock Motorsports, Seidenspinner has worked as director of operations. His expertise in hospitality and team/sponsor interaction led him and Mock to form Mock 2 Motorsports -- a company devoted to hospitality, sponsor programs and special events - in 1998.

Seidenspinner and his wife Julie will continue to reside in Cornelius, N.C.