Elliot Sadler adds new sponsor

Sadler inks sponsor for Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 20, 1998) Diamond Ridge Motorsports announced that Ocean Pacific Apparel and Tower Clothing will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 92 Chevrolet driven by Elliott Sadler for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The race is the NASCAR Winston Cup Series debut for Sadler, who is a regular in the NASCAR Busch Series.

Ocean Pacific Apparel, based in Irvine, Calif., was developed in 1972 by San Diego surfer Jim Jenks. The world famous "Op" label started receiving notoriety after Jenks developed a pair of shorts that were considered both durable and comfortable by his peers. Jenks embroidered "Op" on the left leg of the garments and delivered them personally to surf shops up and down the coast.

"Ocean Pacific Apparel, much like NASCAR, has very grass roots origins and is a company with which Diamond Ridge Motorsports is proud to be associated," said Gary H. Bechtel, owner of Diamond Ridge Motorsports. "NASCAR has crossed the continent with events from Maine to California and Ocean Pacific apparel is recognized from the Atlantic to Pacific oceans. We believe it is very fitting to have a transcontinental sponsor involved in the fastest-growing sport.

"To be able to announce a primary sponsorship for one of NASCAR's most prestigious events is a great opportunity for Diamond Ridge Motorsports and Elliott Sadler. Although it is presently a one-race sponsorship, there is a mutual commitment by both parties to continue an active dialog regarding Elliott's remaining four NASCAR Winston Cup races scheduled in 1998 along with discussions about Sadler's full-time Winston Cup program in 1999, 2000 and 2001."

Sadler, who is currently fifth in the NASCAR Busch Series standings, will be making his first run in a NASCAR Winston Cup Series event. The Emporia, Va., native says he is excited and anxious about his big debut.

"Winston Cup racing has always been a dream of mine and the opportunity is finally here," Sadler said. "The Coca-Cola 600 is a huge event and having primary sponsors like Ocean Pacific and Tower Clothing associated with us makes this occasion even more special. This is an awesome deal for Diamond Ridge Motorsports and the No. 92 Winston Cup team."

Sadler, 23, finished the 1997 season fifth in the final standings, with three wins, six top-fives, 10 top-10s and four poles. In 1998, he has posted a win at Bristol Motor Speedway in March and captured the top starting spot at Texas Motor Speedway less than one week later. He is considered one of NASCAR's young rising stars -- something which caught the eye of Ocean Pacific and Tower Clothing.

"NASCAR is quickly becoming the place where corporate America wants to be, including Ocean Pacific Apparel," said Jim Stark, president of Rays Apparel, Inc. "Elliott Sadler is a magnetic, young driver and he fits our niche market. We are very proud and excited about the opportunity to be associated with one of NASCAR's young stars."

Source: NASCAR Online