Fontana: Marlin back to original paint scheme

Marlin to drive Coors original car for 10 races.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 22, 2002) - Coors Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has announced a Coors Original paint scheme for the No. 40 Dodge Intrepid R/T for 10 races during the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

The No. 40 Coors Original Dodge paint scheme will kick off at Fontana and will also been seen at Dover, Michigan, Sonoma, Daytona, Pocono, Talladega, Martinsville, Atlanta and Phoenix.

Coors Brewing Company has been a committed sponsor of NASCAR Winston Cup racing for nearly two decades and is looking forward the high profile exposure that the Coors Original paint scheme will provide with the 21+ male NASCAR enthusiast market. Coors Original, Coors Brewing Company's flagship beer, is currently aligned with several other partnerships including Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and musicians Kid Rock and Toby Keith. Coors Original will leverage its relationship with Toby Keith by incorporating Keith elements onto the Coors Original car.

"We are excited about introducing a Coors Original metallic gold car this year," said Leslie Truelove, Brand Manager for Coors Original. "The car's gold paint scheme mirrors the look of the brands new packaging. Fans of Coors Original and Sterling can see the new car racing in many of our key markets."

"NASCAR is one of Coors' highest profile sponsorships, and we have showcased our Coors Light brand with great success over the years," said Steve Saunders, Director of Special Events, Coors Brewing Company. "We are really excited about the opportunity to bring the Coors Original brand into the deal."

"We are excited to have the Coors Original brand showcased on the No. 40 Dodge for 10 races this season," said Chip Ganassi, team owner. "Sterling Marlin and Felix Sabates have a long relationship with Coors Brewing Company and I am certainly glad to be a part of this partnership with them on the Coors Original brand paint scheme."

Veteran driver, Sterling Marlin will pilot the No. 40 Coors Original Dodge starting at California Speedway for the NAPA Auto Parts 500 race weekend. Marlin has been associated with the Coors Brewing Company for five seasons (since 1998) and has brought the "Silver Bullet" into victory lane six times during that time. Marlin is currently the Winston Cup points leader with two wins, four top-5 and seven top-10 finishes. He is the only driver to rank in the top-10 in Winston Cup championship points since the Daytona 500 in 2001.

-cgr-