Petty introduces new Dodge

HAMPTON, Ga. (Nov. 17, 2000) Petty Enterprises took the wraps off its new No. 44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge Intrepid on Friday, giving the public its first look at the car Buckshot Jones will drive in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 2001.

"Welcome to show and tell, NASCAR style," Richard Petty, seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion, said in a news conference at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "There's a lot of excitement and confidence behind this team, this driver and now this new car. The addition of Georgia-Pacific as our sponsor is a key part of our preparations for the 2001 season. We're already looking forward to February."

Petty Enterprises is one of three development teams working with Dodge on the Intrepid. Dodge began developing the race car and engine last fall, beginning with the Intrepid passenger car body style and adapting the aerodynamics and chassis to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. The sanctioning body approved the NASCAR Winston Cup Series engine for the Intrepid on Nov. 6. The car's body design was approved in September.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the reports and progress on this Dodge. Our confidence and excitement has grown with each successive developmental approval," said Kyle Petty, chief executive officer of Petty Enterprises. "Petty Enterprises is delighted to share the excitement of a new car and new driver with our old friends from Georgia-Pacific. We welcome a great sponsor and an outstanding corporate citizen to the team."

Brands featured on the No. 44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge include many of the company's products for home and office. Georgia-Pacific Corp. announced plans in September to renew participation in NASCAR and its partnership with Petty Enterprises by becoming the primary sponsor of the No. 44 car. In past years, Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific has had a sponsorship role in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, also working with Petty Enterprises and Dodge.

"Participation in Winston Cup racing enables us to reach current, new and potential customers with a unified message. NASCAR's tremendously loyal fans and our customer base are virtually a perfect match," said Pete Correll, chairman and chief executive officer of Georgia-Pacific. "Our NASCAR sponsorship is a very effective way to bring the many household brands produced by Georgia-Pacific to the attention of millions of race fans across the country."

Brands featured on the No. 44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge include many of the company's products for home and office, including G-P Building Products, Georgia-Pacific Paper, Sparkle paper towels and napkins and Unisource office products distribution.

Jones is joining Kyle Petty and John Andretti as Petty Enterprises' NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers for 2001. Petty will drive the No. 45 Sprint Dodge and Andretti will drive the No. 43 Cheerios Dodge.

"The test drives of the Dodge have gone so well, I can't wait to be behind the wheel when the flag drops for real," Jones said. "Seeing the car with the Georgia-Pacific name on it really has me counting down the days."