Ultra/Evernham Motorsports dissolves partnership

Ultra/Evernham Motorsports dissolves partnership in No. 7 Winston Cup Team.

Statesville, N.C. (November 7, 2002) - Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, and Jim Smith, owner of Ultra Motorsports, have agreed to end their joint venture Ultra/Evernham Motorsports. Ultra/Evernham fielded the No. 7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge driven by Casey Atwood in the Winston Cup Series this season.

Beginning with this weekend's race at Phoenix International Raceway, the No. 7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge will be solely owned and operated by Smith's Ultra Motorsports team. The Sirius Dodge will be driven by Jason Leffler in the Checker Auto Parts 500 under the Ultra Motorsports banner.

"Jim and I formed this team at the end of last season to give Casey some additional seat time in Winston Cup," Evernham said. "Without Casey driving the No. 7, there was no reason for us to continue our relationship. Sirius has been a great partner, and I wish them and Jim the best of luck in the future."

Atwood will drive the No. 91 Dodge Intrepid R/T, fielded by Evernham Motorsports, during the final race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Atwood and Evernham are discussing opportunities for 2003 and will be making a separate announcement once a decision has been made.

"We probably wouldn't have been able to run a full season this year if it hadn't been for Ray coming on board with Sirius," Smith said. "I am grateful to him for helping Ultra Motorsports build this long-term relationship with Sirius and am looking forward to the 2003 season. Casey has contributed well to this team, and I wish him nothing but success in the future."

Smith will continue to operate the No. 7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge in 2003. A driver for the team has not yet been determined.

-em-
Ultra driver Leffler in No. 7 Dodge