Chevy announces celebrity all-stars

Team Silverado Announces Chevrolet Silverado Celebrity All-Stars; Seven Nascar Nextel Cup Drivers To Compete In Specially Branded Silverados In 2004

HAMPTON, GA - March 12, 2004 - The Chevrolet Silverado All-Stars, pairing NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers with superstar musical celebrities in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), was announced today. NASCAR standout Michael Waltrip will be the first of seven different drivers to pilot the #47 Chevy All-Stars Silverado in individual races during the 2004 NCTS season. His musical partner, Sheryl Crow, will be featured in the special paint scheme for the first All-Stars race - the Charlotte Tailgate 200 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 21.

"I am very pleased to make today's announcement on behalf of Chevrolet and the Silverado brand," said Maria Rohrer, Chevrolet advertising manager for full-size pickups and vans. "This exciting program allows us to continue to showcase the strong commitment we have made in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Chevrolet has made a tremendous investment in 2004 with two full sponsorships, as well as, manufacturer support to many other teams for one reason 0x2022 Chevy races to win!"

Following the program debut at Lowe's Motor Speedway with Michael Waltrip, the following Chevy drivers with their specific musical partners will pilot the #47 Chevy All-Stars Silverado: Robby Gordon, Bristol (August 25); Tony Stewart, Richmond (September 9); Ricky Craven, New Hampshire (September 18); Bobby Labonte, Martinsville (October 23); Driver To Be Announced, Phoenix (November 5); and Ward Burton, Darlington (November 12).

Michael Waltrip, who hasn't participated in the NCTS since 1998, was on hand to unveil the #47 truck bearing the special paint theme he will carry in May. "I am a huge fan of Chevrolet, Sheryl Crow, Lowe's Motor Speedway and the Craftsman Truck Series, so obviously I can't wait to be the first participant in this Celebrity All-Star program. Crew chief Randy Goss has a successful track record in the Truck Series, so I know I will benefit from his experience."

Serving as primary sponsor of the #47 Chevy All-Stars Silverado is Acxiom, a worldwide data services company. This Silverado entry will be campaigned by Morgan-Dollar Motorsports, with whom Acxiom has been partnered since 1998 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

"Being a part of the Chevy All-Stars is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our seven-year involvement with Morgan-Dollar Motorsports," said Ed Horton, chief marketing officer, Acxiom Corporation. "Each year the team has grown stronger and that success is reflected in their strong partnership with Chevrolet in 2004. With many of our clients involved in NASCAR as major sponsors, the Chevy All-Stars is a perfect fit for us and we are excited to be a partner."

Action Performance Companies, Inc., the leader in the design, promotion, marketing and distribution of licensed motorsports merchandise, will produce limited edition die cast models featuring each driver/celebrity paint theme to support the Chevy All-Stars Tour.

"Last season, the championship race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series came down to the final event," said Fred W. Wagenhals, chairman, president and CEO of Action Performance Companies, Inc. "As the level of competition improves, so does the interest of drivers who want to see what racing a NASCAR truck is all about. With the Chevy All-Stars program, we will give drivers the opportunity to take on the challenge of a truck race. With so many races, track sites, drivers and music partners, fans will have plenty of time to get acquainted with the Chevrolet All-Stars."

"The Chevrolet Silverado All-Stars will be fun to watch at every track they visit. We would like to thank our partners in this project, Acxiom and Action Performance for their assistance in helping to bring this program to the fans," Rohrer concluded.

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