BUSCH: Diamond Ridge Motorsports Merges with Joe Gibbs Racing

BRISTOL, Tenn., (Aug. 27, 1999) - Diamond Ridge Motorsports owner Gary H. Bechtel has merged his NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division team with Joe Gibbs Racing effective immediately. "I've always been committed to running the best Busch Series operation possible, both now and in the future," said Bechtel. "Our new relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing solidifies our future." Steve DeSouza, the recently appointed vice president of Busch Series operations at Joe Gibbs Racing, will work in concert with Bechtel to develop a plan for the 2000 season, as well as maintain the team's current goals for the remainder of 1999. "Gary Bechtel has worked hard for many years in this series to build a competitive organization that we look forward to working with," said DeSouza. "The team will move forward for the remainder of the year. In regard to 2000, we're evaluating all of our options in terms of drivers and sponsors." "This is an important day for all of us," said Bechtel. "Our collaboration can only make us better, in the shop and on the track. This merger gives our current sponsors and prospective sponsors another strong reason to foster relationships within this new entity of Joe Gibbs Racing." "We are looking forward to our new association with Gary Bechtel and his team," said Joe Gibbs, CEO. "It has been a goal for Joe Gibbs Racing to increase our involvement in the Busch Series, and this was the perfect opportunity for us." Joe Gibbs Racing currently operates two full-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series teams for drivers Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart, and one full-time NASCAR Busch North Series, Grand National Division team for driver J.D. Gibbs. Plans call for a two-car Busch Series team in 2000.