Goodwrench Sponsors WJ (Pro Stock)

Media Contact: Rick Voegelin/408-761-2201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GM GOODWRENCH SERVICE PLUS TO SPONSOR WARREN JOHNSON

W.J. Is "Back in Black" with the World's Quickest and Fastest Pro Stock at the Pontiac Excitement Nationals

Columbus, Ohio; June 13, 1997 -- Three-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson unveiled a new look for his record-setting race car today at the NHRA Pontiac Excitement Nationals Presented by Summit Racing. W.J.'s 200mph Firebird now carries GM Goodwrench Service Plus logos on its sleek black-and-silver body panels.

"I like the new look, and I welcome the opportunity to participate in the national launch of the GM Goodwrench Service Plus program," said Johnson, the winningest Pro Stock driver of the decade. "The black color scheme reminds me of a stealth fighter -- and I intend to put the GM Goodwrench Service Plus Pontiac in the winner's circle before the competition even knows what hit them!"

W.J.'s "bad in black" Firebird recalls the black-and-silver Oldsmobile he campaigned with the support of GM Goodwrench Performance Parts in 1986 and 1987. Since 1993, Johnson has carried the new red-white-and-blue colors of GM Performance Parts, which continues as an associate sponsor of his Pontiac.

"Warren Johnson exemplifies the commitment to excellence that is the cornerstone of GM Goodwrench Service Plus," said Ken Robinson, director of advertising and sales promotion for GM Service Parts Operations. "Drag racing fans know they can count on Warren Johnson to race hard for victory at every event; our customers know that they can count on the Goodwrench name for superior service and peace of mind.

"With events throughout the nation and a comprehensive television package, NHRA drag racing complements GM SPO's marketing initiatives in other forms of motorsports," Robinson commented. "Warren Johnson's success on the race track and his reputation for personal integrity are qualities that we want to associate with GM Goodwrench Service Plus."

GM Goodwrench Service Plus is a comprehensive program that is designed to build total customer satisfaction by offering competitive pricing, courtesy transportation, a limited lifetime service guarantee, and convenient service hours. GM Goodwrench Service Plus began in 1991 with a pilot program in 14 dealerships in Columbus, Ohio. The program quickly expanded to major metropolitan markets, and will soon be available throughout the nation.

"GM Service Parts Operations' new sponsorship program with Warren Johnson will increase awareness of GM Goodwrench Service Plus among our customers, GM dealers, and the technicians who work on the front line to provide exceptional service," Robinson added.

Warren Johnson is a real-life Goodwrench technician. In addition to driving the fastest Pro Stock in NHRA history, Johnson is an accomplished machinist, fabricator, and engine builder who oversees a multi-million dollar racing operation. His analytical approach to drag racing has earned him the nickname the "Professor of Pro Stock." He is ranked third on the list of all-time NHRA pro drivers with 62 career victories, and he is the only active driver in NHRA competition with 100 career final round appearances.

Johnson's record-setting race car relies on many of the same factory-engineered components that are installed in customers' vehicles by GM Goodwrench Service Plus technicians. "I depend on ACDelco RAPIDFIRE Spark Plugs, ACDelco Oil Filters, and ACDelco Freedom Batteries to keep my race car running strong," Warren reports. "And I know that I can count on GM Performance Parts to make the horsepower it takes to win."

While Warren Johnson's race car has a new look and a new major sponsor, W.J.'s relentless pursuit of performance is unwavering.

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E-mail from: Rick Voegelin, 13-Jun-1997