Johnny Miller signs with Derhaag Motorsports

Johnny Miller Announces 2004 Trans-Am Series Effort; Eight-Year Trans-Am Veteran Signs with Derhaag Motorsports

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (June 8, 2004) -- 2003 Motorock Trans-Am Series championship runner-up Johnny Miller announced today he plans to compete in two Trans-Am races this season. Miller will return to his racing roots, driving the No. 64 Chevrolet Corvette with backing from longtime sponsor Eaton Electrical. Miller is set to compete at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. (Aug. 5-8), with plans to race at the Grand Prix of Denver (Aug. 13-15).

Miller comes into this year following what was arguably his best Trans-Am season on record. Last season, Miller finished second in the title chase, after earning his second career victory, and scoring eight podium finishes in 10 starts. Miller was also one of NASCAR's "hired guns," competing in two NASCAR Nextel Cup races for Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Miller finished 24th, on the lead lap, in his Nextel Cup debut at Infineon Raceway, and ran has high as fourth before a mechanical failure relegated him to finishing 36th at Watkins Glen International. Miller was Trans-Am Rookie of the Year 1996 and was named BBS Most Improved Driver in 1998 in a vote by his fellow competitors.

Miller will drive this year for veteran Trans-Am team Derhaag Motorsports. Miller's effort this season is a prelude to a planned full-time season in 2005.

"Due to the overwhelming success of the program both on and off the track in 2003, and Trans-Am's triumphant turnaround this season, Eaton Electrical wanted to seize upon the opportunity to continue their support this season," said Miller, who has two victories, 27 podiums, as well as 40 top-five and 67 top-ten finishes in 100 career Trans-Am starts. "We rely on our sponsors to race," added Miller. "Eaton Electrical has proven it is dedicated to this program. I'm glad the decision was made to return this season and we're looking forward to 2005."

"Road America and Denver are significant races for our sponsors," continued Miller. "Eaton Electrical has one of its major facilities in Milwaukee and counts Denver as a key market. Being a sponsor-driven program, our off-track success is just as important as our on-track performance. Along with racing to win, we will support all of Eaton Electrical's motorsports activities this year. We're going to attend to them full force to give Eaton Electrical even more added value for its support."

Miller is pleased to be part of Derhaag Motorsports this year.

"Bringing with him nearly two decades of experience as a Trans-Am driver, Jim Derhaag runs a professional, highly organized racing team," said Miller. "Derhaag Motorsports really stepped up to the plate to give me a shot this year. We tested last month and I was very impressed with how the team works. I'm looking forward to racing with them this season."

Miller began his racing career driving Corvettes. In fact, his number comes from his first GT-1 car, a 1964 Corvette.

"It's great to again be back in a Corvette in the Trans-Am Series," said Miller. "I have competed in many different series, including Nextel Cup and Grand-Am, but the Trans-Am Series is where my heart is."

-jmm-