EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass., January 29, 2007 — LENOX® Industrial Tools, a leading manufacturer of premium band saw blades, power tool accessories, hand tools and torches announced today that the East Longmeadow, Mass., based company has partnered with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and driver Jeff Burton in a multi-year sponsorship agreement beginning with the 2007 NASCAR Cup season.
LENOX will be an associate sponsor throughout the season on Burton′s No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet. The LENOX logo will appear on the rear quarter panels of the car just behind the rear wheels.
In addition, LENOX will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 31 in two races during the 2007 season – May 5 at Richmond International Raceway and July 1 at New Hampshire International Speedway (located less than 150 miles from LENOX′s home headquarters). This season′s July New Hampshire event was known as the LENOX Industrial Tools 300.
"Like Richard Childress Racing, LENOX is committed to quality, innovation, and extreme performance," said Bill Burke, president of LENOX. "This sponsorship of the No. 31 team and Jeff Burton is an exciting step for our company. We look forward to strengthening our commitment to the sport of auto racing and extending our reach to its fans."
LENOX, which will utilize the partnership through marketing and advertising initiatives, has an extensive product line including the LENOX Gold™ bi-metal reciprocating saw blades; LENOX Gold™ bi-metal utility blades and knives; LENOX ARMOR Rx®+ bi-metal coated band saw blades for cutting structurals and tubing; and the LENOX all-in-one screwdriver, just to mention a few.
"We′re proud to have LENOX join the RCR family of sponsors and the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet team with Jeff Burton," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. "Their commitment to producing high quality saw blades and hand tools carries over to their commitment to RCR through the many marketing and promotional programs they have planned. LENOX is a very welcomed addition to the No. 31 team′s sponsorship group."
Burton heads into this weekend′s race at Texas Motor Speedway tied for fourth in the "Chase for the Championship." Thus far in 2006, he has one victory (Sept. 24 at Dover), seven top-five and 19 top-10 finishes, and four pole positions. He has also led nearly 650 laps. The 2006 season marks his 14th season in NASCAR′s elite division. He′s captured 18 victories and four times has finished in the top five of the final championship standings. In addition to his Cup success, he has also garnered 22 wins in NASCAR′s Busch Series, two coming this season.
"I can′t tell the employees of LENOX Industrial Tools how proud I am to become a part of their team in 2007," said Burton. "I am going to work extremely hard to help promote the LENOX brand and to let consumers know that – just like our race team – LENOX is committed to being the best. The quality of their products prove that. We still have some unfinished business in 2006 but this is something I look forward to for 2007."
About RCR
Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 130 victories and 10 NASCAR championships, including six in the NEXTEL Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. It was the first organization to win championships in the NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series and Truck Series. Its 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel′s), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 GM Goodwrench/Reese′s) and Jeff (No. 31 Cingular Wireless). Its Busch Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 2 ACDelco), Harvick and Burton (No. 21 Coast Guard) and Burton (No. 29 Holiday Inn).