Exide drops major sponsorship in 2001

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (August 28, 2000) Roush Racing announced Monday that Exide Batteries would not continue its primary sponsorship of the No. 99 Ford Taurus driven by NASCAR Winston Cup Series contender Jeff Burton for the 2001 season. "Exide has been a terrific partner in our NASCAR efforts. We are sorry they had to make this move, but we are very pleased they will retain an associate sponsorship position," said Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing. "However, their decision will not have a negative effect on Jeff Burton, or the No. 99 race team, and it will not have a negative impact on our organization."

Various published reports last weekend said Exide was planning to leave the team even before the NASCAR 2000 season ends. Several sponsors have been mentioned to replace Exide, among them being CITGO, which reportedly will not return to Wood Brothers Racing in 2001.

"You obviously hate when something like this happens," said Burton. "But on the other hand, we only want the best for Exide. They have been a great sponsor and partner of Roush Racing for quite some time, and they made it possible for me to join Roush Racing, so I only want the best for the corporation, and as this decision has been carefully thought out, then that's obviously the best resolution for them."