Thursday, November 16, 2006 (West Salem, WI) – NASCAR and Whelen Engineering have announced a multi-year agreement for Whelen to become the new title sponsor of NASCAR’s weekly racing program. The series will be re-named the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series in 2007.

The series features a network of NASCAR-sanctioned short tracks across the United States and Canada, with drivers competing for local track awards and national recognition from NASCAR, Whelen and other participating sponsors.

“On behalf of NASCAR and our teams and tracks across North America, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Whelen as the title sponsor of our grassroots racing series,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations George Silbermann. “Whelen is committed to local communities and their involvement with local racing will strengthen those connections while bringing new energy and enthusiasm to NASCAR short tracks everywhere. This is a great day for short track racing.”

Whelen also has been title sponsor of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour since 2005. Whelen has also sponsored many race cars and racing events over the years. The Connecticut-based company is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and public emergency lighting and warning systems. Its products have widespread applications in NASCAR, including warning lights, caution lights, safety vehicles, pit road light displays, pace vehicles and many other areas. All Whelen products are made in the U.S.A.

“At Whelen, we’re very proud to support the grassroots of NASCAR,” said Phil Kurze, Whelen’s Director of Motorsports. “We want to provide avenues for drivers to start their careers and advance into another Whelen-sponsored series, or the NASCAR Grand National Division, before hopefully making their way into NASCAR’s national series. It’s an honor for us to be involved in this series and it’s right where we want to be.”

The 2007 season will be the 26th year for this grassroots, local racing program, which was founded in 1982. Since its inception, the series has been a successful starting point for the careers of many top drivers. NASCAR stars Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Kurt and Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Travis Kvapil, Bobby Labonte, Jamie McMurray, Scott Riggs, Elliott Sadler and Brian Vickers all began their careers in this series.