Autoliv backs APR, M. Wallace at Daytona

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Autoliv Inc., which in the last two years has gotten heavily involved in a variety of safety aspects in NASCAR racing, will be a primary car sponsor at the Daytona 500 for the No. 33 Chevrolet owned by Andy Petree Racing and driven by Mike Wallace.

Autoliv spokesman Patrick Jarboe said the company was leaving open the possibility of further involvement with APR and would have more to say on Thursday, when the Petree’s car is unveiled at Daytona. Autoliv is primarily a supplier of automotive safety systems to the general automobile industry.

Petree has been searching for a sponsor to replace Oakwood Homes, which left the team at the end of the 2001 season after Joe Nemechek gave the sponsor and Petree’s No. 33 team its first victory, at North Carolina Speedway last fall.

The team owner has explored everything from full season to half season to individual race sponsorships, and with Speedweeks about to begin, he opted to go this route to start the season. Autoliv was an associate sponsor in 2001 with the No. 92 Melling Racing Dodge driven by Stacy Compton.

"We’re looking forward to having a company like Autoliv support us at Daytona," Petree said. "A corporation like Autoliv knows the business and industry. Autoliv provides numerous exciting safety innovations for passenger vehicles, and it’s great having an industry leader like that team up with us -- even just for the one race."

"Autoliv has primarily offered its knowledge and experience in safety technology and the use of our crash research facility in Auburn Hills to teams and safety hardware suppliers," Jarboe said of his company’s long term program. "We have no interest in producing safety equipment for competition applications, as our main focus is providing restraint systems to the production automobile industry."

"The opportunity to participate as a primary sponsor in one of the world’s greatest sporting events is a big thrill for all of us at Autoliv," said Chipp Jackson, communications manager for Autoliv North America. "It’s exciting to be teamed with Andy Petree Racing and driver Mike Wallace.

"Andy Petree Racing has impressed us with all aspects of its operation. This sponsorship is a natural extension of the safety technology awareness and testing services we have provided to a number of the race teams."

Winston Cup cars sign into the Daytona garage area this Thursday. On Friday, nearly four hours of Winston Cup practice are scheduled in preparation for Saturday’s Bud Pole Qualifying session for the Feb. 17 Daytona 500.