Lewis takes home title at Chicagoland

JOLIET, Ill. -- The "International® Truck Challenge" came home this weekend, as Chicagoland -- world headquarters for event host International Truck and Engine Corporation -- saw Bill "Stumpy" Lewis, No. 77 for Dave Blaney, Jasper Engine and Transmission, win the individual event title and a $1,000 check for outmaneuvering his peers at Chicagoland Speedway.

International's Steve Keate presents Stumpy Lewis with the winner's trophy as Dale Jarrett looks on.

Lewis worked with precision in front of a record crowd of International customers, dealers and NASCAR fans on hand to witness the company's namesake event on familiar ground.

Lewis was able to edge the best of the best tractor-trailer drivers on the NASCAR circuit, including defending champ Carl Long, No. 85 for Mansion Motorsports and last year's overall winner, Barry Sheppard, No. 21 for Elliott Sadler, Woods Brothers Racing, and hold on for the victory and the momentum going into the season's final International Truck Challenge in Atlanta on Oct. 26, where one overall season champion will be crowned.

The season points leader receives a check from International for $25,000 and bragging rights over his fellow rig drivers until next season. The drivers compete in a timed obstacle course that includes a slalom course, a simulated loading dock and pinpoint turns.

"The International Truck Challenge has been a tremendously successful event for us at several tracks around the country," said Steve Keate, president, truck group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "We are very excited to be able to bring the event home and show the people closest to us the special relationship we've formed with NASCAR as an organization, its fans and the Winston Cup teams."

As part of the company's exclusive four-year sponsorship program with NASCAR, International Truck and Engine Corporation developed the International Truck Challenge as a way to give Winston Cup's behind-the-scenes drivers a chance to demonstrate their capabilities on the racetrack driving a top-of-the-line International 9400i tractor-trailer.

One step closer to the end of two full seasons, the International Truck Challenge continues to find its popularity growing with both drivers and NASCAR fans around the country.

The next and final International Truck Challenge event of the season will take place October 26, at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Ga. For driver standings throughout the racing season, or for more information on the International Truck Challenge, visit www.InternationalDelivers.com or www.NASCAR.com/RACE/International/.

International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). International Truck and Engine is a leading producer of mid-range diesel engines, medium trucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, and a provider of parts and service sold under the International® brand.

The company also is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Additionally, through a joint venture with Ford Motor Company, the company will build medium commercial trucks and currently sells and services truck and diesel engine parts.

International Truck and Engine has the broadest distribution network in the industry. Financing for customers and dealers is provided through a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar.