Snap-on salutes Rusty with paint scheme

KENOSHA, Wis., -- This June, Snap-on will recognize racing legend Rusty Wallace's "Last Call" with a special paint scheme salute on his No. 2 Dodge Charger.

The paint scheme will be unveiled in the June 26 Nextel Cup Series Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. The scheme prominently features the familiar Snap-on red logo on the hood with the Miller Lite logo and a special Snap-on 85th anniversary logo on the rear quarter panels.

The recognition, in collaboration with Penske Racing South and primary sponsor Miller Brewing Company, continues Snap-on Tools Company's sponsorship of Rusty Wallace's No. 2 Dodge, a relationship that began in 2000.

"Rusty's 'Last Call' represents the end of a racing era. During the last 24 years, Rusty has developed a skill for racing and a fan base unlike any other in NASCAR," said Carl Johanson, Snap-on Tools motorsports marketing manager. "Celebrating together with Penske Racing South, Snap-on couldn't be happier to commemorate Rusty's storied career alongside Miller Brewing Company."

Beyond the special paint scheme, Snap-on Tools will feature special promotions and products throughout 2005 honoring Wallace's successful career on and off the track.

It is a year of milestones for both Wallace and Snap-on for, as Wallace reaches his final year of racing and Snap-on celebrates its 85th anniversary. Beginning with his rookie honors in 1984, Wallace was well on his way to being a legend of NASCAR. Now, just part of the way into his "Last Call" tour, Wallace's career has produced 55 victories in 677 starts with winnings of more than $45 million. Because of this success and his dedication to the sport, Wallace and NASCAR together are household names in and out of the racing world.

According to Johanson, motorsports and Snap-on will miss Wallace, but, like a lot of his fans, most believe he and his heart will never truly leave the sport. Following in his dad's footsteps, son Stephen Wallace has a new career in racing that includes a victory at the 37th annual Snowball Derby.

Snap-on and motorsports have been synonymous for more than 70 years. Snap-on's experience in motorsports dates back to the 1930s, and has grown to include prominent teams in every major racing discipline. One of the company's most popular efforts took shape in 1985 with the inauguration of "A Day at the Races," a promotional program that continues today to bring friends and customers to a variety of racing events.

Snap-on Tools Company, LLC is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet at snapon.com. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2 billion-plus, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis., and employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide.