Valvoline to sponsor Lester's Nextel Cup runs

LEXINGTON, Ken. -- Valvoline, with its 110-year history of firsts in motorsports, is seeking a new first -- a historic partnership in NASCAR Nextel Cup competition with driver Bill Lester.

Valvoline will be an associate sponsor on Lester's No. 23 Dodge Charger for three races -- Atlanta (March), Michigan (June) and California (September). The car will carry Valvoline's legendary red, white and blue decal on the B-pillar and Lester will sport the colors on his uniform.

"We have been involved with Bill Lester in the NASCAR Truck Series for several years and are extremely excited to have an opportunity to be part of this effort to further the diversity of our sport," said Bryan Emrich, Director of Brand Management, for Valvoline. "Bill Lester is a tremendously talented driver and we look forward to partnering with him this year."

Lester, an electrical engineer by training, moved up through the SCCA and Trans-Am ranks to join the NASCAR Truck Series in 2002 in the No. 8 Dodge Dealers Ram. He now drives the No. 22 Toyota Tundra, collecting three poles, two top fives and six top tens during his first four full seasons in the NASCAR Truck Series.

"This is a great chance for our team to prove that we have what it takes to compete at the highest level of NASCAR competition," said Bill Lester. "Valvoline has been a great partner for us, and I excited to have them with me as we race for a hometown crowd in Atlanta this weekend."