Craftsman Truck champ Ted Musgrave will drive for Germain Racing in '06. Credit: Autostock

Germain, ASE announce Musgrave sponsorship

CONCORD, N.C. -- Germain Racing and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on Monday announced a partnership for the 2006 Craftsman Truck Series season in which Team ASE will be the primary sponsor of the No. 9 Germain Racing Toyota Tundra driven by defending champion Ted Musgrave.

Team ASE was prepared to sponsor Musgrave on Ultra Motorsports owner Jim Smith's No. 1 Fords in 2006, but Smith closed down the team Jan. 6, citing a funding shortfall.

Todd Bodine drove the Germain's No. 30 Toyota to five wins in '05. Credit: Autostock

Musgrave announced his deal with the Germain brothers, Bob, Steve and Rick, early the next week and said sponsorship was in the works.

"As one of the original sponsors of the NCTS series, Team ASE is excited to partner with Germain Racing, who clearly demonstrated their intent to win during the 2005 season, along with the opportunity to stay with Ted Musgrave," ASE president Ron Weiner said. "Ted represents the best ideals of NASCAR, ASE and Germain Motor Company and we're proud to have the opportunity for him to carry the ASE banner for 2006."

The Germains are keen to expand their relationship with ASE.

"Our dealerships have had a long standing relationship with ASE, so it's very exciting to have them become a sponsor of the Germain Racing team," Bob Germain said. "We look forward to building a long term relationship."

Snap-on Tools will also join Team ASE on the No. 9 Team ASE/Germain Toyota Tundra as an associate sponsor.

The No. 30 Germain Motor Co. Toyota Tundra of Todd Bodine will also carry both the Team ASE logo and Snap-On logos, which will be displayed on the side of Bodine's Tundra.

"It's not only going to be an exciting season for us here at Germain Racing but also for Team ASE and its 400,000 plus automotive professionals that hold ASE certification," Germain Racing general manager Mike Hillman said. "I feel it's going to be a great relationship between Germain Racing and Team ASE.

"Being competitive on the racetrack is as important to Team ASE as it is for us at Germain Racing. We look forward to a great season with Team ASE."