Cook maintains Truck Series sponsor for 2002

January 14, 2002
2:22 PM EST (1922 GMT)

WARRENVILLE, IL -- After a successful entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2001, International Truck and Engine Corporation, manufacturer of the popular Power Stroke® Diesel engine for Ford Motor Company, officially announced Monday that it will again sponsor Terry Cook and the No. 29 K-Automotive Ford in 2002.

As with the initial 2001 program, International hopes to leverage the overlap of truck owners and NASCAR fans to increase sale of the popular Power Stroke Diesel engine powered Ford Trucks, Vans and Sport Utility Vehicles through the sponsorship program of Cook and the team.

After garnering nearly $2 million in television exposure alone in just 14 Truck Series events last year, the Power Stroke® Diesel race truck will again be seen by fans and potential diesel engine vehicle buyers throughout the entire 23-event 2002 NCTS campaign at the tracks and on national television.

"NASCAR has proven to be an effective way for us to connect with loyal Power Stroke® Diesel customers and truck enthusiasts in general," said Dan Ustian, International Engine Group President. "Terry Cook has proven to be a great spokesperson for us. Terry drives a Ford Excursion with a Power Stroke Diesel every day and experiences the power, performance and fun driving experience that Power Stroke Diesel trucks are noted for.

"The 2002 season promises to be a great year for this marketing partnership as Terry and the team delivers NASCAR excitement to race fans across the country in the red and black No. 29 Power Stroke Diesel race truck."

Cook, who grew up working on diesel engines in his father's automotive repair shop, is a champion for the Power Stroke Diesel message of top performance, reliability and economy, and has helped fans make the connection between the on track performance of Power Stroke Diesel racing and on the road performance of Ford Power Stroke Diesel trucks.

"We had a great season last year, thanks in big part to the support given us by International and Power Stroke Diesel Engines," stated Cook, who finished seventh in the final 2001 NCTS championship standings. "They came on board at midseason and we were able to finish strong winning a pole at Nazareth (PA) and finishing second at both Nazareth and Indianapolis.

"This year, we'll be looking to drive the Power Stroke Diesel Ford F-150 to the front of the pack on the track and to the to the top of the list of engine choices when fans are looking for the best in performance and reliability when buying a new truck or SUV."

The Power Stroke® Diesel race team sponsorship will also serve as and extension of International and Ford Racing's support of a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Indianapolis. Since 1999, they have teamed up to honor loyal customers and fans with the Power Stroke® Diesel 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. The event, which this season is set for Friday, August 2, is a natural for International as Indianapolis is home to the Power Stroke Diesel Engine Plant where more than 260,000 engines are produced annually.

"Walk through the parking lot at a NASCAR event, and it is easy to see that this is a great venue for promoting diesel pickup trucks and SUVs," stated Ustian. "Our NASCAR sponsorship allows us to connect with customers who know, understand and appreciate trucks. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is all about tough trucks, and that's consistent with the Built Ford Tough and Power Stroke Diesel brands. It's about power, performance and a fun driving experience. That's what race fans understand, and that's what Power Stroke Diesel owners experience every day they get into their Ford trucks. Expanding our NASCAR sponsorship to a full season in 2002 is in line with our strategy to grow the already popular Power Stroke® Diesel brand."

Cook and the No. 29 Power Stroke® Diesel Ford will take the green flag on the 2002 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season Friday, February 15, at Daytona (FL) International Speedway. The 200-mile event will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and will be telecast live by ESPN. The race will also be broadcast worldwide on MRN Radio.