SAN RAMON, Calif., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Texaco has a rich heritage in auto racing, and the 2007 season marks its 20th year as a major sponsor in the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) NEXTEL Cup Series. This year, Texaco/Havoline(R) and Chip Ganassi Racing will make history as Juan Pablo Montoya becomes the first Formula One driver to ever join the NEXTEL Cup ranks when he pilots the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger. Montoya will be in the running for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Rookie of the Year title while competing in an assortment of Busch Series races as well.
As it commemorates its 20-year history and success of Texaco/Havoline Racing in NASCAR, Texaco will also be celebrating the introduction of internationally-known racer Juan Pablo Montoya. Although a newcomer to NASCAR, he has made 137 starts between the CART, IndyCar and the Formula One Series where he's tallied 18 wins, 26 poles, 60 top-five and 79 top-10 finishes. Over his five complete seasons in Formula One, Montoya finished sixth or better in the standings every year.
"NASCAR is a unique professional sport in that it unites fans, athletes and sponsors with an inspired sense of loyalty. Texaco will always stand for power and enduring performance and we have been fortunate to be part of this racing tradition for 20 years," said Shariq Yosufzai, President, Chevron Global Marketing. "Our fans and the great drivers and crews who have worn the Texaco star have established this legacy and we look forward to an exciting 2007 season with Juan Pablo Montoya at the helm of the No. 42 car."
Through its long-term sponsorship of motorsports, Texaco/Havoline Racing has conducted product testing in the most demanding of laboratories; high- speed automobiles performing on the tracks and roads of the international racing circuit. Such commitment helps maintain the excellence of Texaco/Havoline products and builds customer loyalty among the millions of racing fans in the United States and around the world. Additional information on everything racing -- from the history of Texaco/Havoline Racing in NASCAR to racing news, statistics and merchandise -- can be found at http://www.texacohavoline42.com/.
Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading energy companies. With more than 55,000 employees, Chevron subsidiaries conduct business in approximately 180 countries around the world, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas, and refining and marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products. Chevron Global Marketing is a division of Chevron Global Downstream LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Chevron Corporation. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information on Chevron is available at http://www.chevron.com/.
