• June 19, 2003

NASCAR today announced that Nextel Communications will become the title sponsor of NASCAR's premier national series. Under the 10-year agreement, Nextel will have "unlimited opportunities" to market and promote the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, beginning in the 2004 season. The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series will consist of 36 championship points races at 23 tracks in 19 states, including events in the Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Miami markets. NASCAR is the second most-watched professional sport on television and has more Fortune 500 company sponsor participants than any other sport. Nextel will replace R.J. Reynolds' Winston brand as title sponsor of NASCAR's premier series. RJR has sponsored the NASCAR Winston Cup Series since 1971. According to NASCAR, "in the face of increasing limitations on tobacco companies' marketing activities, as well as new financial obligations, RJR chose to transition away from NASCAR."