here's the article
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Penske Racing and Jasper Motorsports finally made official Tuesday morning a deal that has been often-reported over the past several weeks.
Eastman Kodak Co. will sponsor the No. 77 Dodges in the Nextel Cup series this season, which will be co-owned by Penske and Jasper Motorsports. The companies forged a multi-year agreement for Kodak to be the primary sponsor.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series star Brendan Gaughan will drive the No. 77, and reported to Daytona International Speedway with the team Tuesday for the first day of a three-day preseason test.
Roger Penske's teams have been involved in NASCAR competition for more than 20 years, accumulating 53 Cup victories, including eight wins lasts season.
The No. 77 Kodak Dodge will be co-owned by Jasper Engine Exchange Inc., a long-time Penske business partner, and will have the benefits of its relationship with Penske's other Cup teams, the No. 2 Dodge driven by Rusty Wallace, and the No. 12 driven by Ryan Newman.
"Having the opportunity to partner with Kodak brings a tremendous amount of credibility to our race team and I look forward to the business-to-business opportunities that will develop from this new relationship," Penske said.
Gaughan said he was excited about joining the 2004 Nextel Cup rookie class.
"I appreciate the confidence that Kodak and the Penske organization have shown in my abilities, and I'm very excited about the opportunity to represent Kodak, one of the most respected brands and companies in the world," Gaughan said.
"I can't wait for the 2004 season to begin."
Jasper Engine Exchange and Transmissions, Inc., which has been the primary sponsor of the No. 77 Jasper car for the past 13 seasons, will become an associate sponsor with the new team. Jasper will be identified as the primary sponsor in four races each year.
In addition to its sponsorship, Jasper will provide engineering support and power train development to the No. 77 Dodge.
It better be!
