Nov 2 2006
ExxonMobil today announced that its Mobil 1 brand will be featured on the car of 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner and three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr., as he attempts to qualify for the NASCAR Busch Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 11 and the season-ending NASCAR Busch Series event at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18.
"ExxonMobil has been a longtime sponsor of Penske Racing, and I'm proud to make my NASCAR debut in the No. 39 Mobil 1 Dodge. I also remain committed to competing in the 2007 IndyCar Series in an attempt to repeat as the Indianapolis 500 and Series Champion. I've had a great deal of success at Phoenix and Homestead in IndyCars, and hopefully I can transfer that experience to the Busch car," said Hornish.
Hornish, the driver with the most wins in IndyCar Series history, is the only driver to win three IndyCar Series Championships (2001, 2002, and 2006). He has competed at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) and Homestead-Miami Speedway six times each, and visited victory lane twice at PIR (2001 and 2005) and three times at Homestead-Miami Speedway (2001, 2002, and 2004).
"ExxonMobil is thrilled to have its Mobil 1 brand sponsor Sam Hornish Jr. in his Busch Series debut," said Jerry Kohlenberger, president, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company. "Our 15-year relationship with Penske Racing has furthered both organizations' leadership in performance and innovation. We are proud to expand our association with Penske Racing and Sam into the future."
In 2007, Penske Racing will expand its NASCAR Busch Series presence, with Hornish and fellow Penske drivers Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman, each competing in multiple races. Hornish will compete in a limited number of Busch Series races in 2007 that do not conflict with his IndyCar commitments.
"When Sam came to Team Penske three years ago, his goal was to win the Indianapolis 500 and to secure our first IndyCar Series Championship," said Roger Penske. "He accomplished both of these goals during the 2006 season. Sam also had a vision of competing in our other racing platforms, and we are pleased to be in a position, with ExxonMobil, to provide him with this opportunity."