Sunoco To Present 2008 Drive for Diversity Combine

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2008 - Sunoco will become the presenting sponsor of the sixth annual Drive for Diversity Testing & Evaluation Combine, it was announced by Access Marketing & Communications. The 2008 Drive for Diversity Combine presented by Sunoco will be held October 13 - 14 at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va.

"Sunoco is pleased to assist NASCAR in its goal to become more diverse," said Chris Buitron, Sunoco Brand Manager. "Diversity is one of Sunoco's core values as a company. Helping minority and female drivers advance through the various series in NASCAR fits with our vision and promotes respect, dignity and fairness. We look forward to seeing some of these drivers compete in the top levels of NASCAR in the future."

The 2008 Drive for Diversity Combine presented by Sunoco gives selected drivers the opportunity to showcase their skills before established NASCAR team owners in an effort to earn the opportunity to compete with the Drive for Diversity program for the 2009 season.

"Sunoco plays a central role in our sport as the Official Fuel of NASCAR and has long been an active supporter of NASCAR's efforts to further diversify our sport," said Marcus Jadotte, Managing Director of Public Affairs for NASCAR. "We are grateful for Sunoco's support of the Drive for Diversity Combine, a marquee event for NASCAR's on-track diversity efforts."

Sunoco is the official fuel of NASCAR and is a dedicated supporter of NASCAR's diversity initiatives. Sunoco has supported drivers and crew members in the Drive for Diversity program since its inception. This is the first year the Combine has had a presenting sponsor.

"We are thrilled to have Sunoco on board as sponsor of the 2008 Drive for Diversity Combine presented by Sunoco," said Greg Calhoun, president of Access Marketing and Communications, which runs the Drive for Diversity program. "Sunoco has been a loyal program partner and we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship."

The Drive for Diversity program is in its fifth season and is NASCAR's leading on-track diversity initiative. Since its inception in 2004, the Drive for Diversity program has supported 22 different drivers in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and NASCAR Camping World Series. The 2008 driver class has enjoyed tremendous on-track success this season, with the nine drivers earning a combined 14 wins, 41 top-fives and 81 top-10s. Driver Paul Harraka also clinched the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Track Championship at All American Speedway; he is the first driver to win a championship as part of the Drive for Diversity program.