KFC is on the Fast Track with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

June 4, 2004 Two of America's most famous icons, KFC(R) and Dale Earnhardt Jr., join forces as the world famous chicken brand sponsors the Chance 2 Motorsports team, co-owned by Earnhardt Jr., for six races in the NASCAR Busch Series. KFC's inaugural sponsorship of NASCAR pairs KFC with America's fastest growing sport. To help launch

this sponsorship, Earnhardt Jr. appears on limited-edition commemorative KFC buckets, marking the first time ever the buckets have featured someone other than Colonel Sanders. The signed buckets feature Earnhardt Jr.'s quote, "My Favorite Chicken," and picture him in full racing gear along with a specially designed KFC Chevrolet.

Earnhardt Jr. was voted 'The Most Popular Driver' last year, with more than one-third of all fans identifying him as their personal favorite. "We are thrilled to be partnering with Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- one of the most talented and dynamic drivers on the circuit. He has become a major icon for the sport and we're excited to have his likeness on our special KFC commemorative buckets," said Gregg Dedrick, president of KFC.

The KFC-sponsored races begin on July 2 in Daytona, Florida with Earnhardt Jr. driving the KFC Team car. This marks his first time back to the Speedway since his 2004 win at the Daytona 500. Additionally, Busch Series phenom Martin Truex Jr. will be driving the KFC Chevrolet for Chance 2 in the following races: July 10 in Chicago; July 24 in Loudon, New Hampshire; August 21 in Brooklyn, Michigan; September 4 in Fontana, California; and September 25 in Dover, Delaware. The new KFC commercials starring Earnhardt Jr. begin airing on June 7.