Aug 18, 2005
OAK BROOK, Ill. - The NASCAR driver's skill is tested each year at
Bristol Motor Speedway's half-mile track with 36-degree banked turns and
bumper-to-bumper action. But this year, Sharpie MINI is shrinking the
track even more when members from NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup teams and media
are being asked to put the pedal to the metal, driving remote control
cars en route to $5,000 in funds and $5,000 in school supplies for the
winner's charity of choice August 27.
The mini race marks the official launch of the new Sharpie MINI marker,
a 12-color marker series half the size of regular Sharpie markers and
includes a clip cap that can be attached to just about anything. Kurt
Busch, driver of the No. 97 Sharpie Ford Taurus and defending NEXTEL Cup
champion, will wheel a miniaturized Sharpie MINI paint scheme during the
charity race. The No. 97 Sharpie Mini paint scheme will hit the track
for the fifth annual Sharpie 500 August 27.
"We've always had good luck with Sharpie at Bristol," said Busch, who
has won four races at BMS since joining the NEXTEL Cup Series in 2001.
"I am hoping the No. 97 Sharpie MINI car takes this checkered before the
big race Saturday night."
Sharpie MINI 500 drivers will also be asked for their autographs in
support of Sharpie's Autographs for Education program. The nationwide
program is seeking one million autographs in exchange for $1 million in
school supplies and funds.
About Sharpie Mini
Sharpie Mini markers are available at office supply stores and other
retailers nationwide in twelve bold colors: black, red, blue, green,
orange, berry, lime, aqua, purple, plum, navy and burgundy. Suggested
retail prices for 2-, 8- and 12-packs are $5.93, $11.73 and $17.78,
respectively.
About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie®
For more than 40 years, Sharpie is the popular brand of permanent
markers long-associated with the autograph experience. Sanford, maker of
Sharpie, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL), a
worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing
instruments, art products and office organization, including such well
known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®,
Foohy®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than
6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional
art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products.
Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.
# # #