3M Company and Roush Racing announced today that 3M will be the primary sponsor for the No. 06 Ford Fusion entry driven by Todd Kluever in the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series. The season-opening February 18th race at Daytona International Speedway will mark the Busch Series debut for Kluever, the new No. 06 team under the leadership of crew chief Mike Kelley, and 3M.
In addition, 3M will be the primary sponsor for Todd Kluever's six planned Nextel Cup races in the No. 06 Ford. The company will also be an associate sponsor of Mark Martin's No. 6 AAA car for the entire 2006 season.
"We previously had a relationship with 3M through Greg Biffle's Nextel Cup team and we are pleased they have decided to take a primary sponsorship role with Todd in the Busch Series," said Jack Roush. "3M is an outstanding organization, and the support of a company of its caliber will help Todd achieve his full potential."
"Everyone at 3M was thrilled with Roush Racing's success in 2005 and we're excited to expand our presence in NASCAR by sponsoring Todd Kluever in 2006," said Bob MacDonald, 3M Senior Vice President, Marketing. "For us, NASCAR represents an important platform for sharing and celebrating 3M innovation with millions of loyal race fans, customers and employees."
"3M is proud to align itself with the proven performance of the legendary Mark Martin and the new energy of rising star Todd Kluever," MacDonald added.
3M anticipates activating its sponsorship through a comprehensive marketing communications program on several levels throughout 2006, including customer hospitality, promotions and at-track marketing.
Kluever, 27, spent the 2005 season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series where he earned six top-five and 12 top-10 finishes in 25 starts. In addition, Kluever claimed the 2005 Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year award and will compete for that title in the Busch Series next year. Kluever was awarded his ride in the Craftsman Truck Series after winning Roush's "Gong Show" in November 2004.
Kelley, 34, has been with Roush since 2002. He previously served as car chief of the No. 97 Irwin/Sharpie Ford in the Nextel Cup Series under Jimmy Fennig, and was part of the championship team in 2004.
About Roush Racing
Roush Racing is a subsidiary of Livonia, Mich., based Roush Industries that operates 12 motorsports teams; five in NASCAR Nextel Cup with drivers Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, five in the Busch Series with Martin, Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards and Todd Kluever, and two in the Craftsman Truck Series. For sponsorship inquiries, contact John Miller, Roush Racing, (704) 720-4600.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
3M, St. PaulJacqueline Berry, 651-733-3611orRoush RacingLori Halbeisen, 704-720-4600
