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POWER STROKE® DIESEL GOES TRUCK RACING WITH TERRY COOK AND ppc RACING
MOORESVILLE, NC (February 3, 2004) – International Truck and Engine Corporation, designer and
manufacturer of the popular Power Stroke® Diesel engine for Ford Motor Company, announces it’s
sponsorship of driver Terry Cook and ppc Racing for the 2004 Power Stroke® Diesel NASCAR®
Craftsman® Truck Series race team. The sponsorship is the spotlight of a motor sports marketing
initiative that leverages the overlap of pickup truck owners and NASCAR fans to increase diesel
engine sales. The Power Stroke diesel race truck will be seen by fans and potential diesel engine
pickup truck buyers this summer live at the tracks and on national television.
“We are a customer-focused company. Continuing our sponsorship of Terry Cook under the Power
Stroke diesel nameplate helps us extend our brand building and customer loyalty campaigns by
aligning with another powerhouse brand, NASCAR,” said Bob Carso, director of communications and
strategy, Engine Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. “Power Stroke® Diesel Racing
is in sync with the Power Stroke diesel ownership experience. The sponsorship enables
International and Ford to market and promote this product to our target audience, as well as
introduce diesel to potential customers.”
The Power Stroke diesel race team sponsorship is a key part of the International motor sports
marketing programs that includes International and Ford Racing’s sponsorship of a NASCAR
Craftsman Truck Series race in Indianapolis each summer.
Since 1999, the manufacturers have teamed up to honor loyal customers and fans with a race of
their own, the annual Power Stroke® Diesel 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park, across town from
the Indianapolis engine plant where the popular diesel engine is built.
“We’ve enjoyed tremendous success with Terry Cook as our spokesman and driver over the past
3 years and we’re very excited to have him represent Power Stroke diesel again this year both
on and off the track. He’s a tremendous driver and he really connects with both Power Stroke
diesel owners and Ford dealers across the country,” said Carso.
The move to ppc Racing is a new venture for Power Stroke diesel, and a new venture for ppc
Racing as well. The 2004 race season will mark the first time ppc Racing will compete in the
NASCAR® Craftsman® Truck Series. ppc Racing and their new sponsor are confident the relationship
will create highlights in 2004.
Known for their success in the NASCAR Busch Series, ppc Racing will now brand their mark in
the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS). “We are excited to be partnering with Power Stroke
Diesel in the NCTS,” said Keith Barnwell, general manager of ppc Racing. “The series is new
for us, but winning in NASCAR is not. Winning is something we hope to do a lot of this year.”
“We are thrilled to sponsor the No. 10 F-150 Ford backed by ppc Racing,” said Carso, “We are
excited to be with a caliber team like ppc Racing. We believe that with ppc Racing and Terry
behind the wheel, we will compete for the NCTS Championship year in and year out. ppc Racing’s
commitment to Ford and to engineering excellence on the race track aligns with the International
philosophy – we are all out there to win.”
Cook will pilot the No.10 Power Stroke Diesel Ford F-150 this year on the road to capturing
his first NCTS Title. This represents the fourth season that Cook will carry the torch for
Power Stroke Diesel on in the NCTS.
“I am extremely excited about the possibilities with ppc Racing this year. I do not think
Power Stroke® Diesel could have gone with a better team,” stated Cook. “I believe this will
be a winning combination.”
International designs and manufactures the 6.0-liter, V-8 Power Stroke diesel engine
exclusively for Ford Motor Company for use in Ford® F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks,
Econoline vans and Excursion sport utility vehicles.
Due in part to the ever-growing popularity of this engine in Ford pickups, more than two
million Power Stroke diesel engines have been produced since its introduction in 1994. Nearly
two out of three buyers of Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups choose the Power Stroke diesel over
a standard gas engine, making it the most popular engine in its class.
The rising cost of gasoline, combined with diesel’s superior fuel economy achieving up to
30 percent better fuel economy than gas engines – makes diesel an attractive option, and not
just for businesses. A rising number of recreational enthusiasts are turning to diesel
engines for their weekend towing needs, including pulling boats and horse trailers, as well
as for their everyday vehicles. And because International is committed to cleaner air
solutions for today’s environment, environmentally conscious motorists are also choosing
diesel power in growing numbers.
The photo depicts the new race truck with, from left to right, Bob Carso, Director,
Communications and Market Strategy for the Engine Group of International Truck and Engine
Corporation; Terry Cook, driver, the No. 10 Power Stroke® Diesel Ford F-150 race truck,
and Matt Smela, communications support manager, Engine Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation.
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