WHAT'S NEW AT WD-40 COMPANY

LAS VEGAS - NASCAR and WD-40 Company, two of the biggest names in the automotive world, announced a promotional partnership and automotive aftermarket licensing agreement at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas this week. In addition, WD-40 Company will enter into agreements with NASCAR veteran driver Ward Burton and various tracks to be named later.

Commencing with the 2002 NASCAR racing season, the product used by millions of consumers to solve problems on their cars and the products that clean their hands afterwards will be marketed through programs involving the country's No. 1 spectator sport. WD-40 and Lava heavy-duty hand cleaner, both made by WD-40 Company, will become a part of the NASCAR Officially Licensed automotive aftermarket program.

"Our brands are a perfect fit with NASCAR-auto enthusiasts and mechanics rely on our products to help maintain their vehicles," said Garry Ridge, president and CEO of WD-40 Company. "People who use Lava and WD-40 are fans of NASCAR, and they buy our products at retail stores that are also supporters of the sport. It's a win-win situation."

With the partnership, WD-40 Company is granted an exclusive right to use the NASCAR marks for advertising and promotion as well as for display on products.

"With regards to home and automotive maintenance, no other company has the brand recognition of WD-40," said Chris Brahe, NASCAR senior account executive, who spearheaded the discussions with WD-40 Company. "That brand recognition and product visibility will give us tremendous promotional support in reaching NASCAR fans across the country."

"NASCAR's endorsement for WD-40 and Lava is fitting," added Odis Lloyd, NASCAR's director of the automotive aftermarket. "These products are used by automotive technicians and consumers alike, both segments of society which have a strong affinity for auto racing."

In addition to being an officially licensed partner of NASCAR, WD-40 Company has signed an advertising and endorsement agreement with NASCAR Winston Cup driver Ward Burton.

"I'm excited to be a part of a company like WD-40," Burton said. "Obviously, I've used both WD-40 and Lava in the garage and at the race track for several years. But, I've also had both of these products around the household and on the farm with all my farm equipment. It's great to be a part of a company that has products that I've used virtually all of my life."

Burton, of South Boston, Va., is an eight-year veteran of the NASCAR Winston Cup ranks. He has three career victories, including a win this year at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 2. Burton, 40, has finished among the top 20 in the NASCAR Winston Cup points standings each of the last three seasons.

Burton, who resides on his farm in Central Virginia with his wife and children, established the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation in 1996. The not-for-profit enterprise manages wildlife and land projects and works with groups to help educate future generations about natural resources.

NASCAR continues to be America's fastest growing sport with more than 63 million fans and 17 of the top 20 most attended sporting events in the U.S. each year. NASCAR sanctions 2,200 events at 128 tracks in 40 states across the country. Beginning in 2001, NBC, TNT, FOX and FX have begun a unique consolidated television partnership bringing more races to more people throughout the year.

NASCAR's Officially Licensed automotive aftermarket program, developed in 1996, seeks to build brand awareness, preference and sales for automotive-related products. A total of 25 licensees incorporating 32 categories in the automotive aftermarket take advantage of NASCAR's enormous brand equity built through more than 52 years of racing. Promotionally, the aftermarket program offers a powerful marketing program entitled-NASCAR Tech-which consists of a national weekly television show broadcast Sundays on Fox Sports Net, Care Care Council "Tech Tips" which air within MRN radio racing coverage and a quarterly magazine produced by Babcox publications.

WD-40 Company, with headquarters in San Diego, is a global consumer products company with brands that deliver above expectation performance at extremely good value to end users who buy in a variety of trade channels. WD-40 Company produces multi-purpose lubricants, WD-40_® and 3-IN-ONE_®, the Lava_® and Solvol_® brands of heavy-duty hand cleaners, and household products X-14_®, 2000 Flushes_® and Carpet Fresh_®. WD-40 Company markets its products in more than 160 countries worldwide, and recorded sales of $174.6 million in fiscal 2001. Additional information about WD-40 Company may be obtained on the World Wide Web at www.wd40.com.