Texaco Havoline Backs 2003 Days of Thunder ChampionReigning champ Ben Collins defends his title with major new sponsor

2003 Champion Ben Collins will defend his title in the 2004 Days ofThunder championship with backing from Texaco Havoline, with ChicagoPneumatics providing additional support for the year. 

Ben, who won 6 races last year on his way to the 2003 crown, will racewith Texaco Havoline Racing run by new Days of Thunder squad Team TurnFour.  The race car will carry the traditional number 42 and TexacoHavoline livery seen on Jamie McMurray's NASCAR Nextel Cup race car run by Chip Ganassi Racing in the United States.

Ben said, "It is great to be able to defend my title this year withbacking from a prestigious motorsport brand like Texaco Havoline andChicago Pneumatics.  I am going to be running with a new team but I knowRockingham and these cars really well, so I'm confident we'll befighting for race wins from the off.  I still intend to race in IRLlater this year but will now concentrate on defending my Days of Thundertitle."

Mark Burnett, UK Marketing Manager for Chevron Texaco said:"ChevronTexaco are delighted to have secured the services of such anexciting driver as Ben and look forward to success on the racetrack thisseason".

The first meeting of the 2004 season takes place at Rockingham on Sunday2nd May.  A large crowd is expected as the off track entertainment willbe headlined by No 1 band Blue, who are performing for 60 minutes liveon the Smash Hits Rockingham stage.

New Days of Thunder Team Breaks CoverTeam Turn Four to run Ben Collins and Rob Speak in 2004 Championship

A new Days of Thunder race team has been formed by former RML Crew ChiefGraeme May and will run reigning champion Ben Collins in the TexacoHavoline Racing car and former World F1 Stock Car Champion and Days ofThunder race winner Rob Speak.

Team Turn Four will be based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, andwill be the second new team for the 2004 Days of Thunder season, withRenegade Racing setting up last December.

"Running my own team is something I have always wanted to do," said teamprincipal Graeme May.  "I have learnt a lot from my six years at RML,who are one of the most professional teams in the business.  As a newteam we are privileged to have Texaco Havoline and Chicago Pneumatic asour business partners.  To work with Ben Collins again is a fantasticopportunity, especially having Rob Speak as his teammate. I think theywill make for a very strong pairing for this years championship."

The 2004 Days of Thunder season will get underway on Sunday 2nd May.The twelve race championship takes place over six weekends atRockingham, Europe's fastest race circuit.  The Days of Thunder eventsare on the first Sunday of every month from May until October and apartfrom the high octane racing action provided by the Days of Thunderchampionship and Pick Up series, there is a complete package of familyentertainment including a top music act that will appear on the SmashHits Rockingham stage.  The first band to appear will be No 1 groupBlue, supported by D-Side on 2nd May.