Texas mascot sparks sponsorship.

Texas Motor Speedway's mascot, Sparky, is claiming an unusual first, having signed a unique sponsorship agreement with NGK Spark Plugs.

Sparky - also known as 'The Fastest Mascot in the West' provides his own brand of entertainment at TMS events throughout the year, and has steadily become both a firm favourite with the fans and a highly visible aspect of the circuit's business.

"We are delighted that the fine folks at NGK Spark Plugs have joined with Texas Motor Speedway in truly one of the most entertaining aspects of the Speedway, " said Speedway general manager Eddie Gossage, "Sparky is a readily identifiable representative of what we are all about at Texas Motor Speedway - the fans."

NGK Spark Plugs manufactures a wide range spark plugs, catering for virtually every automotive, motorcycle, marine and small engine application. Headquartered in Irvine, California, the corporation was established in 1966 as a subsidiary of NGK Spark Plugs Ltd of Japan, before going on to forge a long and storied history in racing with involvement in the CART FedEx Championship Series, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), NASCAR, and motorcycles. CART and NASCAR both feature on the 2001 TMS calendar, along with the well established dual IRL events.

"We are proud to be associated with Texas Motor Speedway and to be the sponsor of Sparky, the official Speedway mascot," commented NGK Spark Plugs national sales manager Richard Sullivan, "This is a perfect fit for us because the Speedway's goals mirror that of NGK Spark Plugs - and that is to provide our customers with the finest products and service possible."

The NGK Spark Plugs logo will be represented on Sparky's official uniform and Sparky's highly modified legends car for the 2001 race season.