BUSCH: Smith & Wesson to sponsor team.

Smith & Wesson, the legendary 152-year old firearms manufacturer, has announced a new, multi-year partnership with SKI Motorsports to campaign a NASCAR Busch Series entry in 2005.

The Smith & Wesson/SKI Motorsports Chevrolet will make its competitive debut at the NASCAR Busch Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 12th 2005. It is also scheduled to enter 2005 Busch series races that follow at Atlanta, Charlotte, Daytona, Bristol, California, Texas and Phoenix. Car number, driver line-up and team personnel will be announced at a later date.

"This is truly an exciting day for everyone at Smith & Wesson," said Tom Taylor, vice president of marketing for the firm. "NASCAR is absolutely synonymous with racing. Likewise, the Smith & Wesson name represents 152 years in the firearms industry providing the trust, quality and innovation that our customers expect. We are thrilled at the opportunity to go NASCAR racing with SKI Motorsports."

Taylor added that Smith & Wesson plans to aggressively support its NASCAR involvement by way of high-profile marketing programs featuring fan and customer promotions, as well as at-the-track activities including safety educational initiatives.

SKI Motorsports, with race headquarters based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an independent organization of Pennsylvania based sports marketing and entertainment representation agency SKI & Company, which also has offices in London and New York.

"We are extremely proud to play a role in Smith & Wesson's entry into the world of NASCAR racing," said Chris Lencheski, president of SKI Motorsports. "Our company has a history of introducing new sponsors to motor racing and helping them get the most out of their involvement.

"Smith & Wesson is one of the oldest companies in America and is, without question, one of the most recognized brands in the world. They are thrilled to be joining the NASCAR family of sponsors, and we hope to make this a successful partnership."

Lencheski is a former partner in the Innovative Motorsports organization that campaigned NASCAR Busch Series entries for Kenny Wallace and Shane Hmiel and, most notably, brought sponsors Stacker2 and Mike's Hard Lemonade into the NASCAR realm.

While 2005 represents Smith & Wesson's first formal entry into the NASCAR racing ranks; the company is no stranger to major league sports competition. The Smith & Wesson Competition Shooting Team features two of the top precision shooters in the world, 12-time International Revolver Champion Jerry Miculek, and 10-time Masters International Champion Doug Koenig.