GASTONIA, NC — WIX Filters is giving NASCAR series drivers yet another reason to get ahead of the pack on race day — the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award.

For each event within the three racing divisions — NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series — WIX Filters will present the driver who leads the most laps of each race with the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award.

Starting with the 2004 racing season, the award program extends through December 31, 2010. The WIX Filters Lap Leader Award includes cash payouts and an award trophy/plaque that will be presented during pre-race ceremonies at each event, as well as a year-end payout and a trophy for the driver who leads the most races with the most laps for each series.

Drivers who lead the most races with the most laps in 2004 for the Grand National North and West Divisions will receive year-end payouts. The WIX Filters Lap Leader Award will be expanded to include the South and Midwest series in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

The WIX Filters Lap Leader Award prize money payouts for the 2004 season are as follows:

* NEXTEL Cup Series – $5,000 at 36 events, $75,000 year-end
* Busch Series – $2,000 at 34 events, $20,000 year-end
* Craftsman Truck Series – $1,500 at 25 events, $10,000 year-end
* Grand National North – $16,000 year-end
* Grand National West – $16,000 year-end

In order to be eligible for the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award for a single event, drivers and teams in each series must run the WIX Filters decal on the front fender, and use WIX Racing Oil or Air Filters in their vehicles. Additionally, for any year-end payout, teams must run the decal on the front fender for every race they participate in, with an allowance for one race and they must use WIX Racing Oil or Air Filters.

To learn more Wix Filters, go to: www.wixfilters.com.

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today’s headlines.