HOUSTON — Quaker State and Hendrick Motorsports have announced the expansion of their technical relationship, which they say will increase exposure for the motor oil brand in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Beginning in 2011, the three-year agreement includes primary placement for Quaker State on the No. 5 Chevrolet in four Sprint Cup races annually and associate sponsorship of all Hendrick Motorsports cars. Quaker State also will continue to be poured in the more than 80 Hendrick Automotive Group franchises throughout the United States.

"We are extremely proud to announce our continued sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports," said Lisa Davis, vice president, Shell Lubricants Americas. "Hendrick Motorsports sets the benchmark for performance in NASCAR, and we are proud that Quaker State racing oil has been under the hood of every Hendrick race car for the past 15 years. We have achieved tremendous success together and look forward to many more wins and championships, as Hendrick’s ability to perform on and off the track continues to grow."

Quaker State’s technical relationship with Hendrick Motorsports began in 1996 and helped produce a Sprint Cup championship that first season with the No. 5 team and driver Terry Labonte. Now with more than 7 million on-track miles, the association has resulted in an unparalleled number of racing triumphs, including 143 Sprint Cup wins, eight Cup championships, three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships and one NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.

"We’re excited to continue what has been an extremely successful relationship," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group. "Our engine department works hand-in-hand with Quaker State technical personnel to develop the highest possible grade of racing oil for our teams. And the Quaker State relationship extends beyond the racetrack and into our dealerships by providing customers with a durable oil that offers a high level of protection for their vehicles."

Mark Martin, winner of 40 Sprint Cup races, will drive the No. 5 Chevrolet in 2011. Quaker State’s four races as primary sponsor of the No. 5 car will be determined at a later date.

"The new Quaker State paint scheme looks awesome," Martin said. "I’m not sure how a paint scheme can look fast, but Quaker State and Hendrick Motorsports did it with this one. I can’t wait to race it and hopefully take it to Victory Lane.

"I know Quaker State and Hendrick Motorsports have a long history together, but I also have a history with Quaker State. The color green actually brought me some good luck back in 1986, when Quaker State was a sponsor on my ASA (American Speed Association) car. Not only did we win races, but we also won the championship that year. I’m excited to be working with them again, after all these years."

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