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The Word Network to Sponsor Marc Davis Motorsports in CARQUEST Auto Parts 300

DETROIT, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Marc Davis Motorsports announced today that The Word Network will serve as the primary sponsor of their #36 Toyota and driver Marc Davis for the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 at the Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 23, 2009. The Word Network previously supported Davis as an associate sponsor for the NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Bristol and Richmond earlier this season.

The Word Network is a cable and satellite television channel that reaches 65 million households inthe United States and is available in over 200 countries around the world. The Word Network has established itself as a mainstream media broadcaster for Urban Ministries and gospel music. "The ability to be a pivotal part of the legendary NASCAR racing and to sponsor a promising up and coming driver is not only a pleasure but a great opportunity for all parties involved," Lewis Gibbs President of the Word Network stated.

"The Word Network sees Marc (Davis) as a young race car driver who can compete at the highest levels of NASCAR," Steve Antoniotti, Director of Development for The Word Network stated. "Marc is someone who will be attractive to our audiences as a positive role model for his character and hard work. We're confident that audience will support his efforts."

"There hasn't been an African-American owner/driver at this level of NASCAR since the legendary Wendell Scott in 1973," Antoniotti continued. "The Word Network is proud to help support his efforts in this country's biggest sport. In my opinion, Marc Davis' participation in and love for auto racing is good for the sport. His success could introduce a whole new fan base to NASCAR."

The 18-year oldSilver Spring, Maryland competitor will be making his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Davis has competed in six previous Nationwide Series events with a best start, fourth, and best finish, 23rd, at Memphis Motorsports Park in October, 2008. Davis made his first owner/driver start in the Nationwide Series at Bristol Motor Speedway in March, 2009. His car number, 36, represents the number of years since Wendell Scott was the last African-American owner/driver who competed in NASCAR on a regular basis (1973).

"I'm extremely excited to have the support of The Word Network on my car," Marc Davis stated. "I'm proud to race in my first Nationwide Series event at Lowe's Motor Speedway under their banner. Our entire team is looking forward to a good performance for The Word Network in front of our many friends and family members."

Practice for the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 at the Lowe's Motor Speedway began at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 21st. Qualifying is set for 3:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 23rd. ESPN2 and The Performance Racing Network (PRN) will provide live television and radio coverage of the 200-lap, 300-mile race beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

For additional information on Marc Davis and Marc Davis Motorsports, contact www.marcdavismotorsports.com.

For additional information on The Word Network, contact www.thewordnetwork.org.

    Denise Dody Johnson
    Director of Marketing and Public Relations
    586-790-3838
    dody@wadldetroit.com

SOURCE Marc Davis Motorsports; The Word Network