Rheem Water Heating Company, a global manufacturer of quality heating, cooling, and water heating products, announced today its sponsorship of the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) No. 29 car for the 36-race NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.  The sponsorship provides Rheem a strong platform to strengthen and build new business relationships with distributors and contractors, as well as increase national consumer visibility of the Rheem brand. 

As the major associate sponsor, Rheem will be featured prominently on the lower rear quarter panels of RCR’s legendary No. 29 car and on the fire suit of that car’s driver, Kevin Harvick, 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Champion and major Cup Series contender.  The new Rheem-RCR relationship takes to the track for the NEXTEL Cup Series opener at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18.

Besides being the largest spectator sport in North America, NEXTEL Cup Series racing is the number one pastime among professionals in the heating, cooling and plumbing industries.  With more than 75 million motorsports fans who are fiercely loyal to the companies and brands who sponsor racing teams and drivers, the Rheem brand will now reach a wider range of consumers than ever before in the company’s history through one concentrated sponsorship program.  

 “We are excited about this sponsorship and will fully leverage it through numerous initiatives focused on reward, recognition and new programs for Ruud and Rheem Distributors and Contractors,” said J.R. Jones, Rheem President.  “Rheem Manufacturing is a customer-focused company committed to listening and responding to customer needs and saying “Thank You” for helping us grow.  Hosting customers and other special guests at all 36 NEXTEL Cup Series races this season is a natural for us and we look forward to utilizing our sponsorship to build even stronger relationships with our Distributor and Contractor partners.”

“Our entry into major motorsports through this exciting new sponsorship with Richard Childress Racing marks the beginning of a new era for Rheem Manufacturing,” said Rheem Manufacturing Company CEO Stewart Farwell.  “Rheem shares many of the same traits as RCR and Kevin Harvick: a rich history of leadership, constant innovation, and an intense passion to be the best and win.”

This is a Corporate Rheem Manufacturing Company sponsorship that provides a wide range of marketing and promotional opportunities to all the Company’s business units.  Rheem is the only manufacturer who produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool and spa heating, and commercial boilers for distribution worldwide.  This diverse portfolio of comfort products for home and business provides vast opportunities for unique business synergies that bring value to wholesale Distributors, Contractors, builders, homeowners, and businesses. 

In addition to a fully integrated sales and marketing communications program that is being rolled out, Jones says Rheem will also explore new business and marketing relationships with other motorsports sponsors. 
 “All of us at Richard Childress Racing could not be happier and more proud to start our new association with Rheem in 2007,” said Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing.  “The longstanding Rheem reputation for innovative, high quality products is in line with our values and objectives at RCR.  Rheem brings a new energy to RCR and we’re excited about the possibilities that come with the start of the 2007 season.”

“I’m excited to be associated with a sponsor that is known around the globe as a top-rate company with high quality products, a determination to continuously improve, and a drive to compete to win,” said Harvick.  “As a driver, I’m looking forward to representing Rheem, all their associates, and the customers who buy and depend on their products.”

About Rheem Manufacturing Company
Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is a privately held company with headquarters in Atlanta.  In its 80th year of operation, the company manufactures a full-line of high-quality residential and commercial heating, cooling, water heaters, swimming pool heaters and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets.  The premium brands of Rheem Manufacturing Company include Ruud, Raypak, and Rheem.  Rheem Manufacturing Company is also the major associate sponsor of Richard Childress Racing and the No. 29 team driven by Kevin Harvick, 2006 Busch Series Champion.

About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 150 victories and 10 NASCAR championships, including six in the NEXTEL Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. It was the first organization to win championships in the NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series and Truck Series. Its 2007 NEXTEL Cup Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel’s), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Cingular Wireless). Its Busch Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 2 BB&T), Harvick and Timothy Peters (No. 21 AutoZone) and Burton and Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn).