Busch Grand National Series

Rockwell Automation Dresses Up for Dance with Darlington Raceway

GREENVILLE, SC (August 27, 2002) - When you are looking for the No. 21 Rockwell Automation Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway this weekend, you may have to do a double take. As part of an annual Rockwell Automation employee promotion, the car will change from its highly recognizable red-and-white design to a colorful, unique design, created by 11-year old Drake Lawson of Greenville, SC.

The Rockwell Automation Racing Paint Shop Contest, going on its third consecutive year, is geared to the children and grandchildren of Rockwell Automation’s employees. The promotion is aimed at creating more enthusiasm and support for the race team among their employees. Over 900 entries were reviewed and Drake’s was judged to be the most unique design.

“I can’t believe it! I didn’t think I had a chance to win,” says Drake Lawson. “I am really excited to spend the weekend at the racetrack. I have only seen one race and that was at Charlotte. I can’t wait to tell my friends at school.” Drake won a trip for his family to the South Carolina 200 at Darlington Raceway to watch the No. 21 Rockwell Automation Chevy compete with the paint scheme he designed. Activities for their weekend at the track include meeting Jeff Green, having their picture taken with the racecar, and watching the race from the Rockwell Automation suite.

“Art has always been my favorite subject in school so when my dad brought the forms home I spent a lot of time getting my design how I wanted it. I tried to use as many colors as I could.” Drake is a 6th-grader at Greer Middle School. He loves watching his favorite NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and he loves playing football.

“Jeff Green is a really good driver and always seems to have the 21 car near the front. I hope Jeff can take my son’s design to victory lane,” comments Barry Lawson, Drake’s father. Barry has been a Machine Operator at Rockwell Automation’s Greenville Gear Plant since April 1995.

The paint shop promotion has been a terrific way for employees to get more involved in Rockwell Automation’s primary sponsorship of its NASCAR Busch Series racecar. This year the excitement was even greater than before.

“This promotion is great because it offers a tangible reward to the employees,” stated John Rumsey, Assistant HR Manager of Rockwell Automation’s Greenville Gear Plant. “This has been a big morale boost for the Greenville plant.”

“This is a pretty cool looking car,” stated Jeff Green, who will be looking to improve on his 3rd-place finish at Darlington Raceway back in March. “The car kind of looks like stained glass. It’s a shame I’ll be the only one who doesn’t get to watch it go around the racetrack.”