Nation’s Leading Helicopter Provider to sponsor No. 29 Nationwide Series Team

Mark Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter (in blue jacket) and Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (in black jacket). (Photo: Harold Hinson Photography)

WELCOME, N.C. (April 8, 2008) – American Eurocopter, a subsidiary of the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, Eurocopter, has joined the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) family of partners as an associate sponsor of the No. 29 Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series season.

Drivers Jeff Burton and Scott Wimmer return to share the driving duties of the No. 29 after combining their efforts in 2007 to earn six victories and the NASCAR Nationwide Series owner’s championship. After seven races in 2008, the team has one victory (Bristol in March), three top-five and four top-10 finishes and is second in the owner point standings, 28 points behind RCR teammate Clint Bowyer.

“We are big fans of RCR and NASCAR,” said Marc Paganini, president and CEO of American Eurocopter. “When we decided to get involved with NASCAR, we knew we wanted to team up with the best. We are excited to be involved with RCR and to be one of the sponsors of the No. 29.”

Childress purchased a Eurocopter AS355 N Twin Star from American Eurocopter in 2007. The AS355 N Twin Star is a twin-engine, multi-mission helicopter with a top speed of 150 knots. It is a member of the Astar family of helicopters, which are the most popular turbine helicopters in the world and are known for their high performance, safety and low operating costs.

“American Eurocopter has an amazing product and we’re very happy to welcome them to the RCR family of partners,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Our decision to purchase a Eurocopter AS355N last year was made after a very thorough process to determine which helicopter manufacturer was at the top when it came to performance and reliability. In the end, there is no question that we made the right decision. To now have American Eurocopter on-board as a partner in our racing program is a great next step in building our relationship”