Hornaday to Drive 14 in 2001

PHOENIX (November 3, 2000) - A.J. Foyt announced today that he has signed two-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday to drive the No. 14 Conseco Pontiac in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

Hornaday will make his bid for the 2001 NASCAR Raybestos Rookie-of-The-Year title behind the wheel of the No. 14 Conseco Pontiac as the team enters its second year of operation in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

"Ron is an aggressive, no-nonsense kind of driver. I like that," said Foyt about his new driver. "I like the way he races. He's a hard charger and a proven winner. He knows how to win races and championships. That's what I want for this team and what I want for my partner Conseco."

"I feel very fortunate to be standing here today," Hornaday said. "To have driven for Dale and Teresa Earnhardt the past six years has been great. But to move into the Winston Cup Series driving for A.J. Foyt and to have a sponsor like Conseco is… well, it just doesn't get much better. I have worked with Philippe before as well, so I know the chemistry will be there. I have been waiting my whole career for this kind of opportunity. You better believe I'm going to make the most of it."

Ron Hornaday is known as being one of the toughest competitors in NASCAR racing. In the early 1990's, Hornaday dominated the Southwest Tour, scoring back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993. He was voted Most Popular Driver in the Winston West Division in 1994. After five years of competition in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Hornaday owns records for the most wins (25), as well as the single season earnings record ($915,407), in addition to capturing the title two times (1996 & 1998). In 2000, Hornaday moved into the Busch Series, Grand National Division where he has scored two victories in his rookie season.

A native of Palmdale, California, Ron and his wife Lindy currently reside in Mooresville, North Carolina.