Morgan-McClure Motorsports and State Water Heaters Announce 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Sponsorship and Driver Ward Burton

Abingdon, VA (December 12, 2006) Jeff Storie, State Water Heaters Brand Manager and Larry McClure, Morgan-McClure Motorsports President and Team Manager, announced a deal to sponsor the #4 Chevrolet Monte Carlo today in Abingdon, VA. The announcement was made complete with the signing today also of Ward Burton as driver for the #4 State Water Heaters Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for the NASCAR Nextel Cup 2007 season.

“NASCAR is a perfect match for State Water Heaters,” says Storie. “Ward can relate to the blue collar workers and plumbers we have for our brand and we look forward to the loyalty that the car and driver help develop for our products.”

Burton, who won the Daytona 500 in 2002, will debut the #4 State Water Heaters Chevy at the 2007 Daytona 500 Speed Weeks. Burton, a South Boston, VA native, has been away from NASCAR racing for the past two years. He drove three races for Morgan-McClure Motorsports at the end of the 2006 season.

“There’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel,” says Burton. “I am committed to a season of success for State Water Heaters and Morgan-McClure Motorsports.”

Morgan-McClure Motorsports, located in Abingdon, VA is a member of an elite group of NASCAR Nextel Cup teams to win consecutive races in NASCAR’s prestigious season opening Daytona 500. In winning tradition, Morgan-McClure has been instrumental in guiding top names in the series to Nextel Cup victories.

“In 2007 we hope to continue that winning tradition as Ward Burton takes over the reigns of the famed #4 Chevrolet Monte Carlo,” said McClure.