Benson Signs with Tyler Jet

HARRISBURG, NC – Tyler Jet Motorsports announced today that Winston Cup veteran Johnny Benson has agreed to drive for the team for the 2000 season.

Benson, the 1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year, has spent the last two seasons behind the wheel of a Jack Roush Ford. Benson's association with Tyler Jet will return the 1995 NASCAR Busch Grand National Champion to the seat of a Pontiac, something the 36-year-old driver is excited about.

"Getting on board with Tyler Jet Motorsports is a great opportunity for me," said Benson. "They have a solid program in place with good cars and a great engine program. There's opportunity for a lot of people there and I'm looking forward to that. I'm also looking forward to getting back in a Pontiac. I had a lot of success in a Pontiac when I was at Bahari Racing. We missed the Top-10 in points by just one point in 1997 and I think a return to Pontiac will give me a great shot in getting into the Top-10 in 2000. That's something we definitely want to do next season, get back into the Top-10 in points."

"We think we have the equipment and believe Johnny is the driver to get us on the stage at the NASCAR Winston Cup banquet in New York at the end of next season," stated Tyler Jet Motorsports team owner Tim Beverley. "To say we're looking forward to going to Daytona in February is an understatement. It is going to be a great year and a great situation for everyone involved. We're all looking forward to it."