HRT Motorsports introduces new sponsor.

HRT Motorsports has unveiled Cicl?n International as its new primary sponsor for the #09 Busch Series entry driven by Roberto Guerrero.

Cicl?n International, headquartered in Panama City, is the producer and distributor of Cicl?n Energy Drink, and joins HRT, established in 1999 as the first NASCAR team with both Hispanic owners and Hispanic drivers, in its plans to run a limited schedule of five races in 2002, commencing in Charlotte on 25 May, with full-time plans for the 2003 season and beyond.

"We couldn't be more pleased to be representing Cicl?n Energy Drink in the NASCAR circuit," HRT co-owner Mike Vazquez said, "Back in 1999, when Rudy [Rodriguez] and I formed HRT, we knew that HRT would be a valuable tool for companies who wanted to gain the support of both the Hispanic consumer and the great NASCAR fan.

"As a highly recognised company throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as with US Hispanics, and now with distribution in the United States, Cicl?n Energy Drink fills that role perfectly."

"I think this is a perfect match for us," Rodriguez agreed, "Cicl?n Energy Drink is well-known on an international level, and now we have a direct say in introducing it to the great NASCAR fan."

Elmar Scheiber, CEO of Cicl?n International S.A., is confident that HRT Motorsports will be the catalyst that turns North America on to Cicl?n Energy Drink.

"I was extremely pleased at the platform HRT Motorsports presented to me earlier this year," he stated, "Not only at their ability to run in NASCAR and reach the North American market we are now entering, but to also reach our already strong Hispanic consumer.

"I was amazed at the extent of their platform, consisting of their Spanish language television show, their interactive database with Interactive Fan Club [IFC] and, of course, their on-track capabilities with Roberto Guerrero. It was something no one else was offering, and something I didn't think was even remotely possible. I am very excited about the possibilities."

The signing of Cicl?n International as a sponsor means a lot to many in the sport other than just HRT Motorsports, including HA 'Humpy' Wheeler, president and COO of Speedway Motorsports Inc

"The future growth of NASCAR will greatly depend on increasing diversity among our fans," he said, "Many NASCAR speedways are in heavily Hispanic markets, particularly Texas, Florida, California and Arizona. The HRT team is greatly welcomed by us and we are so pleased with their sponsor."

In addition to HRT Motorsports' plans for Guerrero and the #09 entry, the team is now also working on securing primary sponsorship for their second Busch Series team - the #82 recently assigned by NASCAR for Roberto's brother Jaime Guerrero.