National Guard to back BH Motorsports.

BH Motorsports, who recently formed a strategic alliance with Hendrick Motorsports in an effort to establish a competitive African-American-owned NASCAR Winston Cup team, have announced the National Guard as their primary advertiser.

The No. 54 National Guard Chevrolet Monte Carlo, named in recognition of the National Guard presence in 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia, will run a limited schedule in 2002, with aspirations for a full Winston Cup season in 2003.

"We were fortunate to find BH Motorsports," said Lt. Gen. Roger C. Schultz, director of the Army National Guard. "The National Guard has a formidable diversity program, of which we are very proud, and the efforts of NASCAR, BH Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports are very consistent with the goals and objectives of that program.

"NASCAR fans have a great reputation for being loyal and dedicated, some of the values that are very important to us. When you go to a NASCAR race, just look around -- you see American flags everywhere. These fans love their sport and they love their country. These are the people that we're trying to reach," Schultz added.

"We're honoured to field the No. 54 Chevy with the National Guard as our partner," said Sam Belnavis, COO of BH Motorsports. "They, along with Hendrick Motorsports, are helping us lay the groundwork for a successful future in Winston Cup racing."

Ron Hornaday has been named driver of the No. 54 for three Winston Cup dates this season, with veteran crew chief Doug Richert also joining the team. BH Motorsports' 2002 schedule includes the events at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Oct. 13, Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 27 and North Carolina Speedway on Nov. 3.

Also announced were plans for the BH Motorsports-National Guard Driver Development Program for Minorities, which will allow drivers with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to compete on other racing circuits, including the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

Hendrick Motorsports will continue to provide BH Motorsports with assistance in all phases of its racing operation, including marketing support, car and race-setup development, personnel recruitment and training, and corporate networking, in preparation for fielding the No. 54.

Led by Belnavis and CEO Tinsley Hughes, who have a combined 35 years of motor sports experience, BH Motorsports will operate out of its new facility, located at the Mooresville Motorsports Centre in Mooresville, N.C., effective immediately.