Keller to stay souped up in 2003.

Bear Creek Country Kitchens has announced their partnership with ppc Racing for the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series season.

The soup company joined ppc Racing in 2002 as an associate sponsor for the No. 57 Albertson's Ford Taurus driven by Jason Keller, and is looking forward to becoming a more prominent sponsor in 2003.

The soup company itself is also making a name for itself outside the track, with their "Traveling Soup Vehicle." The vehicle is equipped with a state of the art kitchen and sound system, which grabs the attention of passing race fans.

The vehicle visits racetracks associated with the NASCAR Busch Series, as well as local grocery stores that sell Bear Creek Soups.

Race fans can partake in warm samples of soup, as well as go home with a sample dry package to cook at their convenience. The vehicle is helping Bear Creek reach their ultimate goal of "Spreading the Bear Creek Love," and encouraging race fans to purchase Bear Creek Soups in their favorite grocery store.

"Our goal with this sponsorship is to help make Bear Creek Country Kitchens a household name to race fans," said Jeff Hansen, Director of Marketing for Bear Creek Country Kitchens. "Jason Keller has proven that he is a winning driver and ppc Racing is a winning team. NASCAR fans are very loyal to their drivers and sponsors and we know Jason will lead us to victory lane in 2003!"

"This is a great opportunity for ppc Racing to be affiliated with a company like Bear Creek," stated Keith Barnwell, owner No. 57 Albertson's Ford Taurus. "Bear Creek is a name we have heard from racing out west, now ppc Racing hopes to help make Bear Creek a household name nationwide, as we contend for the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series title."