Riggs to drive Globetrotters Chevy in Bristol.

Scott Riggs's regular Valvoline livery will make way for a new look as his team pays tribute to the 'flash and dash' of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball squad with a specially prepared red, white and blue #10 Chevrolet at the 28 March Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The spirited paint scheme will bear a resemblance to the famous Globetrotters uniform and will also feature a red, white and blue Globetrotters basketball on the hood. The legendary Globetrotters, who have dazzled millions of fans throughout the world with their exhibition games, will be the first professional basketball team to ever adorn a racecar in NASCAR's 56-year history, and join baseball's New York Yankees and St Louis Cardinals as the only professional sports franchises to decorate cars in a NASCAR event.

"It will be a red, white and blue-ribbon day when we bring the Valvoline Harlem Globetrotters Chevrolet to Bristol," said Valvoline senior vice president and designated NASCAR team owner Jim Rocco, who has invited two members of the Globetrotters to Bristol to promote the event with Riggs and the Valvoline team, "There's nothing more American than the Globetrotters, and we're pleased to ride along with them at the Food City 500."

Mannie Jackson, a Globetrotter in the 1960s and now owner and chairman of the famed basketball team said that he was proud to see the team recognised in this way.

"The Harlem Globetrotters are honoured to join with Valvoline and be a part of the NASCAR event in Bristol," he said, "The Globetrotters and NASCAR are both American institutions. To have them come together on 28 March is sure to be a special event."

The Globetrotters have played in 117 countries and in front of 120 million fans worldwide. In 2002, the organisation was only the fifth team to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame; followed by an induction into the Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame and the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. The team has also been recognised as the most popular sports team by the 2002, 2000 and 1999 'Q' ratings.

"It was always magical to watch the Globetrotters," explained Riggs, "And to have the opportunity to drive the car with their name on it is truly an honour. I hope some of that Globetrotters razzle dazzle will rub off on the Valvoline car."

Diecast models of the Harlem Globetrotters car are available at www.valvolineproducts.com.