USG to sponsor Chicagoland race.

Current Roush Racing backers USG have acquired the sponsorship rights to the Nextel Cup race at the Chicagoland Speedway from previous sponsors Tropicana.

The firm, which also sponsors the weekly "USG Improving The Finish" award, has gradually increased their involvement with NASCAR over the past three years, culminating in taking over the sponsorship rights for the Nextel Cup and Busch Series events at the 1.5-mile 'cookie-cutter' oval.

The July 9th Busch Series race at Chicagoland will now be known as the USG Durock 300 while the July 10th Nextel Cup race will be called the USG Sheetrock 400.

"USG is excited about launching this new partnership with Chicagoland Speedway and expanding our outstanding relationship with NASCAR," said William C. Foote, chairman, president and CEO of the Chicago based USG Corporation. "We are especially pleased about this association with the Speedway because Chicago has been USG's hometown for more than a century.

"The July race weekend gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase the USG Racing Experience and our industry-leading Sheetrock and Durock Brands to our customers, many of whom are avid NASCAR fans. NASCAR and USG are a perfect fit because we both value speed, precision, skill and teamwork from start to finish."

Matthew Alexander, vice president and general manager of Chicagoland Speedway, is equally excited about the partnership.

"We are thrilled to partner with a tremendous company such as USG Corporation for our July NASCAR weekend," Alexander said. "We look forward to a long relationship with them and combining our efforts to establish the USG NASCAR weekend as one of the premier, annual sporting events in this market and one of the best stops on the circuit."

Alexander added, "With the long history USG has in this market, we are excited about working closely with them to continue the explosive growth of motorsports in and around Chicago."

Matt Kenseth's #17 Roush Racing Ford will also carry USG colours in the Nextel Cup event.