Dodge/Save Mart 350 confirmed until 2003.

The first of just two road course races on the NASCAR Winston Cup calendar, the Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Sears Point Raceway, will continue under its current guise for a further two years with the undulating California track continuing its long standing relationship with both companies.

Dodge and Save Mart Supermarkets have agreed to a two-year agreement that renews both partners as co-title sponsors of the NASCAR Winston Cup event at Sears Point Raceway. The event will be called the Dodge/Save Mart 350 through the 2003 season.

The multi-year agreement continues the relationship between Dodge and Save Mart Supermarkets, which began as co-title sponsors for the 2001 event at Sears Point Raceway. The partnership also continues the raceway's long-standing relationships with both Save Mart Supermarkets, a Modesto-based grocery chain, and Dodge. The Dodge sponsorship will involve the Bay Area and Northern California Dodge Dealers. Dodge will also remain the "Official Car of Sears Point Raceway."

"We've worked with both Save Mart and the local Dodge dealers for a number of years and knew what terrific promotional partners they were individually," said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sears Point Raceway. "It's been wonderful to see the evolution of this joint promotional relationship and we're delighted that it will continue."

Save Mart Supermarkets has been either the title sponsor or co-title sponsor of the NASCAR Winston Cup event at Sears Point since 1992. Save Mart served as title sponsor from 1992-1997 and as co-title sponsor with an auto parts retailer from 1998-2000. Save Mart Supermarkets is one of the longest running Winston Cup event sponsors in the country.

"I am happy we could reach an agreement with Sears Point on our continuing sponsorship of the Winston Cup. The improvements made at the facility, or those in the process of being made, will add value for race fans, and allow us to expand our successful marketing program," said Bob Piccinini, chairman and CEO of Save Mart Supermarkets.

The sponsorship continues what has been a tremendous return to NASCAR for Dodge Motorsports. Dodge drivers sat on the pole at the 2001 Daytona 500 and have posted victories at Michigan International Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Lowe's Motor Speedway this season.

"With the comprehensive modernization project, attendance growth and stout television ratings, this is a great time to be at Sears Point Raceway. The Northern California Dodge Dealers are excited at continuing our relationship with Sears Point, Save Mart Supermarkets and the NASCAR Winston Cup Series," said Peter Gaines, Dealer Operations Manager for Dodge.

The sponsorship features major cooperative promotions planned between Sears Point, Save Mart Supermarkets and Dodge.

"The promotional commitments these terrific partners bring with their investment is very important to us," said Tim Schuldt, Sears Point's vice president of marketing and sales. "It provides added promotion for ticket sales, but more importantly it gives back to the fans. We look forward to another incredible promotion with these two terrific partners."

Sears Point Raceway will take the wraps off its $50 million Modernization Plan for the 2002 main-event season. Nearly every aspect of the fan-event experience will be upgraded, from improved sightlines to sweeping vistas to vastly improved internal pedestrian and vehicle circulation. The facility will be transformed into one of the premier motorsports and entertainment venues in the country. The two-year project began in September 2000.