CONCORD, N.C.--(BUSINESS
WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2006--Roush Racing announced today that DISH Network(TM)
has signed on as a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Busch Series and the
NEXTEL Cup Series, with additional status as an associate sponsor on all
Roush entries.
DISH Network will have a team representative in all 35
Busch Races in 2007, alternating between four Roush Busch teams. Greg
Biffle will drive the No. 16 DISH Network Ford Fusion in five NEXTEL Cup
races in 2007, the first of which will be at Pocono Raceway in June.
When DISH Network is not featured as a primary sponsor, they will appear
on each NEXTEL Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck Series entry as an
associate sponsor.
An array of drivers from each Roush team will form the "DISH
All-Stars." Driving for DISH Network in 2007 as part of the "All-Star"
team will be Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, Jamie
McMurray, Todd Kluever, Danny O'Quinn, Jr., Erik Darnell and Michel
Jourdain, Jr.
Mark Martin will kick off the season for DISH Network in the February
Daytona Busch race. Martin will be behind the wheel of the DISH Network
Ford Fusion twice in 2007, the second of which will be the spring Texas
race. The remaining "DISH All-Stars" will split time behind the wheel
throughout the season.
"We are proud to have DISH Network on board with us for next year,"
said team owner Jack Roush. "Having them involved as a primary sponsor
in our Busch Series programs is a real honor and hopefully we will put
them in victory lane several times throughout the season. On behalf of
everyone at Roush Racing, I'd like to welcome DISH Network to our team."
Bobby Billman, senior vice president of Marketing for DISH Network,
is excited to be on board with Roush Racing in 2007.
"DISH Network is thrilled to have the unique opportunity to sponsor
such an elite racing team," said Billman. "NASCAR is one of the most
popular sports in the country with millions of devoted fans, and we
believe it will be an exciting way for us to communicate the
unparalleled value DISH Network offers its customers."
About EchoStar Communications/DISH Network
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than
12.755 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), and
is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH
Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels,
Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together
with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. EchoStar
has been a leader for more than 25 years in satellite TV equipment sales
and support worldwide. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index
(NDX) and is a Fortune 500 company. Visit EchoStar's Web site at
www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
Roush Racing is a subsidiary of Livonia, Mich.-based Roush
Enterprises that operates 13 motorsports teams, five in NASCAR NEXTEL
Cup with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards
and David Ragan; five in the Busch Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards,
Ragan and Todd Kluever; and three in the Craftsman Truck Series with
Travis Kvapil, Erik Darnell and Peter Shepherd. For sponsorship
inquiries, contact Robin Johnson, Roush Racing, 704-720-4645.
CONTACT: DISH Network
Francie Bauer, 720-514-5351
press@echostar.com
or
Roush Racing
Nancy Padula, 704-720-4600
nmpadu@roushracing.com
SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation
