Nemechek Pays Tribute to UAW-Delphi Partners

ATHENS, Ala. (Feb. 26, 2003) – The beginning of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series season is always a busy time for the teams of Hendrick Motorsports, with preparations being made and race cars being built, but Joe Nemechek recently took a day to say thank-you to some very important people -- the men and women of UAW-Delphi. Nemechek, driver of the No. 25 UAW-Delphi Chevrolet, kicked off the team’s “Winner’s Circle” program on Tuesday, paying a visit to more than 2,500 UAW-represented employees of Plants 21 and 23 at Delphi’s Saginaw Steering Systems facility in Athens, Ala. “Many of these folks will never have the opportunity to see a Winston Cup race,” Nemechek said. “So we thought it would be fun to bring the race track to Athens and show them how valuable they are. Their support is so essential to what we do and it’s important that they know how much we appreciate it.” The Athens visit was the first of more than 20 appearances Nemechek will make to UAW-Delphi facilities throughout the United States in 2003. The driver will be accompanied to each date by the No. 25 UAW-Delphi Chevrolet Monte Carlo show car and the team’s souvenir transporter, where employees are entitled to discounts on merchandise. “The enthusiasm was through the roof,” said Nemechek, who signed hundreds of autographs during the Athens visit. “I’m really looking forward to meeting all my UAW-Delphi partners throughout the country. The first one was a great experience and I can’t wait for the rest.” Tuesday’s program began with tours of Plants 21 and 23, followed by a question-and-answer session and awards presentation. As a thank-you to the facility, Nemechek presented Winner’s Circle trophies to UAW local chairman Howard Green and plant manager John Stanley. Prizes, including autographed die-cast cars and a Delphi XM SKYFi satellite radio, were given away, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October. The Saginaw Steering Systems facility has achieved an exemplary safety record and was recently awarded the Green Cross Award by the National Safety Council.