11.AUG
Blair Racing Finishes 9th at Kentucky

SPARTA, Ky. (August 11, 2002) - Rayovac Blair Racing driver Alex Barron of San Diego, Calif. finished ninth today.

Alex Barron commented earlier in the weekend that pit stops were key today - and they were.

Entering the twelfth race of the season fifth in the drivers' championship standings, Blair Racing and its driver, Barron, looked to continue its consistent stretch of top-ten finishes. The Kentucky countryside was hot, humid and sunny today with the grandstands almost filled to capacity. This was the first visit to the 1.5-mile, tri-oval track for Barron and the Blair team. Barron started 16th for 200 lap event in the 25 car field. The Rayovac driver charged at the start, passing six cars moving into tenth. Barron had made a comment earlier in the weekend that pit stops were key today - and they were. The Blair pit crew moved up positions on every pit stop today; they were all smooth and flawless. The 300 mile event thrilled the crowd with close racing action. Barron and the Chevrolet/Dallara was powerful, passing cars on every restart. Today's 9th place finish gives the Indianapolis based team nine top-ten finishes with Barron remaining fifth in the drivers standings.

"It was a long race today," said Barron. "We worked hard all weekend on the set up and we did not have it exact for qualifying. We made some changes today for the race and moved up at the start, in the pits and on the restarts. I knew that to move ahead we had to be good in the pits and the guys did a great job on all of the stops. We're still 5th in points with three races left; the remaining races are very critical to the championship. We stayed in fifth, but what really counted today and will count is where the drivers' in front of us finish. We have to stay focused on the remaining races."

The series continues August 25; at Gateway International Raceway. The 1.25 mile, oval is located only five minutes from downtown St. Louis. The race airs live on ESPN at 3:00 p.m. (EDT). The thirteenth race of the season will also air live on the IMS Radio Network. The IRL's official website can help you locate a radio station near you; it also has live timing and scoring at www.indyracing.com.

Powerful facts about Rayovac: Rayovac is one of the world's leading battery and lighting device companies. Rayovac also markets the number-one selling rechargeable brand of battery in the U.S. with nearly a 70 percent share. In addition, the company is the world leader in hearing aid batteries with a 60 percent worldwide share. Rayovac trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ROV symbol. Rayovac markets a variety of batteries including alkaline and heavy duty batteries; lithium coin cells; zinc air hearing aid batteries; and rechargeable alkaline and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and chargers. The company also markets a broad line of battery-operated flashlights and lanterns. More information about Rayovac can be found at www.rayovac.com.

www.BlairRacing.com keeps fans up-to-date with all the latest team news and information.