PRUDHOMME REORGANIZATION STATEMENT

Don Prudhomme Racing announced today its plans for the 2008 NHRA Powerade drag racing series season which will include two-time top fuel champion driver Larry Dixon behind the wheel of the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. Top Fuel dragster.

Having first partnered with Don Prudhomme Racing in 1987, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) returns for its 21st season with Snake Racing in 2008. Next season will see U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company's participation in the top fuel dragster category for the first time since Don Prudhomme's 1994 'Final Strike' retirement season driving the Skoal Bandit Dragster.

For Dixon, his relationship with USSTC has now come full circle. Dixon began working for Snake Racing in 1988 as a crew member for Prudhomme's Skoal Bandit funny car operation. Now, 20 years later, it is Dixon who will be piloting the U.S. Smokeless car.

Dixon, currently no. 2 in the 2007 NHRA point standings, began his driving career in 1995 with the backing of Miller Brewing Company for 11 seasons and two championships (2002-2003) before this year's association with SkyTel, which will not be returning to the NHRA in 2008.

Current crew chiefs Donnie Bender and Todd Smith, as well as nearly the entire roster of Dixon's crew members will remain intact for next season.

Don Prudhomme's Skoal Racing funny car team, driven by Tommy Johnson, Jr. will finish out the year with this season's final race at Pomona. After this weekend's race, the funny car operation will begin a reorganization with plans to return to competition once new sponsorship has been secured. Johnson remains under contract with Snake Racing in 2008 however he will have the option of exploring new driving opportunities.

"Tommy, (crew chief) Mike Green and the entire Skoal Racing crew have worked very hard for us for many years and I want to thank them for their efforts," said team owner Don Prudhomme. "They are a talented group of people who I am sure will find success in the future. I felt the best decision was to partner our strongest supporter, U.S. Smokeless, with our strongest race team. I want to thank U.S. Smokeless for the loyalty and support they have shown us, as well as their support of NHRA drag racing, all these years. I am confident that aligning them with Larry and our dragster team will provide them the success that they deserve.”
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