Cementing a relationship formed in 2004, Jasper Engines and Transmissions and Orleans Racing are pleased to announce a sponsor partnership for the 2005 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign.

The new partnership puts Jasper Engines and Transmissions on the #77 Orleans Racing Dodge, which will be piloted by Brendan Gaughan. The partnership is not limited to vehicle sponsorship as a technology alliance between the Indiana based engine and transmission remanufacturer and the Las Vegas based race team has been formed.

Sponsorship for the #77 Jasper Engines and Transmissions Dodge will encompass 18 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events while the technology exchange will touch all of Orleans Racing’s on-track programs for 2005.

"We're excited about the opportunity to work with Brendan,” said Doug Bawel, President of Jasper Engines and Transmissions. “He did a super job with our customers and our staff and we're looking forward to winning races in the 2005 season."

"Brendan has won truck races in the past and we look forward to partnering with him for many more,” added Jasper’s Vice President of Sales, Zach Bawel. “Our Associates and customers have enjoyed our relationship this past year and we look to build on this in the future. Brendan is a competitor and I know he will be in the Winner's Circle soon."

The owner of Orleans Racing, Michael Gaughan, appreciates the energy that this new partnership brings to his race team. "Having someone with the quality of Jasper Engines and Transmissions sponsor our #77 Orleans Racing Dodge is certainly quite an honor,” notes Gaughan on this new relationship with Jasper Engines and Transmissions. “We know that they'll enjoy the Craftsman Truck Series as much we do as this is the series where most of the racing takes place.

“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship and hope to see our new friends from Jasper in victory lane very soon."

Driver Brendan Gaughan is excited to be able to continue to grow what was started in 2004.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to partner with some great sponsors since I’ve been racing --- and this partnership with Doug and Zach Bawel continues that trend,” said Gaughan on his ongoing relationship with Jasper. “If you look at some of my sponsors we’ve got relationships that go back close to 20 years. We expect this relationship with Jasper Engines and Transmissions to follow that same pattern.”

And Gaughan looks forward to continue representing the Jasper Engines and Transmissions installer network. “I enjoyed working with all the people at Jasper Engines and Transmissions in 2004”, says Gaughan, “and to be able to build on that relationship is certainly exciting.”

The #77 Jasper Engine and Transmissions, Orleans Dodge will make its debut in the Dodge Dealers 250, which takes place February 18th at Daytona International Superspeedway.

from TruckSeries.com