Newell Rubbermaid Meets with Roush Racing and Winston Cup Driver Kurt Busch To Discuss Partnership, Accountability

ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2003 -- Representatives from Newell Rubbermaid Inc. , maker of Rubbermaid(R), Sharpie(R) and other leading consumer product brands, called a meeting with Roush Racing and Kurt Busch on Wednesday to discuss the company's expectations for its sponsorship of the No. 97 car after recent incidents and comments from the Winston Cup series driver.

Rubbermaid(R) and Sharpie(R), both power brands of Newell Rubbermaid, have been sponsors of the No. 97 team since 2001. Most recently, the company's tool brand, Irwin(R), has joined as a major sponsor.

"We arranged the discussion with Roush Racing and Kurt to express our disappointment, more closely align what we expect from the team in the future, as well as to confirm our commitment to them," said Eric Pinkham, director of corporate event marketing for Newell Rubbermaid. "We take great pride in our brands like Rubbermaid, Sharpie and Irwin and appreciate the people who make and use our products everyday. We value our employees, customers, and the fans and will ensure that our race team reflects our ideals -- to put the best product out there day-in and day-out.

"Our relationship with Kurt and Roush Racing is strong. We will be taking an active role with Roush Racing in helping Kurt get guidance and working closely in developing a mentoring program. This program includes scheduled meetings with Roush teammates and veteran competitors, so Kurt can learn from their years of racing experience -- both on and off the track. Kurt is a phenomenal driver with a lot of passion for the sport and has a great career ahead of him," Pinkham said.

"Kurt has the potential to be one of the best, and his approach to the fans, the media, other drivers and his sponsors will demonstrate that fact," said Jack Roush, team owner. "Rubbermaid, Sharpie and all the brands at Newell Rubbermaid are world-class and they should expect a world-class ambassador in Kurt Busch. Together with Rubbermaid, Sharpie and Irwin, we will work with Kurt to improve his relationships with the fans, the media and his competitors. There is a lot to be done, but I know Kurt will step up and put his best foot forward."

Busch, currently sixth in the Winston Cup points race, promised further accountability and a renewed commitment to his sponsors.

About Newell Rubbermaid

Newell Rubbermaid Inc. is a global marketer of consumer products with 2002 sales of over $7 billion and a powerful brand family including Sharpie(R), Paper Mate(R), Parker(R), Waterman(R), Colorific(R), Rubbermaid(R), Stain Shield(TM), Blue Ice(R), TakeAlongs(R), Roughneck(R), Brute(R), Calphalon(R), Little Tikes(R), Graco(R), Levolor(R), Kirsch(R), Shur-Line(R), BernzOmatic(R), Goody(R), Vise-Grip(R), Quick-Grip(R), IRWIN(R), Lenox(R), and Marathon(R). The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide.

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