Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Grant Lopez will appear at two locations in Phoenix Saturday as part of a charity promotion for Valvoline’s new line of motorcycle oil, being test-marketed in Phoenix-area Wal Mart stores.

A press release issued by Valvoline follows:

“VALLEY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF PHOENIX REV UP JUNE WITH VALVOLINE’S CARING HANDS PROGRAM

“Motorcyclists Invited to Spend the Day with Professional Race Champion Grant Lopez while Supporting Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters of Phoenix

“Phoenix, AZ, June 2: Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters of Phoenix and professional motorcyclist Grant Lopez will be at the Steel Horse Saloon (1768 West Bell Road/ 9:00 a.m./12:00 p.m.) and the Hard Rock Cafe (2621 East Camelback/1:00-4:00 p.m.) today to collect tire prints from motorcyclists.

“Valvoline will donate $10 for each tire print to Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters (up to $4,000!).

“All participating motorcyclists will receive a free hat or T-shirt as well as be eligible for Caring Hands prize raffle giveaways featuring tickets to the NASCAR Winston Cup race at the Phoenix International Raceway (Oct. 28, 2001), black leather Valvoline Racing jackets, and other items.

“‘In the past, the Caring Hands program collected handprint donations from all over Arizona,’ said Laura Capello, Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters director of community and corporate relations, ‘However, when we heard that motorcycle racing champion Grant Lopez was cruising into town, we decided to put a twist on our program, get the city’s motorcycle enthusiasts together and really have some fun.’

“Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters of Phoenix have been changing the lives of Arizona children for more than 40 years. It’s one of the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in the country with 1100 child/mentor matches and a waiting list of 500 kids in need. Events like this Caring Hands motorcycle rally help raise much needed awareness and dollars for this successful program while promoting the need for new adult mentors. All monies raised during this rally will help take children off the ever-growing waiting list and place them with adult mentors for years to come.

“‘Our program is simple,’ said Capello, ‘It’s about sharing your time with a child, having fun in the process and as a result, making a huge difference within your community.’

“Grant Lopez, winner of the 2000 Formula USA Unlimited Superbike Championship, will be signing autographs and encouraging motorcyclists to get involved within their community. For the past six years, Lopez has been with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki, winning the WERA National Challenge Series 1100, the WERA National Challenge Series 750cc Superstock, the 750cc Supersport National races at Road America and Loudon as well as many other world-class competitions to date.

“For years the motorcycle universe has held a sacred bond between their bikes and the freedom of the road. To help keep these treasured engines roaring for years to come, Valvoline has formulated a new line of premium base motorcycle-specific oils specially designed for peak performance.

“These oils are available at your local Wal-Mart stores while supplies last.

“The ‘Caring Hands’ program continues to be the most ambitious philanthropic endeavor ever undertaken by Valvoline in its 135-year career. The program started in 1999 with a $50,000 donation and a commitment to raise $1 million dollars and help recruit new adult mentors through various marketing initiatives for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

“To date, Valvoline’s Caring Hands program has raised more than $587,909 in two years as a result of trackside events, driver performances, Lube-A-Thons, the Valvoline Online Racing Auction and other community events around the country.

“The Valvoline Company, a division of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil company and is a leading innovator and supplier of quality, high performing automotive and industrial products in more than 140 countries. Best known for its lubricants, Valvoline also markets Eagle One appearance products, Zerex antifreeze, SynPower Performance Products and Pyroil automotive chemicals. The company also has a stake in the growing quick-lube market with its Valvoline Instant Oil Change unit. Valvoline is a member of the Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) family of companies. For more information, visit the
company’s Web site at www.valvoline.com.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have been the nationally recognized leader in youth mentoring for almost 100 years. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides meaningful mentoring relationships for millions of children through its more than 500 affiliated agencies reaching 5,000 communities. National research studies prove that children with a Big Brother or Big Sister have more positive attitudes towards school, achieve higher grades and have better school attendance. In addition, these children are less likely to use drugs and alcohol and exhibit violent behavior. For more information, visit the BBBSA Web site at www.bbbsa.org.”