-- Official Chocolate of NASCAR (M&M'S(R) Brand) -- Official Chocolate Bar of NASCAR (SNICKERS(R) Brand) -- Official Cheese-Filled Snack of NASCAR (COMBOS(R) Brand) -- Official Pet Food of NASCAR (PEDIGREE(R) Brand) "The relationship between Mars and NASCAR is a win-win," said SuzanneBeaudoin, vice president, Sponsorships and Sports Marketing, Mars NorthAmerica. "Whether tailgating at the Talladega infield or having friends overto watch qualifying at Bristol, Mars wants to be part of every raceexperience. Being an official NASCAR partner illustrates our dedication to thefans, our drivers and the sport, while driving brand affinity and excitementfor our brands."

The multi-year partnership aligns Mars with its existing contracts withJoe Gibbs Racing, continuing a relationship that began in 2008.

For 2009, Mars will continue to develop programs that build relationshipsdirectly with NASCAR fans, including continuing two of its popular programsthat let fans share their passion for NASCAR to the world. Brand highlightsinclude:

-- Now in its second year, M&M'S "The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR Contest" will launch at the Daytona 500 and run for 24 weeks. -- For dog lovers, the PEDIGREE brand will launch a new contest, PEDIGREE Brand presents THE LUCKIEST DOG(TM) of NASCAR(R), beginning in late April when the first of three cars sponsored by the PEDIGREE brand races at Talladega Superspeedway. -- Mars' COMBOS Brand will also leverage its NASCAR sponsorship with the new "Man Zone" on-pack promotion, visiting ten race tracks during the first half of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. -- SNICKERS Brand will promote its sponsorship at retail stores nationwide. "Mars is an important partner to NASCAR, whose many creative programsexcite our fans and help our sport to grow," said Jim O'Connell, vicepresident of Corporate Marketing for NASCAR. "Mars' commitment demonstratesthe enduring value of an official NASCAR partnership. The measurable returnthis position brings is particularly important in a challenging economy whenevery marketing dollar must provide maximum value. With a fan base thatactively supports the companies making the sport go, NASCAR sponsorship worksfor companies like Mars, and many other leading brands recommitting to NASCARduring difficult economic times."

While Mars has been involved in NASCAR for nearly 20 years -- with avariety of Mars brands sponsoring various teams -- the company officiallyteamed with the sport's sanctioning body in 2003. The 2008 season washighlighted by the success of Kyle Busch in the No. 18 M&M'S Toyota with JoeGibbs Racing, which banked eight wins, 17-top five and 21 top-10 finishes inthe NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

For more information about Mars' relationship with NASCAR, visithttp://www.mms.com/us/racing.

About Mars North America:

Mars North America is the United States food, snack and pet careoperations of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's leading foodmanufacturers. With more than $7 billion in annual sales in the U.S., thecombined food, snack and pet care segments are a symbol of excellence forquality brands. Headquartered in Mt Olive, New Jersey, Mars North Americaemploys more than 15,000 associates in the United States, with 72 facilitiesnationwide. The company owns some of the world's favorite brands, includingM&M'S(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, WRIGLEY'S SPEARMINT(R), UNCLE BEN'S(R)Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats.Please visit http://www.mars.com

(R)/TM Trademarks (C) Mars, Incorporated 2008. The NASCAR(R) trademark isused with permission.

SOURCE Mars North America