Caterpillar to sponsor the 31 car beginning in 2009

Caterpillar Inc. and Richard Childress Racing have agreed to a multi-year partnership for the No. 31 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton beginning with the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season.

Burton, a 20-time winner in Cup Series competition, is currently second in the 2008 point standings with one victory, four top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in the season's first 15 races. The No. 31 team has made the Chase the past two seasons, finishing seventh in 2006 and eighth last year.

"To represent a well-known global brand like Caterpillar is an honor," team owner Richard Childress said. "Cat products have played a big part over the decades in construction projects at RCR, Childress Vineyards and Yadkin River Angus. Jeff and I look forward to meeting the Cat dealers and customers who loyally follow NASCAR racing."

The 2009 season will mark Caterpillar's 17th year of sponsorship in NASCAR. It will also be Richard Childress' 40th anniversary in the sport.

"Success in the highly competitive environment of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series requires substantially greater levels of technology and investment than even a few years ago," said Jim Parker, vice president of Caterpillar's North American Commercial Division. "Joining Richard Childress and his team matches two organizations that share common values, as well as high levels of success. I'm confident this new partnership will excite Caterpillar's customers, dealers and employees."

Caterpillar has been the primary sponsor for the Bill Davis Racing No. 22 car since 1999, and went to Victory Lane four times with driver Ward Burton.

"Caterpillar and Bill Davis Racing have enjoyed a long and successful partnership throughout the last 10 seasons, and we are proud of everything we've accomplished together, including wins in both the Daytona 500 and Southern 500," team owner Bill Davis said. "This is an exciting time for our team, and we are looking forward to the future."

The No. 22 car, currently driven by Dave Blaney, remains in the 29th spot in Cup owner points. The team, led by veteran crew chief Tommy Baldwin, picked up 10 positions during the course of five events and has posted two top-10 finishes and six finishes of 22nd or better in the past eight races.

An announcement regarding a second Bill Davis Racing car for 2009, the No. 23 Sprint Cup Toyota, will take place in the coming weeks.