Snap-on Tools Dragster Team Honors Veteran Marines; Doug Herbert and Team Pay Tribute to Veterans of the War in Iraq Throughout 2005 NHRA POWERade Season

KENOSHA, Wis., Mar 29, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- From Pomona, Calif., to Bristol, Tenn., Joliet, Ill., and back to Pomona, Doug Herbert, the pilot of Snap-on's Top Fuel Dragster, and his team are making a difference to Marine war veterans across the country.

Herbert and his Snap-on Tools team will be hosting a number of active Marine personnel at various races throughout the season, inviting the personnel and veterans to become honorary pit crew members for the weekend. As part of the recognition, each honorary crew member and a guest also receives hospitality access, a personalized behind-the-scenes tour of the Snap-on Tools racing program and a complimentary special-edition micro-tool chest and other keepsakes from Snap-on.

"It's a privilege and honor to have these young heroes join us at the races," said Herbert. "These men and women deserve all our thanks and praise. We couldn't be out here racing cars and doing what we love if not for the commitment and hard work of these Marines."

The program started in 2004 when United States Marine Corps Major Philip Toretti began writing NHRA.com writer Rob Geiger while he was fighting in the Middle East in 2003-2004. They soon realized Toretti was the Commanding Officer of one of Geiger's college friends. This, and their mutual love of drag racing, made them fast friends. After consecutive six-month deployments in hostile zones, Toretti was able to come home and Geiger invited him to any drag race he wanted to attend. Geiger then contacted Doug Herbert, who made the returning veteran his honorary crew chief for a race.

Toretti and Herbert are now extending this warm homecoming to Toretti's fellow Marines returning in 2005.

"All of the Marines that will be joining us this year have served combat missions. This is our way to let them know we support them and we're glad they made a safe return home," said Herbert. "I want everyone at the races throughout the spring and summer to stop by the Snap-on pit and tell these guys how much we appreciate what they do for our country."

According to Carl Johanson, Snap-on Motorsports marketing manager, programs such as the Marines recognition extend Snap-on's involvement in Motorsports. Snap-on has been involved in racing for more than 70 years, having a presence with the sport that dates back to the 1930s. The current motorsports program was introduced in the early 1980s through an association with four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears. From there, the program has grown to include support for some of the sport's most popular and successful teams such as Richard Childress Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Doug Herbert Racing, Team A.S.E., Penske Racing, Team Pedregon, Ganassi Racing and series like the Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League.

Snap-on participates in motorsports because the same tools used every weekend at the track are the ones professional technicians use every day in the shop. Snap-on dealers and customers share a unique passion for motorsports and the thrill-a-minute excitement it delivers.

Snap-on Inc. (NYSE:SNA) is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchisee dealer van, distributor channels and company direct sales, including snapon.com. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2 billion-plus, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis., and employing approximately 12,000 worldwide.

SOURCE: Snap-on Tools

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide for Snap-on Tools
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