Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC (MPC), today announced that the Company has signed a two-year contract with Petty Enterprises LLC.  The contract, covering the 2007 and 2008 NASCAR racing seasons, sponsors the #45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge driven by Kyle Petty.

“Continuing to partner with the legendary Richard Petty and his race team brings a great deal of added value to Marathon’s NASCAR sponsorship,” said Mary Ellen Peters, MPC senior vice president, Marketing.  “During the 2006 season, Kyle Petty had a series of top-25 finishes. He ended the season solidly in the top 35 in owner’s points.  We are really excited about the sponsorship and we are looking forward to the upcoming season and what lies ahead for the #45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge.

The #45 car will carry the Marathon Brand as the primary sponsor for 14 races:

Bristol Motor Speedway (March 25)  Texas Motor Speedway (April 15) Martinsville Speedway (April 1 & October 21) Darlington Raceway (May 12) Michigan International Speedway (June 17 & August 19) Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 29)

Pocono Raceway (August 5) Watkins-Glen International Speedway (August 12) Richmond International Raceway (September 8)  Talladega Superspeedway (October 7) Atlanta Motor Speedway (October 28) Homestead-Miami Speedway (November 18)

“We can’t thank Marathon enough for their added support in 2007,” said Kyle Petty, driver of the #45 Marathon Dodge Charger.  “Marathon’s primary sponsorship of more races shows increased confidence in our commitment to winning at Petty Enterprises.  We’re proud to partner with Marathon in NASCAR.  We are looking forward to their partnership in the years to come.”   

01/23/07