Sunoco will replace Union 76 as the official fuel of NASCAR's top three series, beginning next season.
Sunoco will supply all the fuel used in NASCAR's Winston Cup - which will become the Nextel Cup in 2004 - Busch and Craftsman Truck series.
NASCAR planned to make the announcement today at Michigan International Speedway.
ConocoPhillips, owner of longtime fuel supplier Union 76, informed NASCAR it would not continue the relationship because of a shift in its marketing strategy and focus after the merger of the two companies last year.
The 76 brand was NASCAR's official fuel for more than 40 years.
AP reported several companies were interested in replacing 76, but NASCAR chose the Sunoco brand "because of its longtime racing involvement, supplying fuel for about 30 different racing series."
The deal with Sunoco is "long-term," but details were not available.
STRATEGIC THINKING: More than half of the 22 Cup races this season have been won by teams that have managed their fuel economy or track position - or both - the best.
"I believe you're seeing more races won on fuel mileage today than you used to, mainly because guys are figuring the fuel mileage (better), hoping to make it on the minimum number of stops," Ken Schrader said.
"By pitting the minimum number of times, and having a good car, this will give them the track position they need to compete for the win. The importance of track position has made fuel mileage important."
Michigan is a track that lends itself to that strategy.
"Because it's wide and fast, Michigan often becomes a fuel-mileage race," Schrader said. "Knowing this as a driver, you can approach it a bit differently. You're more conscious of how you get on and off the throttle. So, you're able to conserve gas that way."
CANADIAN GP DROPPED: The Canadian Grand Prix will not be on 2004 Formula One schedule, series head Bernie Ecclestone confirmed.
Last week race organizers said Ecclestone told them in a letter the race was to be dropped because of a ban on tobacco advertising in Canada that goes into effect in October.
Ecclestone initially denied the claim, but he issued a statement Thursday saying the Montreal event would be scrapped.
