Jeff Burton, AT And T, Childress Racing Reach Contract Extension Through 2010

Welcome, N.C. (AHN) - While the battle between AT and T and NASCAR continues, Richard Childress Racing made the most of NEXTEL's communications rival's recent up hill swing. Jeff Burton, Richard Childress Racing, and AT and T all agreed to stay together thru 2010.

On Monday, Richard Childress Racing announced that RCR, Jeff Burton and AT and T had struck a three-year deal to stay in the Nextel Cup Series. Jeff Burton has been in that No.31 ride since 2004.

"I'm really excited about AT and T extending their involvement with RCR. They've been a great company to work with," said Jeff Burton. "My enthusiasm about what we are doing at RCR is as high as it's ever been."

RCR owner, Richard Childress was also happy to have the contract negotiations out of the way as they moved forward.

"Jeff has been an important piece of the puzzle since he arrived at RCR. He's helped our entire organization since that time and will continue in that role," Childress said. "He's a true professional, whether it's with his crew or with sponsors, so we're very pleased to have him signed to a new long-term contract."

NASCAR hasn't exactly welcomed AT and T with open arms. AT and T has been in a legal battle with the biggest racing organization in America and recently won their case, which now allows the communications company to take over sponsorship of Jeff Burton's machine.

Cingular Wireless, who sponsored Jeff Burton over the past three seasons, were bought out by AT and T last year. NASCAR grandfathered all wireless companies that were already in the sport after signing NEXTEL as it's long term series sponsor and wouldn't allow an AT and T logo on Jeff Burton's car until a court ruled in AT and T's favor over a month ago.

Although NASCAR has filed a counter suit, AT and T is ecstatic to have their NEXTEL Cup plans in place for three years with RCR and Jeff Burton.

"As long-time supporters of racing and its fans, we are very pleased to continue our involvement with the sport as a team sponsor in the wireless category," said Dave Garver of AT and T. "We've enjoyed our relationship with Jeff and RCR, and look forward to continuing to work with them through many more winning seasons."

Meanwhile, Jeff Burton has already won once this year, with a victory at the Texas Motor Speedway. He has posted two career NEXTEL Cup wins for RCR and accumulated five top fives in 15 races this season.

Jeff Burton has never won a championship, but he does have over 450 starts and 19 career wins in the sport.

This weekend, Jeff Burton will head to Sonoma, California for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Jeff Burton has two top ten finishes at the Infineon Raceway over the last three visits to the track.

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