CANTON, Ohio, Feb 07, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) to become an official technical partner of the NASCAR racing organization. The partnership, which provides product development and technical engineering support, will be leveraged across JGR's multiple team operations in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, Busch Grand National Series and Craftsman Truck Series.

For the last two years, Timken has worked collaboratively with the JGR engineering team to develop and test technologies that improve the car's powertrain performance, delivering longer life, improved fuel economy and higher horsepower availability. Products like specialty steels from the company's Latrobe, Pa., operations and Timken(R) RacePac(TM), an integrated hub and bearing assembly specially designed for NASCAR teams, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to safety, reliability and high performance for the motorsports industry.

"Timken's long history in the sport and innovative expertise in the management of friction provides our race operations with high-performing, competitive cars each and every weekend," said J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR. "We truly value our Timken partnership as it continues to deliver results, from our shop and testing facility straight through to on-track performance."

"Our shared commitment to innovating solutions, leveraging teamwork and executing is what makes our partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing so successful. Those common values are a critical component to the winning formula that produces championship-caliber performance at the track," said Alastair R. Deane, Timken senior vice president - technology. "Our involvement in the sport translates into the creation of real value for our automotive, industrial and steel customers, as we leverage track-tested technology to solve critical friction-management and power-transmission problems."

About Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing, one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR with three Nextel Cup championships to their credit since 2000, fields teams in the Nextel Cup, Busch Grand National and Craftsman Truck Series. The Huntersville, N.C.-based organization is owned by legendary NFL Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs.

About Team Timken Motorsports

For innovative, high-performance racing components and industry-leading technical support, the world of motorsports turns to Timken. Our superior engineering and innovative products make Timken(R) bearings and steel a trusted choice of the most popular touring series, racing professionals and enthusiasts at all levels. Championships are won with Timken products.

The Timken Company has technical affiliations with the National Association of Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) and one of its preeminent race teams, Joe Gibbs Racing. The company also is a proud sponsor of Rahal Letterman Racing in the Indy Racing League, Team Epsilon Euskadi of the Renault World Series in Europe and is an official partner of the Formula BMW Asia Series.

About The Timken Company

The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR, www.timken.com) keeps the world turning, with innovative ways to make customers' products run smoother, faster and more efficiently. Timken's highly engineered bearings, alloy steels and related products and services turn up everywhere. With operations in 27 countries, sales of $5.2 billion in 2005 and 27,000 employees, Timken is Where You Turn™ for better performance.

Media Contact: Jeff Dafler, Manager - Global Media & Government Relations, Telephone: (330) 471-3514, or Facsimile: (330) 471-7032, orjeff.dafler@timken.com; or Investor Contact: Steve Tschiegg, Manager - Investor Relations, Telephone: (330) 471-7446, or Facsimile: (330) 471-2797, orsteve.tschiegg@timken.com

SOURCE The Timken Company 
 

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