Masterfoods USA announced Friday that David Gilliland will be the new driver for its M&M’S Chocolate Candies sponsored entry in the Nextel Cup series effective immediately.

Gilliland will be behind the wheel of the M&M’S #38 Ford for the remainder of the 2006 season and will compete full-time on the Nextel Cup circuit beginning in 2007, the first year of a three year agreement between the driver and Yates Racing. Todd Parrott returns as crew chief of the #38 this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.

“We are proud to announce David as the driver for M&M’S Chocolate Candies,” said William Clements, director of Sponsorships and Sports Marketing for Masterfoods USA. “NASCAR fans, like M&M’S consumers, are extremely loyal and passionate and we are excited to continue our partnership with the Yates family. Our 39,000 associates worldwide welcome David to the Mars, Incorporated family and look forward to seeing him behind the wheel of our colorful M&M’S Ford.”

“It’s great to welcome David to our organization,” said Doug Yates, who will be listed as the team owner of the #38 beginning in 2007. “His track record is impressive and with his drive and dedication, he’s a great fit for the M&M’S Team. We are also excited to have Todd Parrott return as the leader of the #38 Team. We believe his knowledge partnered with David’s ability is the right combination to return our team to the front of the field.”

(Elevation Group PR)

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