MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 27, 2003) - FLW Outdoors and Castrol announced Wednesday a new addition to the 2003 FLW Tour Championship contingency programs. Castrol, the world's leading lubrication specialist, will present awards to the tournament's co-angler champion and the Wal-Mart FLW Tour Co-angler of the Year. The first-place award includes a $1,000 Wal-Mart gift card for the co-angler champion, with every participating angler receiving a gallon of Castrol's marine motor oil. A separate award presentation will take place for the Co-angler of the Year that includes a $2,500 Wal-Mart gift card and a year's supply of Castrol marine oil.
The $1,000 gift card will be awarded to the highest-placing participating co-angler at the championship. The Co-angler of the Year - Quint Bourgeois of Knoxville, Tenn. - was determined by 2003 Wal-Mart FLW Tour standings. Bourgeois will receive his prizes at the championship.
"These awards are meant to recognize all of the hardworking co-anglers who are an important part of the FLW Tour," explained Castrol spokesperson Tracy Curtis. "Fishing from the back of the boat can be challenging, especially for the many anglers who use this position as a steppingstone to turning pro. We are very happy to give co-anglers the recognition they deserve for their dedication to the sport and to support them on the road to success."
The FLW Tour World Championship of Bass Fishing and Outdoor Show will take place Sept. 10-13 in Richmond, Va. The winning pro will earn a record $500,000, the largest guaranteed award in the sport's history. Daily weigh-ins will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, where hundreds of exhibitors will offer great buys on everything from crankbaits to bass boats. The outdoor show will open daily at 1 p.m. with weigh-ins starting at 5 p.m.
Castrol will also present a contingency award program at the EverStart Series Championship to take place Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Gallatin, Tenn. The award includes a $500 Wal-Mart gift card and $500 worth of Castrol products to be presented to the winning pro angler. Participating anglers must be wearing a Castrol patch, provided by FLW Outdoors, to be eligible for the award. For complete rules and regulations, please visit FLWOutdoors.com.
Castrol's sponsorship program includes a team of anglers: David Dudley of Manteo, N.C.; Bobby Curtis of Siloam Springs, Ark.; and Darrel Robertson of Jay, Okla. Robertson and Dudley are past winners of the lucrative Ranger M1 tournament, having taken home top prizes of $600,000 and $700,000 cash, respectively.
The success story behind Castrol, one of the world's most renowned manufacturers of engine oil and industrial lubricants, has its origins in 19th-century England. Castrol, founded in the United Kingdom in 1899, has operated an accomplished North American division since 1954. The current American headquarters are located in Wayne, N.J. Castrol is owned by BP PLC. For more information about Castrol, visit Castrol.com.