Valvoline™ announces exciting partnership with Padgett's Motorcycle Racing Team

BARENDRECHT, the Netherlands - Valvoline, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH), today announced it has entered into a title sponsorship agreement with the Padgett's Motorcycles Racing team. This new team, Valvoline Racing by Padgett's Motorcycles, with their legendary riders John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey, will compete in the iconic Isle of Man TT, the North West 200, the Ulster GP and the International Gold Event in Scarborough.

The multi-year sponsorship agreement is designed to reinforce Valvoline's brand in the motorcycle racing world, by working closely with a partner that shares the same passion for top-level performance and hands-on expertise.

"Motorcycle road racing is an extremely valuable way for Valvoline to demonstrate its superior product technology under demanding race conditions," said Dr. Simon Cupples, Valvoline managing director of strategic accounts and affiliate business units. "The motorcycle market is an important growth area for us, and we share a rich history and passion for racing with the Padgett's team. Padgett's dedication to exceptional service and commitment to excellence makes them an ideal partner to reflect the Valvoline brand values."

Road races do not use specially built motorcycles, but tuned stock machinery. "Using leading Valvoline lubricant technology under extreme race conditions is very relevant to modern road bikes, as it demonstrates key features such as protection, power output, cleanliness and overall performance, all vital elements for riders today", explained Cupples.

A perfect match - Valvoline and Padgett's passion for racing
With its long track record of competing at the highest levels of road racing, Padgett's racing experience is highly regarded in the motorbike-racing world. In fact, the Padgett's team can claim the rare honor of having taken Isle of Man TT wins in every decade since the 1960s.

"We're really thrilled to bits to be working with Valvoline and to be part of their push throughout Europe to be involved in bikes and racing," said Clive Padgett, managing director of Padgett's. "This is a great opportunity for both companies to move into a new era together and for Padgett's to continue a long history of association with great companies which will undoubtedly result in our unrivalled success continuing."

"Valvoline is a progressive company with a huge history of technical excellence and Padgett's is really pleased to be a part of that."

John McGuinness, world famous Isle of Man TT rider, is looking forward to the cooperation with Valvoline: "I love this time of year when I look forward to getting on my new machine. I have to say this year is a bit special and that I'll be getting on my new Valvoline by Padgett's Honda and I can't wait to start testing. The bikes look great and I'm looking forward to winning with Clive and Valvoline and to continuing the success."

About Valvoline
Valvoline is a leading, worldwide producer and distributor of premium-branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants and car-care products. It markets Valvoline™ lubricants and automotive chemicals; MaxLife™ lubricants for cars with higher mileage engines; NextGen™ motor oil, created with 50-percent recycled, re-refined oil; SynPower™ synthetic motor oil; Eagle One™ automotive appearance products; and Zerex™ antifreeze.

About Ashland Inc.
In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our four commercial units - Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials and Valvoline.

™Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media Relations
Jennifer Knoblach
+31 (0)10 497 5529
jknoblach@ashland.com