CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Channellock is jumping into its 10th year as a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Busch Series by teaming up with Robert Yates Racing and driver Kasey Kahne for 21 races in 2002.

The No. 98 Channellock Ford will make its debut with Kahne behind the wheel at the North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, N.C., on Feb. 23.

Kahne, 21, comes from a dirt track background similar to Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.

Kahne took the wheel of his first sprint car at the age of 14 and has accumulated over 46 wins, three championships and a rookie of the year title in just seven years.

“I have worked hard to move up through the ranks, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to drive for Robert Yates Racing and Channellock,” Kahne said. “Robert is one of the best owners to be associated with."

This season also marks RYR's first year in the NASCAR Busch Series. While fielding two competitive cars in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Yates is teaming up with Ford Racing to start a new venture with Kahne.

"We at Ford are very excited about this opportunity for Kasey and for Robert Yates Racing," said Dan Davis, Director of Ford Racing Technology. "It’s no secret that we've been looking for an opportunity for Kasey to move up to the next level of racing, and the fact that Robert was willing to step up and do a Busch series program for the first time, and Channellock was willing to come in as a sponsor on short notice made this a very attractive opportunity for all the parties involved.

“We’re committed to continuing with a young drivers’ development program at Ford, and this is a great example of what kind of opportunities are out there for an up-and-coming driver when you have the kind of teams we’re associated with in racing. We see this as a perfect fit for both Kasey and Robert Yates Racing.”

Within it’s 10 years of primary sponsorship, Channellock topped the charts by winning the 1993 Busch title with Steve Grissom behind the wheel, and has accumulated four wins.

“We are excited to mark our 10th year in the NASCAR Busch Series with the beginning of the new Robert Yates team,” said John Strizzi, Channellock Marketing Manager. “Kasey Kahne is a young, up-and-coming driver and Channellock is proud to sponsor the No. 98 Ford Taurus in 2002.”