ATLANTA, May 18 (UPI) -- Telephone giant AT&T Friday received permission to put its logo on Nextel Cup drive Jeff Burton's No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.
U.S. District Judge Marvin Shoob in Atlanta granted a preliminary injunction that allows AT&T to use its logo at Saturday night's Nextel All-Star Challenge in Concord, N.C.
Cingular has sponsored Burton's vehicle since 2001, and was allowed to continue its sponsorship when Nextel -- a telecommunications competitor -- become the series' title sponsor.
After AT&T and Bell South merged in December, the Cingular name was phased out and AT&T wanted to change the team's logo. NASCAR refused and AT&T went to court.
In a statement, NASCAR said: "NASCAR is disappointed with today's ruling, but will continue to provide a sponsor-friendly environment for the industry and its partners. NASCAR is weighing any and all options for appeal of today's decision. Meanwhile, NASCAR will continue to protect the industry from actions designed to interrupt a business model which has been beneficial to all."
