Castrol Signs Operation Bass Sponsorship for 2002

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Oct. 8, 2001) - Castrol, the world's leading lubrication
specialist, and Operation Bass Inc. jointly announced a new multi-year
sponsorship agreement that makes Castrol the official motor oil and cleaner
of Operation Bass' industry leading bass and walleye fishing tournament
programs.

Starting in 2002, Castrol will put a four-person fishing team on the water
in specially designed Castrol Ranger boats. The team will also sport
distinctive Chevy Silverado tow vehicles used during Wal-Mart FLW Tour
competitions featuring the world's best anglers and the sport's richest
awards. Through this sponsorship, which includes support of the EverStart
Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Circuit and Texas
Tournament Trail, Castrol is helping to fuel the nation's passion for
fishing with 169 tournaments that meet every skill level from weekend
warriors to world championship contenders.

"The opportunities here are enormous," said Keith Conlon, senior product
manager for Castrol. "There are 55 million people who fish each year. And
many of them are do-it-yourselfers or performance-minded enthusiasts who
insist on Castrol quality when changing their oil or having their vehicles
professionally serviced."

Castrol will be featured along with other Operation Bass sponsors on the
Wal-Mart FLW Tour television program, which features 24 weeks of live
broadcasts to more than 84 million households on PAX TV during the 2002
season-a first for the sport. The program will also feature a guaranteed
airtime of 3 p.m. (EST) on Saturdays over its entire 27-week schedule.
Additionally, Castrol's sponsorship includes signage at tournaments,
creation of a Castrol angler awards program, advertisements in Bass Fishing
magazine, inclusion in Operation Bass promotional and public relations
materials, and prominence on tour Web sites.

Significantly, Castrol will also be able to showcase its products in the
Family Fun Zone set up in the Wal-Mart parking lot during each FLW Tour
event. Each Fun Zone is open free to the public and features interactive
games and product displays that help sponsor companies build brand awareness
and loyalty with fishing's large fan base.

"Fishing is more popular than baseball, basketball, football, golf and
tennis. It's a family-oriented activity that people from all walks of life
can enjoy," said Irwin L. Jacobs, chairman of Operation Bass. "More than any
other sport, fishing is the nation's true national pastime. And we are proud
to introduce Castrol to our loyal family of sponsors. Castrol is a global
leader in the lubricant category with premium brands that people trust."

Castrol has long been the lubricant of choice for maximum protection. In
fact, the land speed record has been broken 21 times by vehicles using
Castrol lubricants, most recently in 1997 by Andy Green and his 763 mph
jet-powered ThrustSSC. Today the company continues its motorsports tradition
as a sponsor of 10-time National Hot Rod Association champion John Force and
the NHRA Junior Drag Racing League. Globally, Castrol is also involved in
Formula One racing, World Superbike competition and American Motocross
Association events.

Castrol offers several premium products including Castrol GTX, a
conventional oil that provides maximum protection against viscosity and
thermal breakdown; Castrol Syntec blend, a semi-synthetic that provides
added protection under severe driving conditions; and Castrol Syntec, a full
synthetic that is engineered to provide the ultimate in engine protection
and performance even under demanding conditions. In the marine category,
Castrol Super Outboard Oil is formulated for today's high-tech engines and
helps minimize spark plug fouling and carbon deposit build-up in exhaust
ports. Castrol Super Clean and its full line of cleaning/care products are
ideal for the toughest tasks.

In its 22-year history, Operation Bass has undergone eight major expansions
to become the only tournament organization to serve bass and walleye anglers
of all skill levels from coast to coast. Today the company is the world's
leader in bass tournament promotion, awarding anglers up to $21 million in
cash and prizes in 2002.

Sponsors of the 2001 Wal-Mart FLW Tour are ALPO Pet Foods, BFGoodrich Tires,
Black & Decker, Chevrolet,  Coleman, Conseco, Energizer, EverStart
Batteries, Frito-Lay, Fujifilm, Kellogg's, Land O'Lakes, Lowrance, Minn
Kota, Pepsi, Plano Tackle Systems, Poulan, Ranger Boats, Shop-Vac, Snickers
Cruncher Bar, Timex, US Bank, Visa, Wal-Mart, Weed Eater, Wrangler and
Yamaha Outboards. ACDelco spark plugs and oil filters, David sunflower
seeds, ACT II, Excalibur, Strike King and Eagle Claw and Daiwa are associate
sponsors of the 2001 tour.

For more information on Operation Bass and its tournament circuits, visit
www.operationbass.com or call 270-362-4880. For more information on Castrol
lubricants and cleaners or its entire line of innovative, premium products,
visit www.castrolusa.com.