Jeff Gordon Racing School will use welding and cutting equipment from Lincoln Electric.

CLEVELAND - Lincoln Electric Co. has announced plans to partner with the Jeff Gordon Racing School to supply welding and cutting equipment, as well as technical training and welding application support.

The company is already a sponsor of the Mario Andretti Racing School.

"We are extremely excited to align our brand with two of the biggest names in racing and I am confident we will make a formidable team," said Phillip Fulgenzi, director of motor sports marketing for Lincoln Electric.

The school started operations at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., and will expand to multiple NASCAR speedways in 2006. The racing school cars will be cars actually raced by top NASCAR drivers.

"Jeff Gordon Racing School is very proud to be associated with Lincoln Electric," said Robert Lutz, president and CEO of Driving 101, the parent company of both the Jeff Gordon and Mario Andretti racing schools. "We share their commitment to excellence and providing customers with the best products in the industry. Lincoln Electric products are vital to our daily operations and consistently exceed our expectations for quality, durability and functionality."