BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Business Journal reported that a new partnership includes Paul Reed Smith Guitars, General Motors and Corvette Racing.

The paper reported the deal will put the Paul Reed Smith name on the new Corvette C6-R racecar during the 2005 race season and Corvette logos on custom-designed Paul Reed Smith guitars. Financial terms were not disclosed and the partnership runs through December.

The two companies said the fit was natural because both create premium, high-performance products -- and they have a mutual admiration for each other.

"We are Corvette owners and enthusiasts," said Paul Reed Smith Guitars' President Jack Higginbotham.

The Journal said corporate interest in racing sponsorships is growing as firms seek to tap into the brand loyalty and disposable income of racing fans. At the sport's highest levels, deals can be incredibly lucrative.

Dewalt, the power-tool division of Towson-based Black & Decker Corp., spends millions to lend its logo to NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth, and said it gets $40 million worth of television exposure in return.

Paul Reed Smith, based in Stevensville, Md., employs more than 150. Its guitars are used by musicians including Carlos Santana, Melissa Etheridge and Nils Lofgren.

Paul Reed Smith Guitars will unveil its new line of Corvette-inspired instruments at the international music products association's annual trade show in California later this month. They will also be on display at the Chevrolet Racing and Corvette Heritage Tour during the race season.

The guitars will be available through authorized Paul Reed Smith guitar dealers worldwide.

The C-6R racecar will make its American Le Mans Series debut in March.

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