North Carolina fights for continued sponsorship of Winston Cup Updated Nov. 17, 1998 11:30 p.m. ET CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Court TV) -- North Carolina Attorney General Mike Easley ensured Monday's tobacco settlement would allow for RJR's ongoing sponsorship of the Winston Cup auto racing series, calling it "important to the economy of the state." As part of the settlement, only one tobacco brand-name sponsorship is permitted. However, RJR could use its corporate name in other sponsorships. "Everybody gets one brand-name sponsorship," Easley said, "so I have been talking with officials at RJR to make certain they would be able to keep the Winston Cup series. ... I have stayed in touch with (RJR) officials I knew to find out what they required to be in the settlement to keep that sponsorship.'' R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. would be allowed to continue its title sponsorship of NASCAR's premier racing series under the proposed settlement with state attorneys general. RJR currently uses tobacco products to sponsor events like the National Hot Rod Association's drag racing series and the Vantage Senior Championship golf tournament. Sponsorships for the Winston Racing Series at small race tracks would be allowed for up to three years or until any contract signed before Aug. 1 expires, whichever comes first. The Associated Press contributed to this report.