Past NASCAR Sponsorship News

The News Below

Oct. 29, 2005:

Reese's to be primary sponsor for 12 races for #29: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced that GM Goodwrench and The Hershey Company have joined forces as co-primary sponsors of RCR's #29 Chevy driven by Kevin Harvick in 2006. GM Goodwrench will be the primary sponsor for 24 races, including the Daytona 500. The Hershey Company, through its Reese's brand, will be the primary sponsor for 12 races, including the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We see this as a great opportunity to extend our NASCAR program with a brand like REESE'S," said Jim Moloney, General Director, GM Service and Parts Operations Marketing. "We have had a relationship with The Hershey Company through our involvement with Richard Childress Racing for five years now and it continues to grow and prosper. When we analyzed our GM Goodwrench sponsorship program, we saw a great opportunity to reach a much larger demographic audience by teaming up with The Hershey Company. While it may be strange for fans to see the #29 Chevrolet without GM Goodwrench as the lone primary sponsor, the opportunity for additional exposure generated by REESE'S is too good to pass up." (RCR PR)

Georgia Pacific and Hendrick: Georgia-Pacific on Friday announced a multi-year agreement to put its Sparkle brand of paper towels on the #24 Chevrolet of four-time champion Jeff Gordon, beginning in 2006. Sheila Weidman, vice president of corporate communications and marketing for Georgia-Pacific, said the associate sponsorship deal will not take away from its other NASCAR sponsorships, including qualifying night at Atlanta Motor Speedway's fall race, as well as primary sponsorship of Kyle Petty's #45 Brawny Dodge. G-P also is a sponsor of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. (AMS Pit Notes)

Oct. 27, 2005:

AAA to sponsor Martin in 2006:  AAA will become the primary sponsor of Roush Racing's flagship No. 6 Nextel Cup Ford starting in 2006. In addition, veteran driver Mark Martin will extend his 'Salute To You' Tour and return to pilot the car for one more year in 2006, with Todd Kluever set to take over the reigns from Martin in 2007, Roush Racing announced today.  In 2006, Martin will drive the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion and then give way to Kluever in 2007. During the 2005 Nextel Cup Series, the AAA Auto Club Group was a primary sponsor of Carl Edwards' No. 99 car. This experience gave AAA valuable first-hand knowledge of the benefits of participating in NASCAR with the Roush Racing team "I'm very excited to work with AAA," said Kluever. "It's great to see them move into a full-time sponsorship with Mark and the No. 6 car next year and then with me in 2007. It's a dream come true for me and it's great to have people here at Roush Racing and AAA that believe in me and I'm very excited about the opportunity. "I consider the No. 6 car to be one of the top-five most legendary cars in NASCAR history. I don't think that anybody will be able to replace Mark Martin. He has big shoes to fill, but I'll do my best to try. It's just very exciting to be in that No. 6 car and to be partnered with a great organization like AAA." Kluever won Roush Racing's famed 'Gong Show' in 2004. He is currently amongst his first year of racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he is 14th in the points. Kluever has posted six top-five and nine top-10 finishes in 20 races during his rookie season. (Roush Racing PR)

Oct. 7, 2005:

Stremme lands sponsor: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced that partner GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare will increase its support of the team by sponsoring David Stremme in two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races in 2005. GSK's product, Commit stop smoking lozenges, will adorn Stremme's #39 Dodge at Lowe's Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Stremme will debut the #39 Commit Dodge at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 15 in the UAW Quality 400 just five miles from the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates NASCAR headquarters. The 1.5-mile oval will be the sight of Stremme's third career NEXTEL Cup race. For more info see the Web site Quit2WinRacing.com, which has information about quitting smoking as well as racing news and behind the scenes interviews. (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)

Oct. 2, 2005:

More on NFL WR Brown sponsorship: Roush Racing's Sam Belnavis said Sunday morning that former NFL star wide receiver Tim Brown should know within seven to 10 days whether or not he'll have the sponsorship necessary to fund a start-up Cup team in 2006. Brown announced plans for a new team in August at the Brickyard 400, but whether the team begins next year or in '07 depends on sponsorship. Roush is helping Brown put the team together. (Speed Channel)

Sep. 18, 2005:

So how much does the military spend on NASCAR sponsorship? The military, battling enlistment shortfalls, spends more than $38 million annually to sponsor six NASCAR racers. Recruiters say the nation's 75 million NASCAR fans, a TV sports-audience base second only to pro football, are a perfect match for the military. Fans are loyal to drivers and sponsors, they're extremely patriotic, and they like speed. But officials concede they don't know how many race fans enlist. And critics say NASCAR is a poor way to attract recruits -- it costs too much for a dubious return on investment. During the past five years, the Pentagon has developed a burgeoning relationship with stock-car racing. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard each sponsor cars in NASCAR's two top racing circuits: the premier Nextel Cup and the second-tier Busch Series. (More at Times-Dispatch)

Sep. 9, 2005

Get your NASCAR AZ. Lottery Tickets: In its continuing quest to take over the world, NASCAR is moving in on the Arizona Lottery. The Lottery has issued new Scratchers tickets that feature images of race car drivers Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth and Jeremy Mayfield. It is all part of the agency's partnership with Phoenix International Raceway to sponsor a race Nov. 10 during the four-day NASCAR Nextel Cup weekend at the raceway. The name of the race is a mouthful: the Arizona Lottery 125 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division Series Race.  Whew. Now back to those lottery tickets. They cost $3 each and offer prizes of up to $10,000 and trips to NASCAR races. (AZ Central)

NASCAR signs Enterprise as official Rent-A-Car company: NASCAR has signed a deal to see Enterprise Rent-A-Car become the organisation's official rental car company. The deal extends a pre-existing relationship with the sport. Explains Barry Dvoracek, director of marketing communications at Enterprise: "For many years, we have maintained a strong relationship with NASCAR, through sponsorship of such racing greats as Dale Earnhardt Jr. "We're excited to see our relationship with this sport grow. It's a partnership of two industry leaders that makes perfect sense." In addition, Enterprise has become a charter and exclusive rental car sponsor of the NASCAR RacePoints programme which allows fans to earn points toward rewards every time they rent a vehicle from Enterprise.  Under the multi-year agreement, Enterprise will maintain its strong advertising presence, airing television commercials during NASCAR events and related auto racing programming. (Sports Business)

Aug 29, 2005

Petty and Riggs to run Checker's Seminoles and Gator Schemes: Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., Official Burger of NASCAR®, the Florida Gators®, and the Florida State Seminoles®, unveiled its No. 10 Seminole and No. 45 Gator stock cars that will compete at the final NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season event at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20th. Scott Riggs will drive the No. 10 Checkers® Florida State University Chevrolet, and Kyle Petty will drive the No. 45 Checkers University of Florida Dodge. During the unveiling of the new cars at Bristol Motor Speedway last Friday, Checkers pledged $5,000 to both Riggs' and Petty's charities: Carolina Donor Services and the Victory Junction Gang, respectively. An additional $5,000 will be donated to the race-within-a-race winner's charity on November 20th. (MARC PR)

Aug 25, 2005

NASCAR drivers in PJs: NASCAR drivers in pajamas are not normal sightings, but there they were - four of them - sporting designer PJs and matching slippers. Looking like they just rolled out of bed were Gregg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth and Jeremy Mayfield, arriving at a quaint Charlotte, N.C., neighborhood to star in a series of TV commercials for Goodyear Gatorback automotive belts.  The theme of the advertising campaign is Gatorback Delivers and calls for drivers to make early-morning appearances on front porches of side-by-side homes. They retrieve belts delivered by a bike-peddling, bell-ringing youngster carrying a bag full of Gatorback Poly-V belts, throwing them paperboy style. At the end of each commercial, an announcer proclaims, "Nothing delivers like Goodyear Gatorback belts; these guys wouldn't start their day without it." Ball said the drivers had fun acting in the commercials and wearing specially designed pajamas displaying team colors, graphics and car numbers. "Maybe we should hold a contest to give away a pair of the one-of-a-kind autographed outfits," he said. Goodyear has been supplying belts to NASCAR for 24 years. Today, Gatorback belts are found under the hood of every NASCAR Nextel Cup Series racecar, driving alternators, camshafts, power steering, and water and oil pumps. Ad can be seen at www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com/ (Goodyear PR)

Aug 18, 2005

NASCAR fans by their Domino's Pizza:  In three year's time, Domino's Pizza has gone from being the third most preferred pizza by NASCAR fans to the pizza they like most. If you're looking for reasons why Domino's would spend millions of dollars to sponsor a NASCAR race, a driver, a team and to be the "official'' pizza of NASCAR, that's a good place to start. This Saturday, Michael Waltrip, a 20-year veteran NASCAR racer, will drive the Domino's Pizza No. 99 car in the first ever Domino's 250 Busch Series race at the Michigan International Speedway in Jackson. Last year, the race was sponsored by the sporting goods giant Cabela's.  Domino's executives say the firm's NASCAR sponsorships, which have increased each of the past three years, have paid off and more are in the works. And Waltrip, who has appeared in Domino's commercials and promoted Domino's on the radio and in public appearances, knows that the company isn't sponsoring him out of charity. "I understand if we don't sell more pizzas - and me and (CEO) Dave Brandon are buddies - he'll take the Domino's (logo) right off my car,'' Waltrip said Wednesday in a ceremony at the firm's Ann Arbor Township headquarters before the Domino's 99 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was unveiled. (Mlive.com)

Aug 16, 2005

Hall of Fame Racing and TI go NEXTEL Cup Racing in '06: Texas Instruments Inc. is revving up its advertising, sponsoring a NASCAR team to promote its TV technology. The company plans to announce today that it will sponsor the Hall of Fame Racing team, hoping to raise the profile of its Digital Light Processor chip among sports fans. The DLP chip produces crisp images for high-definition TV. TI hopes sports fans will start asking for TVs that contain DLP chips when they go to electronics stores.   Dallas-based TI chose a NASCAR team with big sports cachet. Hall of Fame Racing was formed by Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach and veteran racer Bill Saunders. "We have to connect to that audience that spends Saturday and Sunday with their TV on a football game or on a NASCAR race," said Doug Darrow, brand and marketing manager for DLP. "The audience for high-definition televisions tends to be people who are into sports, and the two biggest sports out there from a fan base standpoint are NASCAR and football." With the TI sponsorship, the Hall of Fame Racing team will debut in February at the Daytona 500, the first race of NASCAR's 2006 Nextel Cup Series. TI is also planning an advertising campaign for next year, and some of it will probably incorporate the racing team, Mr. Darrow said. "NASCAR is a great way for them to promote this new technology," said Mr. Aikman, who, like Mr. Staubach, is a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback turned businessman. (Dallas Morning News)

Aug 12, 2005

Aikman's HOF racing close to sponsorship:  Hall of Fame Racing, the new NASCAR team owned by former Cowboys quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, is close to reaching a sponsorship agreement to compete in Nextel Cup next season. Bill Saunders, general manager of the team, would not reveal any details but said things are close to being finalized. "Let me put it in a football analogy," Saunders said. "We're on the one-inch line and it's first-[and]-goal, so we're feeling fairly good about this. We hope to announce something next week." (Dallas Morning News)

Aug 10, 2005

Dominos extends NASCAR Sponsorship: Domino's Pizza, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery and the Official Pizza of NASCAR, today announced it will extend its partnership with the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). "We continue to be a proud sponsor of NASCAR, and feel our brand has been enhanced by this partnership," says David A. Brandon, chairman and CEO of Domino's Pizza. "As the number one choice for pizza among NASCAR fans, we feel we have been rewarded for our connection to this exciting sport." By focusing its marketing and advertising efforts on promoting Race Day is Domino's Pizza Day, Domino's has increased sales consistently across the country on race days by promoting the Race Day 555 Deal. When NASCAR fans are preparing to watch a race, ordering pizza from Domino's is becoming part of their race day ritual. "Domino's is a brand category leader and we are always looking for ways to reach our consumers, just as NASCAR is always looking for ways to reach its fans," said Brandon. "Our research tells us that NASCAR fans are 6 times as likely to order Domino's because we are its Official Pizza." (Domino's Pizza PR)

Aug 5, 2005

Checkers-Drive In announces Riggs MB2 Sponsorship: Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR®, today announced that it is accelerating its presence in the sport by signing on as the primary sponsor for five high profile, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races this season with the No. 10 MB2 Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Scott Riggs. This weekend's Allstate 400® at the Brickyard (NBC, 2:30 p.m. EDT) kicks off the five-race sponsorship package with Rally's® being the primary brand on the No. 10 Chevy. "This is our first year as the Official Burger and Official Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR. Halfway through the season, Checkers®/Rally's has already realized tremendous brand exposure on a national basis," said Keith Sirois, President and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "We have successfully activated our NASCAR and numerous track sponsorships at our restaurants throughout the country. Our NASCAR Combo is one of our best selling combos system wide." "In addition, we have effectively integrated our sponsorships into our local, regional and national advertising messages for both consumers and franchising prospects," said Sirois. "Now, we look forward to adding a primary sponsorship of the No. 10 car to our already strong sponsorship initiative." The other four primary brand sponsored races will be:

· Sharpie 500, Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 27, TNT, 7 p.m.) - Checkers

· UAW-Ford 500, Talladega Superspeedway (Oct. 2, NBC, 1:30 p.m.) - Rally's

· Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500, Atlanta Motor Speedway (Oct. 30, NBC, 12 p.m.) - Checkers

· Ford 400, Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 20, NBC, 4 p.m.) - Checkers

"While giving our brand significant exposure during these nationally televised races, the tracks featuring our MB2 sponsorship align strategically with our core Midwestern and Southeastern market footprint," said Richard Turer, Vice President of Marketing, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "We look forward to cheering on our new Checkers/Rally's racing team." In addition to this primary sponsorship, Checkers/Rally's becomes an associate sponsor of MB2's No. 01 U.S. Army Team and driver Joe Nemechek. Checkers/Rally's also retains promotional rights with MB2 for the 2006 NASCAR season. (Checkers Drive-In/MB2 Racing PR)

June 30, 2005

Valvoline & Evernham Sponsorship Announcement Friday: Valvoline, which announced Wednesday it would end its partnership with MB2 Motorsports, is expected to move to Evernham Motorsports to sponsor a new Nextel Cup team in 2006, sources confirmed. Thatsracin.com and The Charlotte Observer first reported MB2 and Valvoline's decision to end their partnership earlier this month. That deal ends after this season. Valvoline will sell its 50 percent share in the team to MB2 principals Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye, and will no longer be primary sponsor of the team's No. 10 Chevrolets. Of Valvoline's NASCAR plans beyond 2005, senior vice president Jim Rocco said, "We will have something to announce soon." (Charlotte Observer)

Hermie lands Daytona Sponsor: Front Row Motorsports says Taco Bell will sponsor its No. 92 Chevrolet for Hermie Sadler for Saturday's Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup race at Daytona International Speedway. Financial terms were not announced. (NASCAR Scene Plus)

Bank of America Sponsorship worth 2.5 annually: After being a Bank of America Corp. customer for 30 years, Speedway Motorsports Inc. thought it was about time for the bank to give some money back. And it's a lot of money, says SMI President H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler.  Bank of America's agreement to serve as title sponsor of the October NEXTEL Cup race at SMI's Concord track is the most lucrative sponsorship, based on average annual value, that SMI has ever signed, he said.  Neither Charlotte-based Bank of America nor Concord-based SMI would disclose the deal's value, but estimates peg it at about $2.5 million annually.  It's the latest addition to SMI's sponsorship revenue, one of the company's fastest-growing streams. An improving economy has loosened more companies' budgets, officials say. And companies previously dismissive of NASCAR are taking a new look. (Charlotte Observer)

June 29, 2005

Bank of American sponsors Lowe's race: Bank of America Corp. is joining the chase for race fans.  The Charlotte-based bank is to announce this morning that it will become the namesake for the October race at Lowe's Motor Speedway starting in 2006. It will also be a major sponsor of the track and four others owned by Concord-based Speedway Motorsports Inc.  Starting Sunday, Bank of America also becomes the title sponsor of the pre-race show "Countdown to Green" on NBC and TNT telecasts.  Already with major marketing commitments in baseball, golf and the Olympics, the nation's No. 2 bank by assets is now after race fans known for their brand loyalty to corporate sponsors. The bank, which had long steered clear of racing, is the latest company drawn to a fast-growing, increasingly nationwide sport.  "I think when you look long-term if you want to do business with consumers or business-to-business you need to look at motorsports," Bank of America's Chief Marketing Officer Cathy Bessant said in an interview. (Charlotte Observer)

Evernham and Allstate: Evernham Motorsports says Allstate has signed a multiyear agreement making the insurance company an associate sponsor of the organization's Nextel Cup entries. Kasey Kahne, who drives Evernham's No. 9 Dodge, will appear in televised advertising for the company as part of the deal. Financial terms were not announced. (NASCAR Scene Plus)

June 24, 2005

NEXTEL and Sprint Confirm Name Change: Sprint and Nextel confirmed Thursday that once their merger is completed later this year the new company will be marketed as Sprint, but that for 2006, at least, NASCAR's top series would still be called Nextel Cup. A decision on whether to change the name for 2007 and beyond would be made before next year's Daytona 500, said Mark Schweitzer, Nextel's senior vice president of marketing. ThatsRacin.com and the Observer reported that timetable earlier this month and said the name being considered for 2007 and beyond is the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. If the name does change from Nextel Cup to Sprint Cup for 2007, it would be the third name for NASCAR's top series in five seasons. (ThatsRacin)

June 20, 2005

NASCAR's Sponsor Sprint inks deal with NFL: Sprint Corp. is close to signing a five-year, $200 million sponsorship and content rights deal with the NFL, according to a Monday report by Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal, an affiliated publication of The Business Journal. Sources familiar with the deal told the SportsBusiness Journal that Sprint's commitment could swell to $600 million, including advertising spending during the five years. That would make the deal with the National Football League one of the largest sponsorship deals in all of sports. A spokeswoman at Overland Park-based Sprint (NYSE: FON) said Monday that the company will not commenting on "rumors and speculation." The SportsBusiness Journal reported that the deal would give Sprint exclusive rights to broadcast video and audio highlights of games on wireless phones -- a first for the league.   Sprint plans to merge later this year with wireless rival Nextel Communications Inc. in a $36 billion deal. An NFL deal would give Sprint the opportunity to make a splash after the merger closes and the NFL season starts in the fall. Nextel already owns the title rights to NASCAR's top circuit, giving a combined Sprint Nextel sponsorship of America's two biggest spectator sports.  (Kansas City Business Journal)

June 17, 2005

Riggs hopes to stay in #10: Scott Riggs said Friday that he hopes to continue driving the No. 10 Chevrolet at MB2/MBV Motorsports in 2006, but the decision hinges largely on the team's sponsorship situation.   Riggs' current sponsor, Valvoline, announced recently its plans to leave MB2/MBV following the 2005 season. "We've got a couple different fish on the line, but we're trying to figure out who's going to step up and be the primary," Riggs said. "Luckily, we're in a good position because it seems like we've had a lot of calls from people interested in doing it.  "I just want to make sure everything's secure there. [MB2 Motorsports CEO and general manager] Jay Frye assures me it is. I feel like it is." (NASCAR)

Tubby's Sponsors Cope at MIS: Tubby's Sub Shops will be the sponsor, along with SBC, of the #79 Conley Motorsports car, driven by Derricke Cope in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Race at Michigan International Speedway (M.I.S.) on Sunday, June 19, 1:30 p.m. The Conley Motorsports team, owned by John Conley, is headquartered in Brighton, Michigan.  Cope tested his #79 Monte Carlo, and the M.I.S track, on June 7. Cope said, "They are a great group of people and I look forward to working with John and his team."  "This is our first NASCAR sponsorship and we're especially proud to support a Michigan NASCAR racing team like Conley Motorsports, and this race at Michigan International Speedway," said Robert Paganes, president of Tubby's Sub Shops.  "The Michigan connection is very important to us. We're a 37-year-old Michigan company and, like Derricke Cope, we have lots of fans," he laughingly added. (Tubby's Sub Shop PR)

June 12 2005

NEXTEL Cup to Sprint in '07:  Barring an unexpected snag, NASCAR's top series will undergo another name change, beginning with the 2007 season.  The company created by the merger of Sprint and Nextel is expected to take on the name Sprint. And the name of what is now known as the Nextel Cup Series will also change to the Sprint Cup Series, ThatsRacin.com has learned.  Executives of both companies are expected to formally approve the company's new master brand name within the next two weeks. An announcement of the branding change for the Cup series would follow, sources said.  Sprint in now headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., and Nextel in Reston, Va.  "No decision has been made. Obviously, we are conducting extensive research because we want to do this right," NASCAR spokesman Michael Mooney said Sunday.  "We expect to make a decision (on the company name) by the end of the month." (Charlotte Observer)

MB2 Buyout? Valvoline to Evernham? MB2 Motorsports will shortly announce the buyout of Valvoline, which had held partial ownership of its No. 10 Dodge under the name MBV. That buyout would free Valvoline to move over to sponsor a third Ray Evernham Dodge in 2006. (Gaston Gazette)

June 9, 2005:

Gannasi and Sabates sign Sponsorship: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today the signing of Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon to a multi-year sponsorship. The long-term agreement begins with the 2006 NASCAR season. Specific details are to follow at a later date.  "The team is very excited about adding Lone Star as an important partner," team owner Chip Ganassi said. "It is always exciting when you can bring a new sponsor into the sport, and we are looking forward to a very long and mutually beneficial partnership together."  "We couldn't be happier to add another first-class company to our stable of partners," said Felix Sabates. "Lone Star is a great company with great people, and we're excited to build on what we started with them at the end of 2004."  Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon is a restaurant chain that offers full-service casual dining, featuring Texas-style ambiance. The first Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon was opened in October 1989 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon concepts include Sullivan's, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak Houses, Texas Land & Cattle restaurants and Frankie's Italian Grille. There are over 300 locations nationwide.  "This is an important initiative for our restaurants, our customers and our Lone Star team Members," Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon CEO Jamie Coulter said. "We're excited to join the NASCAR community, and we're happy to be sponsoring an organization in Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates that focuses on partnership, performance, and integrity." (Gannasi/Sabates  Racing PR) Reports are that this NASCAR NEXTEL Cup sponsorship is for David Stremme.

May 26 2005

Edwards Gets Sponsorship: Roush Racing announced today that Stonebridge Life Insurance Company will be the primary sponsor on the No. 99 Ford, driven by Carl Edwards, at the Pocono 500 on June 12. This will be the first time Stonebridge Life Insurance Company has sponsored a NEXTEL Cup car.  "It's really neat to have Stonebridge Life Insurance Company as the primary sponsor on the No. 99 Ford for Pocono," said Edwards. "This is their first race as a sponsor and it will be my first race at Pocono but I think we'll have a good weekend together. I've watched a lot of tape and have been talking to my teammates about the track so I'm really excited to go there and have a good run for Stonebridge. I'm proud to represent them and I'm glad they are a part of the No. 99 team."  (Roush Racing)

May 21, 2005

Tide and Hamilton: #32-Bobby Hamilton Jr. will be sporting a new paint scheme for his sponsor Tide for both the Nextel All-Star Challenge festivities and the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Tide to Go, a new instant stain remover that helps eliminate many fresh food and drink stains on the spot will be featured on the #32 PPI Motorsports Chevy. (PPI Motorsports)

May 2, 2005

Internet Gambling Sponsorships? When NASCAR lifted the hard liquor sponsorship embargo, did it open a Pandora's box? The next wave of sponsors pushing to get into the garage are Internet gambling sites, which have approached several teams with big checks but have not yet gotten the green flag from NASCAR. (SportingNews)

April 29, 2005

Nextel Invites RJR Employees to attend the All-Star Event: To honor the rich tradition and esteemed contribution that R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company provided to the NASCAR community for 33 years, Nextel gave employees of R.J. Reynolds 1,500 tickets to attend the upcoming NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge under the lights at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The premier all-star event will take place Saturday, May 21 at 7:30pm/et. (Nextel PR)

April 27, 2005

Batman Sponsors Michigan Race: The June 19 Nextel Cup race will be named the Batman Begins 400 for the Warner Bros. movie that will be released that weekend. The race was called the DHL 400 last year.  "I believe this is the first time a major movie has been the sponsor of a NASCAR Cup race," said MIS president Brett Shelton. "It's tremendous for the sport, and I think it's going to be a lot of fun for fans."  So MIS has the name down, but it's not clear yet whether the Batmobile -- or Christian Bale, who plays Bruce Wayne and Batman in the film -- will be on hand.  Word is that the Batmobile will pace the field of Chevrolets, Fords and Dodges. (Detroit Free Press)

April 18, 2005

HOF Racing Looking for Sponsorship:  Dallas Cowboys icons Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach have been talking about fielding a NASCAR team for more than two years, but a lack of sponsorship has prevented them from getting on the track.  Bill Saunders, managing partner for the proposed team, says the team would have been on track last year if NASCAR officials hadn't rejected a potential sponsorship deal.  Saunders says the team had a deal with a "fairly large" telecommunications provider, whom he declined to name, but NASCAR rejected it because of its title sponsorship with cell phone provider Nextel. Saunders says the product he wanted to advertise was not a Nextel competitor, but the company has other products that compete with Nextel. The Nextel deal grandfathered in existing telecommunications sponsors, but teams are prohibited from signing new telecom deals. (USA Today)

April 1, 2005

SMI and UPS Partnership: UPS announced today that it has entered into a new partnership with Speedway Motorsports, Inc., (SMI) to become an exclusive track sponsor of Bristol Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.  This new partnership is introduced on the heels of an earlier announcement in regards to UPS's new relationships with California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond International Raceway. The addition of Bristol and Texas to the UPS family of race tracks that has also included Daytona International Speedway since 2001 provides UPS with a presence at a variety of geographic locations visited by the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.  "Our new partnership with UPS is a natural fit," said Jeff Byrd, President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. "We have used UPS at BMS for sending our passes to our suite and hospitality customers for several years now. Formalizing this relationship with UPS validates to our fans what we have known all along. If you need to send something important and timely delivery is critical, send it UPS."  "We are excited about our new corporate partnership with UPS," said Eddie Gossage, President of Texas Motor Speedway. "UPS is the leader in the shipping and logistics industry and a great supporter of motorsports. We are thrilled about having The Big Brown Truck on our team at Texas Motor Speedway." (UPS PR)

March 31, 2005

Haas Sponsorship: Camarillo, CA- DP Technology Corp. just completed signing a two-year Motorsports Sponsorship Agreement with Haas CNC Racing, owned by Haas Automation, Inc., that will last through the end of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. This sponsorship, with the NetZero team, marks the seventh NASCAR Nextel Cup team currently using ESPRIT in their racing programs. Other teams DP sponsors include, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, Penski Racing and PPI Motorsports.  As a part of the collaboration and sponsorship agreement, DP Technology will provide Haas CNC Racing with ESPRIT licenses for use on Haas CNC machines in their racing program.  "Haas CNC Racing is excited about entering a new partnership with ESPRIT," said Carl Cline, Marketing Manager of Haas CNC Racing. "With the ever changing challenges of producing racing parts and trying to stay on the leading edge of technology, ESPRIT's compatibility with major CAD programs will save us valuable programming time. ESPRIT will allow us to deal with these changes easier and faster."  DP Technology executives also agree that the partnership is a step in the right direction.  "We believe the new relationship will provide a great platform for advancing ESPRIT's capabilities on Haas Machines in high tech applications," said DP Technology's Chief Financial Officer, Bill Haas (no relation to Haas Automation, Inc.).   Look for the ESPRIT logo on the NetZero, #0 car driven by Mike Bliss, currently ranked 15th in the Nextel cup standings this season.  visit the company web site at www.dptechnology.com.(DP Tech PR)e stall. Harvick made a cameo at the end to drive Lauer away. (MSNBC)

March 28, 2005

McDonalds and Evernham Sponsorship: McDonald's announced today the company has entered into a partnership agreement with Evernham Motorsports in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The agreement calls for McDonald's to be an associate sponsor on the No. 9 Evernham Motorsports Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger driven by 2004 Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year Kasey Kahne and the No. 91 Evernham Motorsports Dodge Charger that will be driven by NASCAR champion Bill Elliott at selected Nextel Cup events. The agreement includes a two-race McDonald's primary sponsorship on Elliott's car. The Bill Elliott Racing entry will carry the McDonald's paint scheme at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn (June 19 ) and California Speedway in Fontana (Sept. 5). "McDonald's is thrilled to partner with Evernham Motorsports, which is one of the premier teams in the popular Nextel cup Series," said John Lewicki, McDonald's senior director of alliance marketing. "Being aligned with a quality owner in Ray Evernham along with a legend in Bill Elliott and an young star in Kasey Kahne, will only enhance the McDonald's brand with NASACAR's loyal fan following. This is a great fit since McDonald's, Evernham Motorsports and Bill Elliott Racing parallel each other as leaders of their respective industries." Evernham, who carved his legendary status as one of the most successful crew chiefs in NASCAR history before becoming an owner of the high-profile Dodge team, was equally proud of the new association.  (McDonalds Racing PR)

March 24, 2005

KF to sponsor RCR Blaney: SKF, the world's leading manufacturer of bearings, seals and related products dedicated to improving today's automobiles, trucks and machinery, will sponsor driver Dave Blaney and Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) No. 07 Chevrolet in the April 10 Advance Auto Parts 500 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.  Jack Daniel's, the team's primary sponsor, will be prominently displayed on the car's rear quarter-panels and deck lid in the one-race program highlighting RCR and SKF's technical partnership. "It's extremely exciting to ride with the No. 07 Team as its primary sponsor at Martinsville Speedway," said Per Jacobsson, director of marketing communications, SKF. "We are proud to be a team sponsor and a technical partner with the Richard Childress Racing organization, and we look forward to our continued contributions to the No. 07, No. 29 and No. 31 teams throughout 2005 and beyond." Together, SKF and RCR engineers research and develop products designed to perform under the harsh conditions of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in an effort to improve the quality and reliability of every day vehicles. (RCR PR)

Travel Lodge reups Biffle and NASCAR: Travelodge Hotels today announced the renewal of its associate sponsorship of the No. 16 National Guard Ford Taurus, driven by Greg Biffle, in the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The agreement continues the Travelodge(R) brand's two-year relationship with Roush Racing of Concord, N.C.  As part of the agreement, Travelodge Hotels will appear as the team's primary sponsor at Darlington Raceway's Carolina Dodge Dealers 500 on May 7.  "The Travelodge brand is proud to continue its relationship with the National Guard team and is excited to sponsor the No. 16 National Guard Ford Taurus and Greg Biffle," said Travelodge President Ken Greene.  "Our relationship with the National Guard team continues to provide excellent exposure for the Travelodge brand among a wide audience.  Roush Racing President Geoff Smith said the Travelodge brand has been a "tremendous sponsor," adding "we are proud of the success we have achieved together, both on and off the track."  Driver Greg Biffle earned two Nextel Cup wins in 2004.  Biffle was first to the checkered flag at Michigan International Speedway's GFS Marketplace 400 on August 22, and capped his year with another win on November 21 at the Ford 400 Nextel Cup season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Travel Lodge PR)

March 21, 2005

Racing Radios Continues NASCAR Partnership: NASCAR has announced a renewal of its longstanding association with Atlanta-based Diversified Electronics/Racing Radios to provide two-way radio communications for all NASCAR officials and competitors in NASCAR's three national series -- the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, the NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  The renewal runs through the 2013 season -- coinciding with the terminus of the current NASCAR-Nextel Communications deal to sponsor NASCAR's top series -- and continues a 30-year relationship that has been essential to NASCAR's evolvement into the nation's most popular spectator sport. Racing Radios is recognized as the pioneer of communications in the racing industry, based on its understanding -- and unfailing facilitation -- of clear and consistent communications at race tracks throughout the United States, in a variety of racing disciplines. "The name "Racing Radios' has become a fixture at our national series events," said NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton. "Their people and of course, their products, have become part of our sport's fabric over the years, recognized and respected by everyone in the industry for their contributions to our sport's safety. (NASCAR PR)

March 18, 2005

US Military Sponsorship: Larry Fowler announced today that USMilitary.com will be the primary sponsor for their No. 92 car driven by Stanton Barrett for the Golden Coral 500 in Atlanta this weekend. In addition, USMilitary.com will be the primary sponsor at a second race to be determined.  "We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the USMilitary.com," said team owner Bob Jenkins. "As a one car team just starting out there is a tremendous amount work and investment required to run each week. This partnership helps us to keep moving forward as a full time competitor in the NEXTEL Cup. I have the utmost confidence in our driver Stanton Barrett and crew chief Fred Wanke to give USMilitary.com a strong car this weekend."  "USmilitary.com is a web site used to provide our nation's youth the ability to research and compare which military service would be best suited for them," commented Larry Fowler Director of USMilitary.com. "We are thrilled to partner with Front Row Motorsports, we feel that NASCAR is a great fit and will provide us an enormous amount of exposure over the course of the weekend. We look forward to this being the start of a long term relationship." You can get more information about USMilitary.com at www.usmilitary.com. (Fowler PR)

March 8, 2005

NEXTEL Driver and Tylenol: Johnson & Johnson has signed endorsement deals with seven Nextel Cup drivers to promote the launch of Tylenol's Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels, Street & Smiths's SportsBusiness Journal reports. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Jarrett, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth and Elliott Sadler make up Team Tylenol. The campaign will include television ads during race broadcasts and sponsorship at 11 tracks. Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon are scheduled to be featured on packages of the product sold during the third quarter of the year. (NASCAR Scene)

Microsoft and Ganassi: ePartners (www.epartnersolutions.com), the leading global Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) consultancy, announces today at Microsoft Convergence 2005 that it has been chosen to implement MBS for Chip Ganassi Racing, a privately-owned racing team competing on the NASCAR, IndyCar and Grand AM circuits. 'Using our Envisioned Business Solution, we've created a cohesive, fully-integrated solution that will provide Chip Ganassi Racing with the tools to run their business operations with as much speed and precision as their cars,' says Dan Duffy, CEO of ePartners. 'The improved efficiency and reporting will allow them to effectively manage costs, provide excellent service to sponsors and fans, and proactively make decisions.' With multiple systems in place at two different locations, Chip Ganassi Racing was looking for a cohesive solution that efficiently tied all of their operations together. ePartners developed a solution that connects all of their processes - from accounting, to the shop floor, to retail operations, to sponsorship and sales management. (dBusiness)

March 7, 2005

Hernandez Joins Waste Management Racing: Jesus Hernandez will represent Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WMI) as the newest member of its NASCAR racing team. The 23-year old Fresno, Calif. resident will drive the No. 17 Waste Management Ford in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series for Belnavis Racing in the Drive for Diversity program for the 2005 season. Hernandez joins Matt Kenseth and Bill Lester to complete Team Waste Management Racing.Waste Management will support Hernandez through the Drive for Diversity program in 2005. Drive for Diversity, which is recognized as NASCAR's leading on-track diversity initiative, is a diverse driver and crew member development program created and managed by Access Marketing & Communications. It is this program that has given drivers like Hernandez the chance to live out a dream. Like NASCAR, Waste Management is committed to being an organization that not only embraces diversity and inclusion, but reflects that commitment through its employees and customers. (NASCAR)

March  4, 2005

Rent-A-Center Returns To Ricky Rudd And Wood Brothers

March 3, 2005

MB2 Sponsorship: Wiley X Eyewear, a major supplier of eyewear to the U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, has joined MB2 Motorsports as an associate sponsor on the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet driven by Joe Nemechek in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.  According to the New England Journal of Medicine (Dec. 9, 2004), Wiley X ballistic eyewear is one of the main reasons for the decreasing amount of eye injuries suffered by soldiers.  Along with manufacturing high velocity eye armor for the military, Wiley X produces a line of specialty eyewear for the motorcycle, mountain/street bike, boating and fishing markets as well as a line of sophisticated sunglasses for both casual and active wear. "To be a sponsor on the U.S. Army Nextel Cup racecar is a natural fit for us," said Myles Freeman, co-owner and vice president of sales for Wiley X Eyewear. "Since we manufacture the No. 1 tactical eyewear that U.S. Armed Forces prefer, we felt that this was an excellent opportunity to join the U.S. Army NASCAR team and assist in the recruitment process of future American heroes. It is also a great feeling knowing that we're supporting our troops who fight for our freedom every day. This is a proud moment in the rich history of Wiley X Eyewear." For additional information about Wiley X Eyewear and its products, search the company's web site at: www.wiley-x.com (Team PR)

Feb. 25, 2005

R. Gordon and Harrah's Casinos: NASCAR owner/driver Robby Gordon will hit the track this year sporting a lucky No. 7 and a casino logo on his car.  Harrah's Operating Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. , announced today that it has reached agreement in principle to sponsor Robby Gordon Motorsports throughout the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. Subject to a definitive agreement, the arrangement calls for Harrah's to be the primary sponsor for 14 Cup races and an associate sponsor for 13 races.  The sponsorship includes a multi-faceted marking program and exposes several Harrah's-owned brands to the more than 75 million NASCAR fans in the United States. In addition to the Harrah's logo, Gordon's car hood will feature the World Series of Poker logo for select races.  Harrah's primary sponsorship begins with the February 27th Nextel Cup race at California Speedway and will include several races held at tracks in proximity to Harrah's casinos across the country, including Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Harrah's Las Vegas and the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino), Atlanta Motor Speedway (Harrah's Cherokee Casino), Phoenix International Raceway (Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino), Dover International Speedway (Harrah's Atlantic City and Showboat Atlantic City) and Kansas Speedway (Harrah's North Kansas City). (Team/Harrah's PR)

Homes123 Associate Sponsor: ChevronTexaco Products Company (CTPC), a division of Chevron USA Inc., announced today it has signed Home123 Corporation, a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation, as an associate sponsor of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in the 2005 National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Nextel Cup season.  "Texaco/Havoline's 18-year racing heritage, as well as its recent success with Jamie McMurray behind the wheel, has generated strong interest from a variety of companies in co-sponsorship of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge," said Mark Nelson, President, ChevronTexaco Global Lubricants. "ChevronTexaco chose to join with Home123 as both companies share a commitment to the communities they serve and a desire to communicate more effectively with a specific customer target: NASCAR fans."  (ThatsRacin)

Feb. 23, 2005

Smith and Weston Gets in NASCAR: Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. is gunning for an image boost, and the gun maker thinks it knows just where to get it. The 153-year-old company, which has sought to update its public persona in the recent past by diversifying into product lines such as pool cues and safety equipment, now has a NASCAR racing team in its cross hairs. Springfield-based Smith & Wesson (AMEX:SWB) said it had chosen the drivers for the upcoming NASCAR season, which will be the first to include a Smith & Wesson car. Scott Riggs, who placed fourth in last week's Daytona 500, and Ron Hornaday, will share the wheel of the Smith & Wesson Chevrolet, which will make its debut during a race next month in Las Vegas. (BizJournal)

Feb. 22, 2005

Safety-Kleen And NASCAR: Safety-Kleen Systems Inc., a Plano supplier of parts cleaning and oil refining services, has signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Nascar. The exact amount that Safety-Kleen will pay Nascar was not disclosed, but Nascar officials say it's "a seven-figure deal."  Under the deal, Safety-Kleen will use the Nascar name and sponsorship logo on uniforms worn by about 1,300 of its customer service representatives, who clean auto parts and dispose of industrial and hazardous waste.  Nascar branding also will appear on the sides of some 200 new trucks that Safety-Kleen will use on its routes. The company also has tentative plans to retrofit its existing fleet of 1,800 route trucks with the Nascar mark. (BizJournal)

Feb. 20, 2005

Checker to Sponsor Pit Road Weekly Competition: Checkers Drive-In Restaurant has signed with NASCAR and will run a pit road-service contingency program this year that will give $10,000 to the team with the best pit stop in every race. Checkers will give a $100,000 year-end bonus to the team that wins the most weeks.

Feb. 15, 2005

Delphi Revs Up with Hendrick: One of the Dayton region's largest employers, Delphi Corp., said Tuesday it signed on for another year of sponsoring a driver in Nascar's Nextel Cup series. The company is co-sponsoring, with Kellogg's, the No. 5 Chevrolet being driven by Kyle Busch. Last year, Delphi co-sponsored Nascar driver Terry Labonte, also in the No. 5 car. Financial terms of the sponsorship were not disclosed. Delphi, of Troy, Mich., also will be the primary sponsor this year for four races in the Nextel series -- at Texas Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Lowe's Motor Speedway -- and supplies ignition wire sets, electrical connectors, steering pumps and steering gear to Nascar. (Delphi PR)

Exxon Launches New Oil Today: ExxonMobil today announced that it is rolling out one of the most aggressive fully-integrated marketing campaigns in the history of its Mobil(R) lubricants brand to increase its share of the $2 billion retail motor oil segment. The initiative was developed to support the new line of high-endurance Mobil motor oils, which meet the longer oil-change intervals being recommended by many of today's automobile manufacturers and to respond to the fact that drivers today are going longer between oil changes -- an average of 4,300 miles. It includes a major new ad campaign, with television ads debuting on Sunday, February 20, during the most high-profile racing event of the year, the Daytona 500. In addition to the placements during the race coverage, the ads will run more than 200 times that day on more than 30 networks. The campaign will be complemented by large-scale public relations and sales-promotion efforts to help raise awareness of the new motor oil line and drive sales. (Business Wire)

Michael Waltrip and Just For Men: For the third year in a row, racecar driver Michael Waltrip is giving men across the country a chance to drive up charitable donations.  This year, it's through the Just For Men(R) Haircolor "Hit Your Target" Sweepstakes.  By entering at http://www.justformen.com men will be eligible to win a trip to the 2005 Ford 400 race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and help drive funds for the Victory Junction Gang, an independent, not-for-profit organization that strives to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.  The organization creates camping experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. (PRN Newswire)

Kodak NASCAR: NexPress Solutions, Inc., part of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, is hitting the road for a 23-city tour to highlight the power of its digital printing solutions to print service providers across the United States. NexPress' "No Limits Express" -- a mobile digital solutions vehicle touring the U.S.-- will roll-out for the first time at Daytona International Speedway in Florida during the season-opening races for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, February 17-20. The Daytona 500, NASCAR's richest and most prestigious race, takes place on February 20 (Fox TV Network, 1 p.m. ET). In the mobile demonstration facility, the No Limits Express will showcase a KODAK NEXPRESS 2100 digital production color press, with its unique fifth imaging unit and a KODAK NEXGLOSSER glossing unit, demonstrated by digital experts with the assistance of the sales team in every tour city. (Business Wire/Kodak PR)

Feb. 12, 2005

Visa Joins Rusty Wallace: Officials of Rusty Wallace Inc. and Visa USA announced today the continued partnership between NASCAR racing great Rusty Wallace and the world's number one payment brand. Under the agreement, Wallace, the 1989 NASCAR Champion and 55-race winner, will continue to be a featured driver in the Visa Ultimate NASCAR Experience marketing campaign for the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season.  "Our association with Visa is something that I have been extremely proud of and to be able to continue our involvement this year is really exciting," said Wallace, who is preparing for his "Rusty's Last Call" tour, his final season as a driver in NASCAR's premier series.   "We've had so much fun with Visa's program and the fans have been simply ecstatic about it.   The fact that this will be our final year behind the wheel of my No. 2 Dodge should certainly enhance the promotion for 2005."    "Rusty Wallace has been a wonderful ambassador for Visa, and his participation in the Visa Ultimate NASCAR Experience is a cornerstone of its success," said Michael Lynch, senior vice president, event and sponsorship marketing, Visa USA. "Rusty's ability to connect with fans and sponsors alike with his charisma and professionalism helps bring Visa cardholders closer to the action than any other sponsor." (Wallace PR) (More Wallace News)

Feb. 9, 2005

Office Depot Teams Up With NASCAR: Office Depot is offering its customers the chance to become the "Official Small Business of NASCAR" courtesy of Office Depot. This new promotion, showcased in Office Depot's first NASCAR television advertising campaign, uses NASCAR to reach small businesses - the core customer base for Office Depot, according to a Business Wire report.  The promotion and accompanying ad campaign are central components in Office Depot's multi-faceted Taking Care of Business marketing and brand positioning program. Last month, Office Depot introduced NASCAR as its new sports sponsorship platform, entering into a multi-year agreement with NASCAR to become the sport's first-ever Official Office Products Partner. In addition, beginning with the Daytona 500 (February 20, FOX, 1 p.m.), Office Depot is the primary sponsor of the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Taurus for a minimum of nine races in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and an associate sponsor for the remaining races in the season. (Retail Merchandiser)

Feb. 8, 2005::

NASCAR and Wal-Mart: National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced "NASCAR Comes to Wal-Mart," a major event at more than 1,100 Wal-Mart stores to draw attention to the start of the 2005 NASCAR season. The promotion will roll into 43 NASCAR race markets throughout the 10-month 2005 NASCAR season.  To kick off the NASCAR season, more than 1,100 Wal-Mart stores within 50 miles of 36 race markets in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and seven markets in the NASCAR Busch Series will participate in the NASCAR promotion. Wal-Mart stores will feature NASCAR-themed point-of-sale displays for partners such as Duracell, Gillette, Jack Link's, Ice Breakers and Kodak in the NASCAR promotion. The NASCAR Fan Guide will feature NASCAR highlights and milestones, team rosters, the 2005 NASCAR schedules, and shopping lists of items that fans can purchase enhance their racing experience. More than one million NASCAR Fan Guides were developed exclusively for the promotion (Retail Merchandiser)

Checkers Joins ISC as Official Driver-Thru Burger of ISC tracks: Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHKR), the nation's largest double drive-thru chain, today announced that it has signed on as the Official Drive-Thru and Official Burger of NASCAR®. The double drive-thru chain also announced today that it is the Official Drive-Thru and Official Burger of several International Speedway Corporation (Nasdaq: ISCA)("ISC") facilities, including Daytona International Speedway, home to the Daytona 500, and other motor sports venues that host the most popular NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races. ..."Checkers Drive-In Restaurants is proud to announce our partnerships with NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation," said Mr. Sirois. "We expect NASCAR and our overall motor sports relationship to elevate the brand in such a way as to promote unit growth, sales growth and interest with other critical stakeholders in our business. It is clear to us that NASCAR, along with our many track sponsorships, will provide the platform we need to grow our brand, as it deserves to be grown, in the years ahead." He continued: "Our current franchise community overwhelmingly supported and approved the funding for this exciting initiative. We value this support and look forward to expanding our community over the next several years."  (ISC PR)

January 27, 2005:

Nicorette Signs Sponsorship: NASCAR, a sport historically linked with cigarettes and chewing tobacco, has signed on what might seem a most unlikely sponsor: Nicorette. The stop-smoking product is the first to sign on with the car racing circuit. The Nicorette deal comes just a year after Winston stepped down as title sponsor of NASCAR's championship series - after 33 years - and was replaced by cell phone company Nextel. The new NASCAR season is set to begin with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20. Why NASCAR? Where there's smoke, Nicorette smells sponsorship fire. NASCAR fans are 28% more likely to smoke than other adults, reports Simmons Market Research. They smoke 18% more cigarettes than other adults and are more likely to smoke than NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB fans, Simmons says.  Nicorette believes that many NASCAR fans would like help quitting.   "We understand that tobacco products created this arena - but the game has changed," says Steve Kapur, senior manager of promotional activities at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, maker of Nicorette gum, NicoDerm patches and Commit lozenges, which will jointly sponsor NASCAR. "This is a great audience for us." (USA Today)

January 26, 2005:

UPS Announces sponsorship with ISC: United Parcel Service Inc. announced a deal Wednesday to become the exclusive track sponsor of California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond International Raceway. Financial terms of the sponsorships were not disclosed. The three tracks host premier races throughout the NASCAR schedule and complement Atlanta-based UPS' existing presence at Daytona International Speedway. UPS has been the official delivery company for the Daytona track since 2001 and will continue through 2008 with the other tracks.  UPS now will have a presence on Tri-Vision signage and fan transportation. UPS will coordinate outbound and inbound shipments, including ticket packages and merchandise for vendor concessions. (Business Journal)

Kenseth Associate Sponsor USG: USG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of building materials, including the renowned SHEETROCK® Brand, announced that its 2005 NASCAR program will include a new partnership with DeWalt Racing, Roush Racing and champion driver Matt Kenseth. USG SHEETROCK Brand will be a primary sponsor on Kenseth's No. 17 DeWalt Ford Taurus at three Nextel Cup races -- Feb. 27 at Fontana, Calif., Aug. 7 at Indianapolis and Oct. 30 at Atlanta. At all of the other 2005 Cup races, USG SHEETROCK will assume a major associate sponsorship role on the DeWalt Ford, owned by Roush Racing. "USG's new NASCAR team program is an alliance of champions," said Julian Francis, vice president, marketing, USG Building Systems. "We're affiliated with a championship driver in Matt Kenseth, a championship team in DeWalt Racing, a championship organization in Roush Racing and a championship motorsports sanctioning body in NASCAR. "It is only fitting that USG SHEETROCK, a championship brand in the building industry, has positioned itself with a strategic alliance to target our customers. This is an exciting time for USG Racing and we're looking forward to a thrilling 2005 season." Since joining the Cup series full-time in 2000, Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR Champion, has accumulated nine wins, 39 top fives and 82 top 10s. The 32-year-old Cambridge, Wis. native put together top-10 championship point finishes the past three years - eighth (2002), first (2003) and eighth (2004). He was NASCAR's Rookie of the Year in 2000 and has earned more than $25 million in career prize money. USG will continue as a NASCAR promotional partner in 2005 with the "USG Improving The Finish" contingency award at each of the 36 Nextel Cup point races and as a sponsor of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. The USG Improving The Finish award will pay $5,000 at each race to the driver who gains the most places from the opening green flag to the closing checkered flag. At the conclusion of the 2005 season, the driver who earns the most USG Improving The Finish points will be awarded a $100,000 bonus. (Roush Racing PR)

Chex Cereal to Sponsor NASCAR's Most Popular: Chex cereal will begin sponsoring the NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award for the Nextel Cup Series beginning this season. The announcement was made today as part of the Lowe's Motor Speedway Media Tour. The award is administered by the National Motorsports Press Association. Voting for the more than 40 drivers eligible for the only fan-based award in motorsports begins Tuesday, Feb. 1, at www.mostpopulardriver.com and continues through 11:59 a.m. CST, Monday, Nov. 21. Fans may vote once each day at the site. The Chex NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award has been sponsored by General Mills since the start of the 2002 season. In that time period, more than 9.3 million votes have been cast. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won the award the past two years. (Catchfence)

January 25, 2005:

Vicker Signs Sponsorship: Garnier Fructis and Hendrick Motorsports today announced a multi-year agreement featuring Garnier Fructis as a major associate sponsor of the No. 25 Chevrolets driven by Brian Vickers in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The deal marks the first foray into motorsports by Garnier Fructis, the wildly popular unisex haircare brand owned by L'Oreal USA.  In addition to the associate-sponsorship on the No. 25 GMAC / ditech.com Chevrolets in 2005, the union will be highlighted when Vickers and the No. 25 car don the trademark bright green Garnier Fructis color scheme in two races -- April 17 at Texas Motor Speedway and Aug. 7 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  "NASCAR has enormous universal appeal," says Karen Fondu, president, Maybelline New York-Garnier. "NASCAR is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle. Like Garnier Fructis, NASCAR is dynamic, spirited and all about high performance." "The energy and excitement of NASCAR connects Garnier Fructis to over 75 million fans, both men and women," says Cheryl Vitali, senior vice president, marketing, Maybelline New York-Garnier. "We couldn't be more thrilled about our partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and Brian Vickers, and hope to make many more NASCAR fans Garnier Fructis fans." Under the associate sponsorship agreement, Brian Vickers will serve as a spokesperson for Garnier Fructis haircare and styling products. His likeness will be featured in print advertising, at point-of-purchase and in-store displays, and throughout public relations campaigns and Internet initiatives. (NASCAR)

Best Buy Joins NetZero Racing: NetZero, a leading Internet Service Provider that offers high-quality, easy-to-use, free and value-priced Internet service to millions of people nationwide, and Best Buy Co., Inc., North America's leading retailer of consumer electronics, will head into the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season together as co-sponsors of the #0 NetZero Best Buy Chevrolet. Former Craftsman Truck Series Champion Mike Bliss will pilot the NetZero Best Buy Racing Chevrolet for Haas CNC Racing team owner Gene Haas.  "Many of our customers and store associates are among the 75 million people who have declared NASCAR one of their favorite sports," said Michael Linton, chief marketing officer at Best Buy. "Our co-sponsorship with NetZero appeals to race fan interests with countless racing thrills on the track and then transports the excitement of NASCAR back into our own stores."   "We are very excited to be partnering with Best Buy on the 2005 NetZero Best Buy Race team," said Barbara Palmer, senior vice president marketing at NetZero. "Our ongoing relationship with Best Buy makes it easy for consumers to sign-up for our value-priced NetZero Internet services right in their local Best Buy store through Best Buy's knowledgeable sales associates. We believe this co-sponsorship provides what we have not had in past NASCAR seasons: a physical location where consumers can meet and interact with our team, driver and race car  and sign up for our service at the same time."  (WhoWon)

January 19, 2005:

AAA Official signs with Roush Racing: The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest AAA affiliate in the Midwest, has signed a contract with Roush Racing to sponsor the No. 99 AAA Ford Taurus, driven by Carl Edwards, at NASCAR Nextel Cup Series races in 2005.  "Sponsorship of a car and driver on the hugely popular NASCAR racing circuit will help raise AAA's profile with the many fans of this major spectator sport. The sponsorship ties very nicely into AAA's century-long commitment to supporting continued improvement in vehicle safety," said Jeff Ogden, president, AAA Minnesota/Iowa.  "Many of the safety features we take for granted on today's passenger vehicles, such as lap-and-shoulder safety belts and hydraulic brakes, were introduced and perfected in racecars," Ogden added. "NASCAR races will continue to be the proving ground for new safety equipment, and the AAA clubs that comprise The Auto Club Group are pleased and proud to help support that progress." (PRNewswire)

January 18, 2005:

Robby Gordon and Fruit of the Loom: Fruit of the Loom and Robby Gordon Motorsports are carrying their NASCAR partnership to the next level in 2005 by announcing today that the world-renowned apparel company will sponsor Gordon in nine NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events and one NASCAR Busch Series race. The Fruit of the Loom Racing Team debuted in the Busch Series last season; during which Gordon drove the #55 Chevrolet to a victory at Richmond, four other top-five finishes and ten top-10s. Robby Gordon Motorsports (RGM) hopes to match that success during Speedweeks 2005 at Daytona, where Gordon is entered in the Feb. 19 Hershey's 300 Busch Series event. For that race only, the team will again run car #55. It will campaign car #7 in NEXTEL Cup competition, with Fruit of the Loom's first race in that series slated for April 3 in the Food City 500. Gordon has three wins, including a sweep of both road-course events in 2003, won the Gatorade 125 Daytona 500 qualifying race in 2003 and has banked more than $15 million in NASCAR winnings. Bob Temple will return as crew chief. The team will utilize Hopkins Chassis with engines supplied by Menard Engineering. The Indianapolis and Oxfordshire, England-based company has supplied engines for cars that have won the pole for the famed Indianapolis 500 three times, powering Team Menard to a pair of Indy Racing League championships in 1997 and 1999. RGM ran Menard engines in three Busch Series races last season. For more information, visit www.fruit.com (Camp and Assoc PR)

McClure Gets Sponsorship: Morgan-McClure Motorsports has secured sponsorship for the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series with Lucas Oil Products. Mike Wallace, who won the Winn-Dixie 250 Busch Series race last July at Daytona International Speedway, is owner Larry McClure's choice to drive the car this season and he will test the #4 Chevrolet in Tuesday's second round of Preseason Thunder. Wallace said his conversations with McClure have been ongoing, but they haven't had a chance to sit down since the deal with Lucas was done. "First and foremost my goal is to drive Larry's car this season," Wallace said. "We hope to get that deal done this week, and once we are able to do that, we'll see if it's possible to do anything in the Truck Series." McClure said that Chris Carrier would once again be the team's crew chief.(NASCAR.com)

January 11, 2005:

Office Depot Sponsors Edwards: Office Depot, one of the world's leading resellers of office products and services, and Roush Racing announced today that Office Depot will sponsor Roush Racing's #99 Office Depot Ford Taurus driven by Carl Edwards in the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race season. The sponsorship comes on the heels of Office Depot's new multi-year agreement with NASCAR to become the sport's first-ever Official Office Products Partner. Beginning with the Daytona 500 in February, Office Depot will be the primary sponsor of Roush Racing's #99 Office Depot Ford Taurus for a minimum of eight races in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and an associate sponsor for the remaining races in the season. The Office Depot paint scheme, unveiled today during the first day of testing at Daytona International Speedway, will be featured on the #99 Office Depot Ford Taurus for the Daytona, Darlington, Chicago, California, Atlanta, Homestead, Texas and Bristol races. Just last week, Office Depot introduced its new multi-year agreement with NASCAR as the company's primary national sponsorship platform. The relationship with NASCAR is also a central component of Office Depot's new Taking Care of Business brand positioning and advertising campaign. Office Depot will link its entry into the 2005 NEXTEL series and its alliance with NASCAR through aggressive marketing efforts on the local and national level, leveraging the association with NASCAR to reach out to its core audience of business customers. Office Depot's NASCAR agreement includes category exclusivity in NASCAR's Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series. Activation plans include a large-scale national promotion, advertising campaign, merchandising, signage and sales events. Further, Office Depot will utilize the proprietary tagline "Where NASCAR Stops for Office Products" in the company's more than 900 retail stores and online. In addition, Office Depot plans to launch a national advertising campaign featuring Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Taurus. The company will also support an upcoming NASCAR diversity initiative, as NASCAR is the fastest-growing sport among African-Americans and Hispanics, according to independent research. (Roush Racing PR)

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