NASCAR Sponsorship News Rumors Page 2

Miller Awaits Budweiser's answer to Challenge: Miller Brewing Company is offering Anheuser-Busch one last chance to show that it is up to the NASCAR challenge Miller issued Friday morning. Budweiser still has until noon (Eastern) tomorrow to change its decision to back away from the friendly wager. Comments and polls on a variety of racing web sites show an overwhelming interest by NASCAR fans in this challenge. "We're surprised that A-B doesn't seem as certain about their team's success, but we hope they'll reconsider because there are so many NASCAR fans who would enjoy watching this wager unfold," said Miller's chief marketing officer Tom Long. "We assumed the folks at Budweiser would have more confidence in their driver's performance, especially given that so many experts and fans expect Dale Junior and his team to be so strong this season." The challenge from Miller is simple: Kurt will finish ahead of Earnhardt Jr. in the final 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season standings. The terms of the friendly wager: The losing sponsor must change the paint scheme on its car to match the winning brand's car for one Nextel Cup Series points-paying race next year. Budweiser has until the start of Sunday's season-opening race to accept the Miller challenge. "My team and I definitely appreciate this great show of support from Miller Lite," Kurt said. "We thought this challenge would give the fans a little something extra to get excited about this year. Both teams are focused on doing everything they can to win races and win the championship this year, and that's what this wager is all about. I hope Dale's sponsor will rethink their decision before the race tomorrow. This would be great for the sport and its fans." (Tom Roberts/Miller PR)

TBC brands joins as associate and primary sponsors for Petty: The names of TBC Corp.'s Tire Kingdom, Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers and National Tire & Battery properties will appear on NASCAR driver Kyle Petty's #45 Dodge at various races this year. "We believe that involvement with NASCAR is a natural progression in our marketing efforts," says Bob Crostarosa, TBC's vice president of marketing. "TBC (has) reached an agreement with the Petty race team that presents the Tire Kingdom brand as the primary sponsor of the car driven by Kyle Petty for the Darlington, S.C., race on May 13, and for the Lowe's Motor Speedway Race in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 14," say TBC officials. "The car will carry the Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers logo for the Richmond race on May 6 and the National Tire & Battery logo in Atlanta on March 19. Additionally, the three brands will be identified as associate sponsors throughout 2006 for all other Nextel Cup races." (moderntiredealer.com)

Shelmerdine and Valvoline for 500 sponsor? Thursday night, as Shelmerdine continued a massive effort to control his emotions, that #27 Chevrolet looked like a Rolls Royce. Beginning today, it might as well be. A few decent sponsors, and at least one prominent one (Valvoline, which bankrolls Scott Riggs' #10 car), might be ready to deal for a little logo placement in Sunday's big show. "The quarterpanels are open," said Shelmerdine, who smiled broadly and added, "the price has gone up." (Daytona Beach News Journal)

Subway increases Biffle #16 sponsorship: Subway Restaurants will heighten sponsorship efforts with #16-Greg Biffle of Roush Racing in its third year of team sponsorship. Subway restaurants made its first Nextel Cup Series appearance as a team sponsor in 2001. Today, Subway restaurants are set to be the primary sponsor of the #16 National Guard/Subway Ford Fusion at 11 Nextel Cup Series races in 2006, including two entitlement races. The Subway Fresh 500 will take place at Phoenix International Raceway on April 22 and the Subway 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 22. For more information about the Subway restaurant chain, visit subway.com. (PR Newswire)

Green adds associate sponsor: Best Buy Haas CNC Racing and SanDisk Corporation announced that SanDisk has signed on as an associate sponsor of the #66 Chevy, driven by Jeff Green. SanDisk, the world's largest supplier of flash memory data storage products, will have its logo displayed on the quarter panels of the #66 Best Buy Chevy throughout the 2006 season. In addition, the SanDisk sponsorship will be highlighted on team uniforms, trailers and merchandising items. SanDisk will also have a presence in the Best Buy Fun Zone Technology vehicle, a mobile unit featuring interactive technology displays that will make appearances at select races. The SanDisk logo will appear on the #66 Best Buy Chevy in the Feb. 16 Gatorade Duel 150 event, and the Feb. 19 Daytona 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Daytona International Speedway. (GMR/Best Buy Racing PR)

Sundance Vacations sponsor Cope & McGlynn Racing: McGlynn Racing announced today that Sundance Vacations will co-sponsor the Derrike Cope driven NASCAR Nextel Cup Dodge for the Daytona 500 on February 19th. Sundance Vacations will be featured on the car and on the team uniforms. Sundance Vacations will also be featured as a Primary sponsor for three races this season, the first at Dover (June 4), Pocono (June 11) as well as the race at Chicagoland Speedway (July9). Sundance Vacations is a wholesale travel company headquartered in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania that operates offices nationwide. "We experienced exceptional results from our limited team sponsorship last year," explains company President, John Dowd. "We are looking forward to even better results from a full season sponsorship of the Derrike Cope Dodge. We believe in sports and event marketing. We are involved with a variety of venues including a sponsorship at the Wachovia Center which includes the 76ers and the Flyers but a NASCAR Nextel Cup sponsorship is really the pinnacle. "You don't get that kind of exposure from any other sport," continued John. The company has always had an impressive growth rate since its inception in 1991. Partnering with the McGlynn NASCAR Nextel Cup team last year helped contribute to a 60% growth in sales. "With our product clients can vacation in great resort destinations for a fraction of the retail price. It's a simple wholesale business model. We buy in bulk and pass the savings on to our customers," explains Mr. Dowd. Sundance Vacations is negotiating with the team and former Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope to outline the details for a full season sponsorship. When the agreement is finalized, Sundance will join My Guardian 911 as co-sponsor for the season. Further details will be released when available. "I'm thrilled to have Sundance Vacations back with us in 2006, " said Ray McGlynn, owner of McGlynn Racing. "We've enjoyed a great relationship with John Dowd and his group at Sundance Vacations since they came on with us last year and we look forward to making 2006 even brighter. (McGlynn Racing PR)

Peak Performance Daytona 500 Sponsor: Peak Performance Motorsports officials say the team has signed Mountain Dew AMP as sponsor for the upcoming events at Daytona International Speedway. Kevin Lepage will drive the #61 AMP Energy Drink car in the qualifying race for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16. If he advances into the race, he will drive the Mountain Dew AMP car, marking the first time the company is a primary car sponsor for a Nextel Cup event. (NASCAR Scene Daily)

DirecTV signs with RCR: NASCAR partner DIRECTV has announced an official partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), one of NASCAR's premier racing teams. Through the partnership, DIRECTV will be an associate sponsor of the #07 Jack Daniel's Chevy and its driver, Clint Bowyer, during the 2006 Nextel Cup Series season. The association with RCR aligns DIRECTV with one of the sport's most well-respected racing programs and one of the sport's most exciting young drivers. DIRECTV also will be primary sponsor of the #07 Chevy at three Nextel Cup Series races this season at Martinsville (April 2), Pocono (June 11) and Talladega (October 8). As the nation's leading digital TV service, DIRECTV has a long history with NASCAR, though this announcement marks the company's first official sponsorship of a Nextel Cup team. The service has become an integral part of the sport by providing millions of fans the opportunity for the most enhanced, unique NASCAR viewing experience at home and trackside. DIRECTV has also become a critical piece of racing equipment for crew chiefs, as teams up and down pit road rely on the digital picture and sound to aid spotters and monitor car performance throughout the entire race. The partnership with RCR and Clint Bowyer will enable DIRECTV to create consumer marketing and retail promotions targeting NASCAR's loyal fan base. In addition, the relationship will provide DIRECTV the opportunity to increase awareness of its new DIRECTV Plus ® DVR among race fans and emphasize current and future features that will enhance their race viewing experience. (RCR Site)

PPI signs Yakety Yak Wireless as associate sponsor: PPI Motorsports that fields the No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet driven by Travis Kvapil in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series is proud to announce its one-race associate sponsorship with Yakety Yak Wireless Inc. (YYWI). The partnership spans throughout the upcoming Daytona Speedweeks which culminates in the sport's season opener, The Daytona 500 on Feb. 19 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Yakety Yak is excited to embark on this partnership which will help launch YYWI's national marketing campaign for 2006. Yakety Yak Wireless Superstores will have its Franchisees across the nation participate in a marketing campaign counting down to the Daytona 500 with special in-store promotions. "This will be one of the biggest events of the year and I want to make sure that the Yakety Yak presence at the Daytona race is as big as the race itself. We want to give fans a name to remember and something to talk about," said Jimmy Kindred, the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Yakety Yak Wireless. "PPI Motorsports is pleased to have the opportunity to bring Yakety Yak on board one of the most recognizable racecars in NASCAR," added Cal Wells III, owner of PPI Motorsports. "What better way to introduce the fastest growing chain of independently owned wireless stores to the fastest growing sport in America? NASCAR boasts the most brand-loyal fans and PPI Motorsports and our driver Travis Kvapil are excited to provide Yakety Yak with an exciting marketing vehicle to grow its business. It is my hope that this opportunity will develop into a long-standing partnership." Yakety Yak Wireless has grown dramatically in the seven years since its creation and has always recognized the importance of exciting sports sponsorship. Their presence at this year's Daytona 500 will create the type of exciting buzz that has fueled its brand growth since opening their first store in 1999. (PPI Motorsports PR)

Home Depot new NASCAR commercials: The Home Depot will debut a new NASCAR-themed television ad during the broadcast of the Daytona 500 featuring Stewart and members of the #20 Home Depot Racing Team. The spot accentuates The Home Depot's brand promise of "know-how" by linking Stewart's on-track success and, ultimately, his 2005 Nextel Cup championship, to his recent spate of home improvement projects. The 60-second spot, "Zippy's Link," features Stewart giving crew chief Greg Zipadelli a tour of his home highlighting the various home improvement projects he completed over the course of the season. Starting with a kitchen renovation, Stewart impresses Zipadelli with the installation of a new garbage disposal and hardwood floors, replacing a ceiling fan, repairing a toilet, painting the living room and finally, building a new outdoor brick patio in honor of winning the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, his lifelong dream. During the ad, Stewart tours a skeptical Zipadelli through the house showing him each completed project and how it relates back to a specific race success during the 2005 season in order to convince his crew chief of the direct link between home improvement and racing. The ads underline that the secret to success is know-how, whether you are a do-it-yourselfer conducting a home improvement project or a racing superstar. (True Speed Communications)

Gillette adds Edwards and McMurray to Young Guns: Gillette announced today the addition of two of NASCAR's youngest and most talented drivers - Carl Edwards and Jamie McMurray - to the Gillette Young Guns team. Edwards and McMurray will officially join Gillette Young Guns Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman beginning with the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. "Together, the Gillette Young Guns are six of NASCAR's hottest and best-performing drivers, who define excellence the same way our world-class products do," said Eric A. Kraus, Vice President, External Relations, Gillette. "We are pleased to welcome Carl and Jamie, two of NASCAR's brightest young stars, to the Gillette family." (Gillette PR)

Sorenson and Burton partners with State Farm: Beginning with the Daytona 500 on February 19, 2006, State Farm will begin partnerships with NASCAR drivers #31-Jeff Burton of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and #41-Reed Sorenson of Chip Ganassi Racing. During the Daytona 500 on February 19, State Farm will debut two commercials featuring Jeff Burton and his State Farm agent. Throughout the 2006 NASCAR season, State Farm will advertise in nearly every NASCAR race. Commercials featuring Reed Sorenson will begin later this year.State Farm logo will appear on Burton's driver uniform and uniforms of pit crew during Nextel Cup and Busch Series races, on RCR trailer/transporter and pit equipment and in "fan walk" of RCR headquarters, museum, and RCRacing.com. The State Farm logo will appear on Sorenson's driver uniform and uniforms of pit crew during Nextel Cup and Busch Series races. In both cases, State Farm is sponsoring the drivers and not the cars. The State Farm logo will not appear on either car. (State Farm PR)

R Gordon gets associate sponsor: InterActive Financial Marketing Group, LLC (IFMG) announced today that it has signed an associate sponsorship agreement with Robby Gordon Motorsports for the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season. IFMG's associate program will include branding on the team's No. 7 Robby Gordon Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlos and an extensive nationwide marketing campaign featuring Robby Gordon in television and radio commercials, specifically customized for each participating Chevrolet partner's dealership and region. IFMG also plans to develop supporting in-store POP materials for its dealers and special trackside hospitality at select NASCAR events. "Having a sponsor like Interactive Financial Marketing Group is a perfect match for our team," said Gordon. "Chevrolet is an important part of our team and when we sat down with IFMG and learned of their goal to help Chevrolet dealers sell more cars to NASCAR fans it made a lot of sense. The program they've put together for their Chevrolet dealers is great, and I look forward to growing our relationship together for many years." To help launch IFMG's sponsorship, Gordon will be signing autographs in the IFMG booth during next month's National Automobile Dealer's Association (NADA) Convention and Expo at the Orlando Convention Center on Monday, Feb. 13, 2006, from 1-3 p.m. A full-sized NASCAR show car complete with an interactive Daytona USA racing game and widescreen television will also be featured in the booth. (RGM PR)

B. Elliott and MB2 #36 gets sponsor: MB2 Motorsports announced that Ginn (pronounced Ghin) Clubs & Resorts will be the primary sponsor on Bill Elliott's #36 Chevy during Daytona Speedweeks, including the Feb. 11 Budweiser Shootout and the Feb. 19 Daytona 500. Based in Celebration, Fla., Ginn Clubs & Resorts is a privately held resort development and management firm, specializing in exclusive leisure lifestyle and vacation destination communities in the United States. "This is our first venture into motorsports sponsorship and what a thrilling beginning," said Bobby Ginn, president and CEO of Ginn Clubs & Resorts. "To be associated with MB2 Motorsports and the legendary Bill Elliott in the Daytona 500 is a tremendous opportunity to convey our message to the worldwide network of NASCAR fans. The partnership will also provide a special excitement to our communities at Ginn Clubs & Resorts." Ginn Clubs & Resorts Ginn Clubs & Resorts is a privately held resort development and management firm which specializes in exclusive leisure lifestyle and vacation destination communities across the U.S. More info at ginnclubsandresorts.com.(MB2 Motorsports PR)

Mountain Dew reups: Mountain Dew will be an associate sponsor of Brian Vickers' #25 GMAC Chevy throughout the 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series season announcing a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Hendrick Motorsports. The season will mark the 20th anniversary of the #25 Hendrick Motorsports team, which has 29 pole positions and 15 wins since 1986. Vickers will also pilot #57 Mountain Dew Chevys in three Busch Series races in 2006: Feb. 25 at California, May 12 at Darlington, and Aug. 19 at Michigan. Vickers will be featured in Mountain Dew advertising and on in-store display materials. He joins teammate #24-Jeff Gordon as part of the Pepsi-Cola racing team. Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew's parent company, has been involved with stock car racing for more than five decades. Today, Pepsi serves its products at 15 of the 22 NEXTEL Cup tracks and is the title sponsor of the Pepsi 400, which is held annually at Daytona International Speedway. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)

Jack Beam resigns with R. Gordon: Jim Beam announced that it will continue its relationship with Robby Gordon Motorsports (RGM) as a primary sponsor of the #7 Chevy driven by team owner and veteran driver Robby Gordon for a designated number of races (11) during the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. "Jim Beam is committed to motorsports and to supporting the only team owner/driver in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series today," said Brian Gallagher, manager of Jim Beam Racing. "We admire Robby's passion for racing and his determination to succeed as both a driver and a team owner. We look forward to continuing our sponsorship of Robby Gordon Motorsports in 2006." "RGM has the experience, people and capabilities to put a competitive car on the track," said Gordon. "Over the last several months our team has grown significantly, and our second season of competition will look much different than the first given the experience we have gained. We look forward to a successful 2006 season with Jim Beam." Similar to 2005, Jim Beam will utilize its sponsorship of Gordon and the #7 Chevy to activate the Jim Beam Racing drink smart initiative. In 2005, Gordon donated $100,000 from a fund provided by Jim Beam to colleges and universities to fund alcohol education programs such as Alcohol 101 Plus from The Century Council (www.centurycouncil.org), an organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. The 2006 Jim Beam Racing drink smart program will be announced at a later date. In addition to sponsoring the #7 Chevy, Jim Beam helped make history as a sponsor of Gordon and Team Dakar USA, the first and only American team to compete in the Dakar Rally. For more information on Jim Beam Brands, and the Company's sales and distribution partners, please visit www.jimbeambrands.com or www.drinksmart.com.(Ketchum PR)

Limited number Atlanta infield spots available: AMS officials announced today a limited number of infield camping spaces are still available for the March 17-19 Golden Corral 500 race weekend. The Flock Brothers Corral, which sits between turns one and two, and the High Speed Corral, which is situated between turns three and four on the infield of AMS, each have less than 30 spaces remaining. There are still plenty of Reserved and Unreserved outside camping spaces available. Because of the limited quantity available, fans interested in purchasing a Flock Brothers Corral or a High Speed Corral camping space are encouraged to act quickly. For $400 a year, fans can secure their spot in the Flock Brothers Corral for both NASCAR Nextel Cup race weekends. High Speed Corral spaces can be reserved for just $200 for both race weekends. Infield camping spaces as well as tickets to the Golden Corral 500 can be purchased by calling 770-946-4211, 877-9-AMS-TIX (1-877-926-7849), or online at atlantamotorspeedway.com. Fans can also stop by the AMS ticket office, speak to a staff member about various camping options and purchase directly from the ticket office. (AMS PR)

Domino's Pizza to sponsor Michael Waltrip #55: Domino's Pizza, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, is going the distance with two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip as they extend their partnership into the 2006 NASCAR racing season. Domino's will have an associate sponsorship throughout the 2006 racing season on Waltrip's No. 55 NAPA Dodge. Additionally, Domino's will be a primary sponsor on Waltrip's No. 55 Dodge during one NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. The agreement also provides Domino's the opportunity to continue featuring Waltrip in NASCAR-themed commercials and promotions. "Michael has done a great job in our commercials and serving as a Domino's Pizza spokesman," said Ken Calwell, chief marketing officer for Domino's Pizza. "We are happy to build on our relationship and to continue our participation in this exciting sport." Domino's became the "Official Pizza of NASCAR" in 2003. "Since our original announcement of being named the Official Pizza of NASCAR, we have propelled from the number three pizza choice among NASCAR fans to number one," said Calwell. "Our research shows that NASCAR fans are six times as likely to order Domino's because we are the Official Pizza. Our advertising message, 'Make Race Day Domino's Pizza Day,' has been well received by NASCAR fans." (Domino's Pizza, Inc. PR)

New Roush sponsor: One of the nation's leaders in the trucking industry, R+L Carriers has joined Roush Racing as a full-time associate sponsor on the No. 17 DeWalt Ford Fusion team and driver, Matt Kenseth for the 2006 Nextel Cup season. Based out of Wilmington, Ohio, R+L Carriers is a family owned and operated company that with 40 years of committed service to their customers, has grown to be one of today's leaders in the Less than Truckload (LTL) industry. With nearly 10,000 employees, R+L Carriers Inc. currently services 47 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and all of Canada. With future expansions already in progress, R+L Carriers will cover the remaining states, (Washington, Oregon, and California) by year 2007. In addition to becoming a full-time associate sponsor, R+L Carriers will become the primary sponsor for the No. 17 Ford in three Nextel Cup events in 2006 beginning with the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May, then again at Daytona International Speedway in July and Martinsville Speedway in October. "We are pleased to be working with R+ L Carriers on the No. 17 Nextel Cup car this season," said Jack Roush, owner of Roush Racing. "We understand the importance of getting where you need to go safely and timely, as we are in the business of doing that on a weekly basis. R+ L Carriers is a leader in their industry and it seems only natural that they would team with Matt Kenseth and Robbie Reiser on the No. 17 Ford Fusion, as they have been at the top of the NASCAR game for some time now." This marks the second foray into auto racing for R+L Carriers, who in 1997 sponsored a car in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. (Roush Racing PR)

The Brand Exposure Value: For the 21st consecutive season, the primary team sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series champion (The Home Depot/Tony Stewart) did not earn the most in-broadcast exposure value for the season. The 2005 team sponsor top-five ranked as follows: Budweiser ($149.0 million), Lowe's ($140.2 million), The Home Depot ($125.0 million), NAPA Auto Parts ($105.5 million) and DuPont ($84.7 million). (More Brand Exposure value's Joyce Julius)

Army drops NASCAR series sponsorship: The U.S. Army will no longer sponsor NASCAR, Street & Smith¹s SportsBusiness Journal reports, but it will continue as sponsor of MB2 Motorsports' No. 01 Chevrolet driven by Joe Nemechek in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series. The publication reports that the decision was based on price and says the Army will spend the money it would have used in NASCAR for "grassroots programs supporting the Army's primary sponsorship objective of generating recruiting leads." The story says NASCAR will leave representation of the armed forces with individual teams. (NASCAR Scene Daily)

Jasper engines ends NASCAR sponsorship: Jasper Engines & Transmissions will no longer sponsor a car in NASCAR's Nextel Cup series but will continue supplying drivers Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch with engines, transmissions and differentials. Travis Kvapil drove the No. 77 Dodge for Penske-Jasper Racing last season, when Kodak became the primary sponsor. After Kodak dropped its sponsorship earlier this month, Jasper decided to follow suit. "We won't have our name front and center on the car, but we now have the opportunity we've worked years for," Jasper advertising manager Mike Pfau said. "We view it as a way to get to do what we do best, and that is build drive-train components.: Jasper Engines based in the southwestern Indiana town of the same name was the primary sponsor of the No. 77 car from 1989 through 2003. (The State)

Kodak leaving #77 team and being dismantled? Despite repeated denials from Penske Racing, Kodak is pulling its sponsorship, and the #77 team is being dismantled. This is a sticky situation because Doug Bawel entered into a partnership with Penske Racing two seasons ago, and now he's on the outside looking in. The move comes on the heels of a major restructuring at Penske's Mooresville, N.C.-based campus. (Sporting News)

Marlin gets Waste Management Sponsor: Waste Management, Inc. and MB2 Motorsports today announced the companies have formed a racing platform that will commence with the 2006 NASCAR season. The agreement calls for Waste Management to be a primary sponsor for 12 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races and a major associate sponsor for 24 other points races on MB2's No. 14 Chevrolet, which will be driven by Sterling Marlin. Waste Management's first primary sponsorship race will be the season-opening Daytona 500, Feb. 19. Waste Management is also an associate sponsor on MB2's No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet, driven by Joe Nemechek. "We are thrilled to sponsor MB2 Motorsports and have two-time Daytona 500 champion Sterling Marlin on our team," said David Steiner, Waste Management's chief executive officer. "We've had a great relationship with NASCAR since 2001 and are eagerly looking forward to enhancing our racing involvement in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series with our new MB2 Motorsports sponsorship. This new relationship will assist Waste Management in meeting our primary business objectives." Jay Frye, MB2's chief executive officer and general manager, said, "This is an exciting time for MB2. Adding a quality sponsor and an industry leader in environmental services to our racing program is a major step as we prepare for a successful 2006 campaign." Frye added that he is continuing to work out details with additional partners to join Waste Management as a primary/associate sponsor with the No. 14 team. Marlin, who recently announced that he will be joining MB2, says that he is enthusiastically awaiting the 2006 season. (DMF Communication/MB2 PR)

Schrader signs with Wood Brothers & Little Debbie: NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader has joined the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing Team. He'll drive the famed number 21 Ford Fusion during the 2006 Nextel Cup season. The car will be sponsored by the newest face in NASCAR ― Little Debbie®, America's #1 snack cake. "I look forward to establishing a winning tradition with Wood Brothers/JTG Racing and Little Debbie® Snacks," says Schrader. "Some of the most victorious drivers in NASCAR history have driven the Number 21 car. I intend to continue that winning tradition in 2006." "Three years ago, I thought that 2005 could be my last season. However, when the opportunity to drive for the Wood Brothers and Little Debbie® presented itself, it made my decision to continue driving in the Nextel Cup Series very easy," says Schrader. "There is always excitement when a new company realizes the marketing potential of NASCAR for increasing its business and then decides to enter the sport. This is going to be fun!" Little Debbie® will be the primary sponsor of the Number 21 car for 19 races in 2006. Motorcraft Quality Parts and the U.S. Air Force will rotate their sponsorship of the Ford Fusion for the remaining races during the 2006 season. "We've been fans of NASCAR, the Wood Brothers, and Ken Schrader for many years, so sponsoring the Number 21 car is a way to show our support for a great sport, a great race team, and a great driver," says McKee Food's CEO Jack McKee. "From a business perspective, this is a perfect fit for our brand because NASCAR fans are Little Debbie® fans." (McKee Foods/Little Debbie)

Kodak renews with Penske Racing: Kodak has reached an agreement to extend its sponsorship of the Penske-Jasper Racing Nextel Cup team, and Travis Kvapil, a Janesville native, will return as the driver, a team representative said Thursday. A rumor had surfaced one day earlier speculating that the team could be disbanded. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Cabela's Joins Peak Performance As Primary Sponsor For Lepage's #66: Peak Performance Motorsports today announced that its No. 66 entry will be sponsored by Cabela's® in the season-ending race at Homestead this weekend. Kevin Lepage will be backed by the nation's largest direct marketer and leading specialty retailer of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise for the Ford 400. "We are wrapping up the season on a high note with this announcement from Cabela's," said team owner Jeff Stec. "It's been an exciting year and we are pleased to welcome such a fine company on board for our final race of the season. We are hopeful of having a strong weekend and that we can carry our year-end momentum into 2006." Cabela's is familiar with the NASCAR audience and its marketing importance. "Like Cabela's customers, racing fans are extremely loyal," said John Porter, Cabela's Retail Advertising Manager. "And we know many racing fans are also love the outdoor sports. It makes sense to continue Cabela's NASCAR involvement by teaming with Peak Performance Motorsports and Kevin Lepage for the season finale at Homestead. We look forward to the race. " Cabela's® (www.Cabelas.com) is the nation's largest direct marketer and a leading specialty retailer of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since its founding in 1961, Cabela's has become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the United States and has long been recognized as the World's Foremost Outfitter®. Cabela's operates as an integrated multi-channel retailer, offering customers a seamless shopping experience through its catalogs, website and destination retail stores. Cabela's also issues the Cabela's Club® VISA credit card through which it offers a related customer loyalty rewards program as a vehicle for strengthening its customer relationships. (PSE-3)

Miller Lite comments on Busch: Kurt Busch will be with the Miller Brewing Company when he takes over the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in 2006. Asked if Penske Racing South was still confident that Busch was the right pairing for that sponsorship, the team president, Don Miller, said: "Absolutely. I see some qualities that he has that are excellent. But I've also seen some areas we need to work on." Although he is not yet with Penske, Busch was contacted by officials at Miller yesterday. "We've spoken with Kurt and we're confident he truly understands the significance of his behavior, particularly regarding the fact we cannot and will not tolerate any behavior that demonstrates a lack of responsibility in the consumption of alcohol," the company said in a prepared statement. "We're going to stand by Kurt, but we made it clear to him that we expect him to also stand by us by demonstrating behavior befitting a true champion." (New York Times)

Gordon to compete in France: #24-Jeff Gordon, and five-time X-Games gold medalist and rally driver, Travis Pastrana, will represent Team USA in the 18th Race of Champions - Nations Cup, Dec. 3 at the 70,000 seat Stade de France in Paris. Three years ago, Team USA - Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Colin Edwards - won the event. Approximately 10 countries with drivers from many racing disciplines, including NASCAR, Formula One and World Rally Championship, will take part in the prestigious international competition. (GM Racing PR)

IRWIN tools and Sharpie to sponsor McMurray: Jamie McMurray announced that he will drive the IRWIN Industrial Tools/Sharpie Ford for Roush Racing in 2006. The announcement ends the speculation of when one of the most coveted driver's seats in racing would be filled. "The addition of Jamie McMurray as driver of the IRWIN/Sharpie Ford is a development that's exciting to our employees, customers and fans," said Eric Pinkham, director of motorsports for Newell Rubbermaid. "There's no question that Jamie now has the right tools to achieve even greater NASCAR success and make a permanent mark on racing history." IRWIN and Sharpie racing will compete in 15 races throughout the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series next year, including special Sharpie paint schemes at each event at Bristol Motor Speedway. The brands' sponsorship will feature interactive marketing at tracks, retail appearances, advertising and consumer and customer promotions. (Sharpie/Sanford PR

Miller Extends NASCAR sponsorship: Miller Brewing Co. said Monday that it is extending its sponsorship of the Penske Racing South team with defending NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch behind the wheel of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge. Busch will replace Rusty Wallace, who retired this year, beginning with the Daytona 500 in February. Milwaukee-based Miller also extended its contract with Penske Racing South through the 2010 season. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. As part of the sponsorship agreement, Busch will participate in a number of personal appearances at bars, retail outlets and events on behalf of the brewer. In addition, his likeness will be featured on Miller Lite's retail and on-premise merchandising materials, promotional programs and on the company's Web sites. (Milwaukee Business Journal)

Diageo to be Jamie McMurray's primary Roush Racing sponsor: Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business, today announced that it will take over primary sponsorship of Jamie McMurray's Roush Racing Ford beginning in the 2006 season. The company's Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE brands will own the primary paint scheme on the Roush Racing Ford for 21 races next season, with Newell-Rubbermaid retaining the remaining 15 races. In 2004, Crown Royal became the first spirits brand to enter the sport after NASCAR announced that spirits companies would be allowed to participate as team sponsors. "We are thrilled that Crown Royal is becoming primary sponsor, and that we're partnering with one of the sport's rising talents in Jamie McMurray and one of racing's best teams in Roush," said Debra Kelly-Ennis, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo. "As we have witnessed with both Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE, NASCAR continues to be a great platform for our responsible drinking programs, and we look forward to having an even greater presence in 2006 to continue these efforts." "I am excited about the opportunity to start a new era in my career with Crown Royal and Roush Racing," McMurray said. "I know that with this new partnership comes greater responsibility, as I will be counted on to help Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE reach millions of fans with messages related to the importance of responsible drinking." Extending best wishes to Kurt Busch as he heads to Penske Racing, Debra Kelly-Ennis added, "Our association with Kurt has been enormously positive, and together we've been able to connect with millions of adult NASCAR fans about the importance of responsible drinking. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors." (True Speed Communications)

Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and Home123 End Sponsorship: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that CGRFS and Home123 have mutually chosen to terminate their sponsorship relationship. "We have enjoyed working with Home123," said team owner Chip Ganassi. "This was a good decision for us both and our separation was amicable. We wish them well in their future endeavors." "While we have enjoyed working with the Ganassi organization and have seen benefit in the team sponsorship, we will be refocusing our 2006 dollars in other areas," said Pat Flanagan, Chief Executive Officer of Home123 Corporation. "We are committed to having marketing programs that strategically position the Home123 brand among our target audiences. We will continue to support the racing sport as the official mortgage company of NASCAR. In addition, we continue to be excited about announcing the winner of the Home123 "Pay Off Your Mortgage Sweepstakes." (Ganassi Racing/Felix Sabates PR)

Bliss takes NetZero back to the trucks: Mike Bliss will leave the #0 CNC-Haas NEXTEL Cup ride and return to the Craftsman Truck Series full-time in 2006. The former series champion will bring current Cup sponsor NetZero with him to the #16 truck ride for XPress Motorsports. (RacingOne)

Dickies Joins Peak Performance as Primary Sponsor in Texas: Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. and Peak Performance Motorsports today announced a one-race primary sponsorship package for the Dickies 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway. The Fort Worth-based maker of the DICKIES brand of work wear is in its first season as the title sponsor for the fall Nextel Cup event, and has signed with the No. 66 Ford and driver Kevin Lepage to be the primary sponsor of the car for the weekend at "The Great American Speedway." "As our on-track performance continues to progress, the interest Peak Performance is receiving from major companies is also growing," noted team owner Jeff Stec. "We are delighted to work with Dickies, and are excited about having a major American brand as our primary sponsor for one of the most anticipated racing events of the season." Dickies believes the NASCAR audience is a perfect match for the brand and that its dual race and team sponsorship and extends the bond further with the core customer. "We are happy to have the opportunity to partner with Peak Fitness on the No. 66 Ford for the Dickies 500," said Jon Ragsdale, Vice President of Marketing and New Business Development for WD. "It's a great way to add a level of excitement by having our very own car to root for at the race." (PSE-3)

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