Phoenix International Raceway

PHOENIX

“Dominick is a true Arizona success story and we are proud of the style and class with which he represents our entire region,” said Sperber. “We are excited to have him headline the weekend activities that kickoff the start of the 2012 NASCAR season at PIR.”

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Cruz, 26, has ascended to the top of his profession, compiling a 19-1-0 professional record that includes wins over the likes of Demetrious Johnson, Urijah Faber, Scott Jorgensen, Joseph Benavidez and Brian Bowles. Cruz and Faber will face each other as opposing coaches in the upcoming season of“The Ultimate Fighter Live®” premiering on FX before squaring off in the Octagon® for the third time following the program’s season finale.

“Having been a long-time fan of PIR and NASCAR, I am honored to be part of one of the most exciting sporting events in the Phoenix area,” said Cruz. “Similar to whenever I step into the ring, these drivers go out there and put it all on the line to win the race and give the fans a great show.”

Cruz will participate in pre-race ceremonies and will make appearances onsite at PIR on Sunday, March 4. Additional information on race weekend activities is available on Phoenix International Raceway’s official website at www.phoenixraceway.com.

About Phoenix International Raceway

Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s one-mile oval on March 4, 2012 in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™. Tickets for the entire SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ NASCAR weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com/Tickets or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more information, visit PhoenixRaceway.com, Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway and Twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway.

Source: Phoenix International Raceway, Press Release

2011 Carl Edwards Debriefs with Crew Chief Bob Osborne - Photo Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Now the Official Training Restaurant of Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing 

Milford, Conn., Feb. 8, 2012 – SUBWAY^® restaurant chain, the world’s largest restaurant chain, has expanded its successful partnership with Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing from the primary sponsor of the No. 99 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for three races in 2011 to six races starting in 2012.  The multi-year partnership also includes four additional races as a major associate sponsor and becoming the Official Training Restaurant of Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing.

“Carl has been a fan of our brand and our sweet onion chicken teriyaki sandwich for a long time,” said Tony Pace, Sr. Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer at SUBWAY^® Franchisee Advertising Fund.  “He and Roush Fenway Racing are great partners and proven winners. We look forward to Carl chasing his goal of a championship in 2012.”

The first race this year for the No. 99 SUBWAY^® Ford will be March 4 in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ at Phoenix International Raceway; returning to the track March 25, at Auto Club Speedway; June 3, Dover International Speedway; July 7, Daytona International Speedway; Sept. 2, Atlanta Motor Speedway; and Oct. 7, at Talladega Superspeedway.

“The SUBWAY^® restaurant brand and their SUBWAY FRESH FIT^® menu provides me with the opportunity to promote my healthy, active lifestyle,” stated Edwards. “SUBWAY^® sandwiches are the best tasting, most healthy food option that I can get on-the-go when I’m traveling,” continued Edwards.

Edwards will again be featured in the SUBWAY^® restaurant advertising campaigns.  The first new on-air ad with Edwards will run during the national television broadcast of the Daytona 500 (Feb. 26 on FOX).

“I am extremely pleased that SUBWAY^® has expanded their relationship with Roush Fenway Racing,” said Jack Roush, co-owner, Roush Fenway Racing. “As a company, we promote a healthy lifestyle with our employees and in particular, our drivers and pit crew members. Having the SUBWAY^® restaurant chain as our Official Training Restaurant is ideal.”     

About SUBWAY® Restaurants

Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami and Singapore, the SUBWAY® brand was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. Their partnership, which continues today, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey – one that has made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business. In 2011, for the third straight year, Zagat® Fast Food Survey, the SUBWAY® brand was ranked “number one” by consumers in the “Healthy Options,” “Most Popular” and “Top Service” categories for food brands with 5,000 or more locations. For more information about the SUBWAY® chain, visit www.subway.com. Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/subway. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/subwayfreshbuzz. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series with drivers Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Trevor Bayne. Celebrating 25 winning years in 2012, Roush Fenway is the leader in NASCAR marketing solutions with its exclusive RoushFenwayOnTrack sponsorship measurement services, motorsport’s only team-focused TV show, and its social marketing channel RickyvsTrevor.com bringing unmatched brand opportunities to sponsors. Visit www.RoushFenway.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushfenwayand follow on Twitter at @roushfenway.

Source: Roush Fenway Racing, Press Release

Jane Lynch, right, and Kate Upton from the new Three Stooges movie. (Photo credit: Peter Iovino)

Larry, Moe and Curly to deliver the Green Flag for the 54^th running of ‘The Great American Race’ 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As Grand Marshals, co-stars from the new Three Stooges movie Jane Lynch and Kate Upton will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – “Drivers, start your engines.”

Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Will Sasso — starring as Larry, Moe & Curly – in the all new The Three Stooges movie from Twentieth Century Fox, will start the action by delivering the green flag at the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race, on Sunday, February 26^th (FOX, 1 p.m. ET).

“We look forward to Jane and Kate’s participation in the pre-race ceremonies, adding to the star power of NASCAR’s biggest and richest race of the year,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Also, the thousands of race fans in attendance and the millions more watching on FOX Sports are eagerly waiting to experience ‘Stoogemania,’ when The Three Stooges deliver the green flag”

In The Three Stooges, which hits theaters everywhere April 13, 2012, newborns Larry, Moe and Curly are left on the doorstep of an orphanage run by nuns. The boys grow up finger-poking, nyuk-nyuk-nyuking and woo-woo-wooing their way to uncharted levels of knuckleheaded misadventure. Out to save their childhood home, only The Three Stooges could become embroiled in an oddball murder plot…while stumbling into starring in a phenomenally successful TV reality show.

Earl Benjamin, President and CEO of C3 Entertainment, Inc. (The Three Stooges brand owner) and Executive Producer of the new movie, said “The Three Stooges as a part of the Daytona 500 gives both comedy and racing fans a truly unique blend of two of America’s most enduring cultural icons – The greatest comedy team of all time and the aptly named The Great American Race. What could be better?”

Jane Lynch is best known for her role as the sarcastic villain on FOX’s hit show Glee, for which she has earned an Emmy and Golden Globe. Kate Upton, who was raised in Melbourne, Fla., is known for her appearance in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she was named Rookie of the Year.

Sean Hayes (Larry) garnered acclaim as the sarcastic and hilarious Jack McFarland on NBC’s long-running sitcom, Will & Grace. Will Sasso (Curly) starred for five seasons (1997-2002) on FOX-TV’s hit sketch comedy series MADtv, Chris Diamantopoulos (Moe) recently portrayed Frank Sinatra in the Emmy-nominated mini-series The Kennedys.

Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 events, including the 54^th annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and fans can also follow NASCAR (@NASCAR) and hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500.

Visit www.threestooges.com and Facebook (www.facebook.com/thethreestooges) for all the latest Three Stooges movie news.

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Front Row Motorsports Logo

NASCAR Veteran Strengthens Front Row Motorsports Leadership Team

Statesville, N.C. (February 8, 2012) - NASCAR veteran Pat Tryson will join Front Row Motorsports as the crew chief for David Gilliland’s No. 38 Ford.  The move is the latest of numerous off-season improvements for the Sprint Cup Series team and allows interim crew chief Derrick Finley to return full-time to his role of Director of Competition.

Tryson comes to Front Row Motorsports with more than 15 years of experience atop the pit box and race-winning credentials, earning victories with drivers Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler and Mark Martin.  He most recently worked for Michael Waltrip Racing, where he served in crew-chief and consultant roles.

“We made some pretty big changes this off-season to really take this team to the next level, and adding Pat is just one more critical piece that we’ve put in place for our 2012 season,” said team general manager Jerry Freeze.  “With Jay Guy on the No. 34 car and Derrick returning full-time to the competition director role, the depth and experience of our leadership team is better than it’s ever been before.”

Tryson has worked with some of the sport’s best organizations and drivers over the years.  This season will be his first time working with Gilliland, but he is ready to step in and help the team.

“I like what this team has done in the last few years, doing the right things and making the right changes to get better every season,” said Tryson.  “Gilliland’s a competitive driver – he’s got the fire in his belly – and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Gilliland, who scored a season-best third in last year’s Daytona 500, is ready to hit the track next week in Daytona Beach with Tryson running the No. 38 program.

“He’s a great ‘get’ for this team,” said Gilliland.  “There’s just so much that he brings to the table with all his experience.  I can’t wait to get started.”

About Front Row Motorsports:

Front Row Motorsports is a Statesville, N.C.-based race team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Formed in 2005 by restaurant and transportation entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, the team has competed in NASCAR racing in each year since its inception.  The team partners with Ford Racing and Roush-Yates Racing Engines to field the No. 34 Ford driven by David Ragan and the No. 38 Ford driven by David Gilliland.  For sponsorship inquiries contact Robin Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, at (704) 904-4347.

Source: Breaking Limits Marketing for Front Row Motorsports, Press Release

Boehringer Ingelheim

Cattle health company is looking to make renewed commitment to 

DENVER (Feb. 8, 2012) – Furniture Row Racing announced today that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.(BIVI) has signed a letter of intent to develop a business plan of becoming a partner with the NASCAR team’s Farm American program for the 2013 season.

Furniture Row Racing created the Farm American program in 2010, an initiative to bring awareness to the importance of keeping America’s food supply produced in the United States.

Over the past 25 years, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., an animal health company with U.S.
headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo., has supported its growth through research and development of innovative products for the livestock, equine and companion animal markets. Innovation and research are the keys to BIVI success.

“There has never been a better time to show support for American Agriculture. It is a strong, vibrant business that consumers need to know more about – that’s why we’re so honored to work with Furniture Row Racing to develop a plan on becoming a Farm American partner in 2013,” said Colin Meyers, Executive Director, U.S. Cattle Business at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

BIVI’s cattle division introduced a new way of thinking this year, Prevention Works. A partnership with Farm American enhances this industry commitment.

“The unique opportunity offered with Farm American will allow us to support consumer agriculture education that is so vital today,” added Meyers. “Our Prevention Works focus is an animal health philosophy that is better for the animal, better for the producer, and better for the consumer.”

Joe Garone, general manager of the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing, is equally excited about establishing a partnership with BIVI.

“We are thrilled that a world-class company like Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. has shown an interest in becoming a 2013 partner with our Farm American program, which continues to attract attention in the agriculture community,” said Garone “The staffs from both Furniture Row Racing and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica are excited about working together to develop a strategic plan to further the important work of Farm American.”

Source: DMF Communications for Furniture Row Racing, Press Release

ESPN Now - Photo Credit: John Atashian/ESPN

NASCAR Now will air Monday-Friday with half-hour episodes originating from ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Ct. A one-hour weekend edition will air on the morning of each NASCAR Sprint Cup race and NASCAR Now will air a weekend wrap-up edition starting with the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

AJ Allmendinger, driver of the Shell-Pennzoil Dodge for Penske Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, joins NASCAR Now this season as a guest reporter for the weekend edition programs. “The Daily Dinger” segment will feature Allmendinger in off-beat interviews around the racetracks with drivers, crew chiefs, fans and others or reporting on a unique aspect of that day’s race.

Mike Massaro will continue as the primary host of NASCAR Now with ongoing hosts Allen Bestwick, Nicole Briscoe, Marty Reid and Shannon Spake. ESPN SportsCenter anchors Lindsay Czarniak, Michael Yam and Michelle Bonner also will fill in as occasional NASCAR Now hosts. Marty Smith will again be the lead reporter for the program while Briscoe, Massaro and Spake will also serve as reporters.

Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie of the year Ricky Craven will continue as an analyst for NASCAR Nowand other ESPN studio programs such as SportsCenter. ESPN NASCAR analysts Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, Andy Petree, Tim Brewer and Brad Daugherty also will contribute to NASCAR Now as will ESPN pit reporters Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Dr. Jerry Punch and Vince Welch. NASCAR Now also will continue to have contributions from ESPN.com motorsports writers Ed Hinton, Terry Blount and David Newton along with ESPN the Magazine senior writer Ryan McGee and former NASCAR pit crew member D.J. Copp.

The program will originate from Daytona International Speedway for three shows surrounding the Daytona 500. In past years, NASCAR Now also has originated from remote locations including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the White House, Chicago’s Navy Pier and other racetracks.

NASCAR Now and all of ESPN’s NASCAR television content is also viewable digitally through WatchESPN and WatchESPN.com, the groundbreaking online-accessible authenticated version of ESPN. WatchESPN is available on computers, smartphones and tablets through WatchESPN.com and the free WatchESPN app, which are accessible to fans who receive their video service from an affiliated provider.

About NASCAR on ESPN:

ESPN produces comprehensive, multi-platform coverage featuring telecasts of the final 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup races, including the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Additionally, ESPN is the television home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series. ESPN’s NASCAR coverage extends to ESPN.com, SportsCenter, ESPN the Magazine, WatchESPN, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio and ESPN International, among other ESPN platforms. ESPN aired 262 NASCAR Cup Races over a 20-year period starting in 1981 and returned to NASCAR coverage in 2007. The network’s award-winning, live flag-to-flag coverage on ESPN has been honored with 19 Sports Emmy Awards, as well as many industry honors. It is widely credited for helping to popularize the sport nationwide.

Source: ESPN Communications, Press Release

NASCAR drivers Kasey Kahne, left, Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch, right, fill out postcards for troops at the Crown Royal Heroes Tailgate Party, on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The drivers stopped by and stuffed a bag in support of the "Your Hero's Name Here" program, which will award naming rights to the Brickyard 400 to a hero. Crown Royal sends the camo bags to troops overseas. (Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Crown Royal)

Whisky Brand to Honor an American Hero with Naming Rights to the Brickyard 400 at 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Feb. 7, 2012 – There are certain people who go above and beyond to change people’s lives. From protecting our country to serving as leaders in the community, Crown Royal is looking to pay tribute to those who are making a difference. The whisky brand is encouraging adult fans to nominate their personal heroes (21 or older) for naming rights to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here”^TM 400 at the Brickyard.

The race, to be held on July 29, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, represents the ultimate celebration of heroes and will mark the sixth time Crown Royal has awarded race naming rights to an adult fan. For the past two years, Crown Royal accepted nominations for military and service members exclusively. Not only has the 2012 race moved to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the annual program—now called “Your Hero’s Name Here”—has been expanded to accept entries for all of the unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities, from firefighters and police officers, to first responders and local volunteers.

“The expansion of the nomination category gives adult fans the opportunity to honor all men and women who truly make a difference in their day-to-day lives,” said Yvonne Briese, VP Marketing, DIAGEO North American whisky.  “We’ve been given the opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who unselfishly commit themselves to giving back, and we look forward to seeing one of our heroes kiss the bricks in Indianapolis this summer.”

To nominate a hero for consideration for naming rights to the race, fans are encouraged to visit the Crown Royal Facebook page (Facebook.com/CrownRoyal), where they will be asked to describe a heroic act by the nominee in 100 words or less. Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2012 and the five finalists will be announced in May. Once the finalists are announced, fans will be provided the chance to cast a vote and determine the winner. The winner will be revealed in a special ceremony leading up to the race.

As part of the prize package, the grand-prize winner will travel to Indianapolis for the race, where he or she will be provided an once-in-a-lifetime experience, which includes waving the green flag to signal the start of the race and delivering the trophy bearing his or her moniker to the race winner in Victory Lane.

The race is the culminating event of the Crown Royal Heroes Project^TM, an ongoing commitment to recognize everyday heroes and give back to their communities. As part of the project, special commemorative CAMO Crown Royal bag stuffing events were held across the country throughout the fall, resulting in thousands of Crown Royal care packages being sent to American troops overseas, with the help of Packages from Home. The Project benefits the brand’s two national charity partners, Honoring Heroes and Operation Patriot Foundation.

Crown Royal’s ongoing effort to identify deserving individuals kicked off this weekend in Indianapolis, along with various military bases across the country and will continue throughout the entry period.  Former NFL standout Warrick Dunn made a special appearance around the big game to call attention to the program and encourage adult fans to nominate their heroes. Dunn has partnered with the whisky brand to honor his own hero – his late mother – a former police officer who was killed during an off-duty security shift 19 years ago.

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canadamade by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky’s smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all fans to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

About Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment since it opened in 1909. The facility has hosted the Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day annual sporting event, since 1911 and also is the site of the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing also will make their IMS debut with races in 2012.

IMS is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and is the only venue to stage annual races in the IZOD IndyCar Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, GRAND-AM Road Racing and MotoGP.

About Operation Patriot Foundation

The mission of Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc., is to pay tribute to those who protect us daily – fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency responders and our active and veteran military forces, and to raise money for organizations representing these men and women who protect us. Our intentions are simple. To pay tribute to and help those who risk their lives for us daily and provide support to these people and their families through fund raising and ceremony in their honor. Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.operationpatriot.org.

About Honoring Heroes

Honoring Heroes, also known as The American First Responder Institute of Heraldry, has created nationally recognized awards for valor and heroism in the service of the First Responders’ life saving mission. No federal, state or local funds are required because the First Responder Institute prioritizes using locally donated dollars to honor local first responders. Prior to the work of the Institute, there was only one nationally recognized award for First Responders; the Medal of Valor. We have created complimentary awards for heroism and exceptional service “above and beyond the call of duty.” Awards are also given for direct participation in significant events, for improving security of the homeland and for exemplary service. For more information, please visit www.honoringheroes.com.

About Packages From Home

Packages From Home is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world, as well as to facilitate activities that elevate morale of all veterans. Packages From Home was founded in 2004 by Kathleen Lewis and has sent over 130,000 individual care packages and thousands of pounds of bulk mailing to deployed military troops overseas since its inception.  You can make a donation and learn more about Packages From Home by calling 602.253.0284 or by visiting us at www.packagesfromhome.org.

Source: Crown Royal Press Release

Front Row Motorsports Logo

Sport Supplement Company to Sponsor Ragan, Gilliland, Pit Crews

Statesville, N.C. (February 8, 2012) - Sport supplement company Maximum Human Performance (MHP) will bring its message to NASCAR fans for the first time, joining Front Row Motorsports as a multi-race, multi-year partner in the team’s Sprint Cup Series campaigns. MHP will be a primary sponsor for multiple races in both 2012 and 2013, including the upcoming Budweiser Shootout exhibition race on David Ragan’s No. 34 Ford and the season-opening Daytona 500 on David Gilliland’s No. 38 Ford.

MHP will also be the official sport supplement line of Front Row Motorsports and an official sponsor of the Nos. 34 and 38 pit crews. Company experts will work with the team’s pit crew coach and trainers to develop nutritional and fitness plans to improve and maximize the performance of the over-the-wall crew throughout the season.

“This is really going to be a unique program,” said Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins. “Sponsors, of course, help make your race programs better across the board via funding, but this is a case where they’re also going to make our pit crews healthier, stronger and faster. Everyone knows that a couple seconds on pit road can make a huge difference on the track. This partnership is focused on getting our athletes in the best shape possible to deliver maximum performance when it matters most.”

Fairfield, NJ-based MHP was launched in 1997 by bodybuilder Gerard Dente to develop premier science-based, research-driven sports supplements to help athletes achieve their greatest physical potential. The product line is used by world-class athletes, pro bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen and fitness enthusiasts alike. Products are sold in vitamin/supplement retail stores and online at www.MHPStrong.com.

The deal marks MHP’s first partnership in NASCAR. With Ragan and Gilliland both being skilled restrictor-plate racers, the February 18 Budweiser Shootout and the February 26 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway provide the perfect platform to introduce the company to an audience of millions of race fans.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to work with a first-rate racing team like Front Row Motorsports,” said Dente, CEO of MHP. “This unique sponsorship will not only connect our brand with millions of NASCAR fans, but more importantly it will showcase how our supplements will help improve the performance of their pit crew and drivers. I’m looking forward to working with pit crew coach Gary Smith and seeing how improvements in the pit crews’ speed and strength translate into better track times for the team.”

“MHP could have teamed up with any team in the sport, and they selected Front Row Motorsports,” said team general manager Jerry Freeze. “In the off-season, we upgraded our driver line-up, our pit crews and shop personnel, and our front-office leadership. It is reassuring when prospects like MHP conduct in-depth due diligence and confirm that our value proposition is compelling.

“Plus, it will be even more compelling after MHP helps get our over-the-wall guys performing at their maximum performance potential. That was an area that needed improvement, and in MHP we have a partner that is going help us do just that – continually improve.”

For more information about MHP, visit www.MHPStrong.com.

About Front Row Motorsports:

Front Row Motorsports is a Statesville, N.C.-based race team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Formed in 2005 by restaurant and transportation entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, the team has competed in NASCAR racing in each year since its inception. The team partners with Ford Racing and Roush-Yates Racing Engines to field the No. 34 Ford driven by David Ragan and the No. 38 Ford driven by David Gilliland. For sponsorship inquiries contact Robin Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, at (704) 904-4347.

Source: Breaking Limits Marketing for Front Row Motorsports, Press Release

Ricky Rudd - Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR

FORMER MISS SPRINT CUP MONICA PALUMBO SIGNS

WITH SPEED AS SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTER 

            Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ricky Rudd signed with SPEED this week to be an analyst on the popular weekend motor sports news program, SPEED Center. Rudd, a winner of 23 Cup Series races, including the 1997 Brickyard 400, was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

“Anytime you add someone with Ricky’s credentials, you give the viewers a voice and a perspective that has real impact,” said SPEED President Scott Ackerson.

Scheduled to begin Feb. 12, Rudd could be in for a long run on the network. After all, his 788 consecutive starts are the most in Cup history, earning the Chesapeake, Va., native the honorary title of NASCAR’s “Ironman.”

“I’m really looking forward to the next chapter,” said Rudd, the 1977 Rookie of the Year. “It’s going to be a lot of fun working with the gang at SPEED.”

Former Miss Sprint Cup Monica Palumbo

As a Social Media Reporter, Palumbo works with producers, creating original SPEED content for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media outlets. In addition, she provides reports from various tracks and locations and serves as a broadcast contributor with social media updates from second-screen touch points.  

About SPEED™

SPEED, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in nearly 84 million homes in North America, SPEED, a member of the FOX Sports Media Group, is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services, including SPEED2, a groundbreaking new broadband network featuring live, streaming and on-demand events complementing offerings of the linear network. For more information, please visit SPEED.com, the online motor sports authority.

About FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill.  Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships.  FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports.  In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.comand scout.com, reaching almost 30 million unique visitors monthly.  Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

Source: SPEED, Press Release

FOX Sports Media Group Logo

54^th Daytona 500 on Sun. Feb 26 Highlights 12^th Season

Coverage Begins with Budweiser Shootout on Feb. 18 

New York & Los Angeles – FOX Sports gears up for its 12th season of NASCAR coverage by unveiling the 2012 NASCAR on FOX broadcast schedule featuring 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup points races and 15 events total,  highlighted by the 54th running of the DAYTONA 500, live on Sunday, Feb. 26 (1:00-5:30 PM ET) from Daytona International Speedway.  Coverage of the “Great American Race” begins that day with a special one-hour pre-race program (12:00-1:00 PM ET) from the DIS infield and a completely remodeled Hollywood Hotel.  The flag officially drops on FOX Sports’ 2012 Speedweeks coverage with the BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT, live on Saturday, Feb. 18 in prime time (8:00-10:00 PM ET), followed by live coverage of DAYTONA 500 QUALIFYING on Sunday, Feb. 19 (1:00-4:00 PM ET).

Michael Waltrip, driver, owner and pitch-man extraordinaire, joins the FOX NASCAR SUNDAY prerace team, taking a seat in the famed Hollywood Hotel alongside big brother Darrell Waltrip and host Chris Myers. Darrell and former champion crew chief Larry McReynolds return to provide race analysis for all NASCAR on FOX Sprint Cup events, and Mike Joy returns as race announcer.  Veteran analyst Jeff Hammond takes his extensive experience as a former championship-winning crew chief to the action in the garages and on pit road.  Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Krista Voda also return to cover pit road.  NASCAR on FOX “storm scout” and meteorologist Rick Dickert of FOX-owned KTTV in Los Angeles rejoins the crew to provide weather updates to viewers on the FOX NASCAR SUNDAY prerace show as well as during race coverage.

FOX’s 2012 NASCAR schedule is highlighted by races from Phoenix International Speedway onSunday, March 4; Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 11; Bristol Motor Speedway onSunday, March 18; Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 14; Richmond International Raceway onSaturday, April 28; Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, May 6; and the NASCAR on FOX season finale from Dover, Delaware on Sunday, June 3.

The network’s presentation of the first 13 races of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup series hit a three-year high averaging 8.6 million viewers per race, up +9% over 2010 (7.9 million viewers).  The 2011 Daytona 500 crowned the event’s youngest champion ever and delivered ratings and audience gains for FOX Sports.  A total audience of just over 30 million Americans watched the race, making the 2011 Daytona 500 the most-watched NASCAR race since 2008.  The 30.1 million total viewers, a measure of the audience that saw at least a portion of the race, is +1% higher than 2010’s total audience of 29.8 million and +15% better than 2009′s 26.2 million.

FOX Sports commands the well-earned distinction as television’s most innovative sports broadcaster.  Ranking high among the network’s achievements are honors for its NASCAR coverage.  NASCAR on FOX has garnered 15 Emmy Awards for its coverage including three for Outstanding Sports Series (2001, 2005, 2007), five for Outstanding Live Event Audio Sound (2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010), one for Outstanding Graphic Design (2001), five for Outstanding Technical Team Remote (2001, 2003-05, 2007) and one for Promotional Announcement Episodic (2008).

NASCAR on FOX 2012 Schedule

Date Track Event Coverage Begins

Sat. Feb. 18     Daytona Int’l Speedway      Budweiser Shootout              8:00 PM

Sun. Feb. 19     Daytona Int’l Speedway      Daytona 500 Qualifying          1:00 PM

Sun. Feb. 26     Daytona Int’l Speedway      Daytona 500                     12:00 PM

Sun. March 4     Phoenix Int’l Speedway      NASCAR Racing from Phoenix      2:30 PM

Sun. March 11    Las Vegas Motor Speedway    NASCAR Racing from Las Vegas    2:30 PM

Sun. March 18    Bristol Motor Speedway      NASCAR Racing from Bristol      12:30 PM

Sun. March 25    Auto Club Speedway          NASCAR Racing from Fontana      2:30 PM

Sun. April 1     Martinsville Speedway       NASCAR Racing from Martinsville 12:30 PM

Sat. April 14    Texas Motor Speedway        NASCAR Racing from Fort Worth   7:00 PM

Sun. April 22    Kansas Speedway             NASCAR Racing from Kansas City  12:30 PM

Sat.  April 28   Richmond Int’l Raceway      NASCAR Racing from Richmond     7:00 PM

Sun. May 6       Talladega Superspeedway     NASCAR Racing from Talladega    12:00 PM

Sat.  May 12     Darlington Raceway          NASCAR Racing from Darlington   6:30 PM

Sun.  May 27     Charlotte Motor Speedway    NASCAR Racing from Charlotte    5:30 PM

Sun.  June 3     Dover Int’l Speedway        NASCAR Racing from Dover        12:30 PM

All times Eastern; Schedule subject to change

Source: FOX Sports Media Group, Press Release

Reese Towpower Logo

NASCAR SEASON FOR REESE TOWPOWER KICKS OFF AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY WITH BRAD KESELOWSKI TWITTER TRUCK NATIONAL PROMOTION AND BIG PLANS FOR THE APRIL KANSAS RACE AS MAIN SPONSORS IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES WITH LABONTE  AND IN THE CAMPING  WORLD TRUCK SERIES WITH KLIGERMAN  

(SOLON, OH-) Second year NASCAR team sponsors, Cequent Consumer Products (CCP) and its leading brand Reese Towpower® will kick off the 2012 NASCAR season February 24th, 2012 at Daytona International Speedway as part of Brad Keselowski’s Twitter truck at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Keselowski held a Twitter promotion in which fans had to Tweet the answer to a question and follow sponsors @ReeseTowpower @CooperStandard and @Keselowski for a chance to be featured on the Keselowski’s #19 RAM truck. The promotion gained massive appeal through Twitter with NASCAR fans and the media.

After Daytona, Reese Towpower will then have a huge weekend at the Kansas Speedway April 21 and 22 with sponsored teams at both the SFP 250 and the STP 400 races.  Reese Towpower®, the leader in towing products and Highland®, the leader in cargo management and cargo securing products will return for a second year to sponsor 2000 NASCAR Champion driver, Bobby Labonte of JTG Daugherty Racing in the Sprint Cup Series. Labonte will drive the No. 47 Toyota Camry Reese Towpower car on April 22 at the Kansas Speedway.

“We’re looking forward to having Cequent Consumer Products brands Reese Towpower® and Highland® return to the No. 47 Toyota Camry at Kansas Speedway in April,” Labonte said. “CCP is a great partner of JTG Daugherty Racing and they have selected a fan-friendly track with multiple grooves and good racing to spotlight their brands with our NASCAR fans.”

The Kansas City race is also when Reese Towpower will debut as the primary sponsor of the No. 29 Reese Towpower RAM in the Camping World Truck Series with up and coming driver, Parker Kligerman of Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR). Additional dates for the Reese Towpower Ram driven by Kligerman include:

April 21st – Kansas Speedway
June 8th – Texas Motor Speedway
July 14th – Iowa Speedway
July 21st – Chicagoland Speedway
September 29 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway

CCP is also proud to bring an industry partner on board as part of the 2012 NASCAR team sponsorship. Partner, National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA), will promote their consumer website PlanitDIY.com on the No. 29 Ram Truck as an Associate Sponsor for the July 21st Camping World Truck Series race at Chicagoland Speedway.

Reese Towpower is also pleased to announce Brad Keselowski will be the driver of the Reese Towpower No.19
RAM on August 22nd at Bristol Motor Speedway– Bristol, TN.

“Everyone at BKR is excited to debut the Cequent Consumer Products No. 29 Reese Towpower Ram at Kansas Speedway in April,” Kligerman said. “CCP is a great addition to our truck program and I am thrilled to able to represent all of CCP’s brands and products on and off the race track.”

“We are thrilled to open our season as dual sponsors of both team JTG Daugherty Racing and Brad Keselowski Racing,” said Francis Bernart, VP Marketing, Cequent Consumer Products. “This will be a big weekend of racing for us and being in both the Sprint Cup and the World Camping Series will provide maximum exposure for our leading brands Reese Towpower® and Highland®.”

Cequent Consumer Products began sponsoring the sport of NASCAR with JTG Daugherty Racing and Bobby Labonte in 2011.  In October, CCP announced a new mutil-race sponsorship with Brad Keselowski Racing to be split among CCP, its sister company, Cequent Performance Products and Cooper Standard, a returning sponsor for BKR. Cequent Consumer and Cequent Performance Products are divisions of the Cequent Group owned by TriMas Corporation of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

ABOUT CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS:
Cequent Consumer Products, Inc. is the industry’s leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative consumer products for the automotive aftermarket industry. For more than 85 years, Cequent Consumer Products has produced some of the most dependable products in today’s market including superior-quality towing and hitch systems, trailer components and accessories, as well as electrical, brake, cargo carrying and rack systems for cars and trucks. Our established brands are sold through leading automotive retailers nationwide. Our brands are leaders in the industry and include: Reese Towpower, Highland, Rola, Fulton, and Bulldog. Cequent Consumer Products is part of the Recreational Accessories business segment of TriMas Corporation headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  Visit http://www.CequentConsumerProducts.com
Follow us:
www.Facebook.com/ReeseTowpower    www.Twitter.com./ReeseTowpower
www.Facebook.com/HighlandProduct    www.Twitter.com/HighlandProduct

ABOUT BRAD KESELOWSKI RACING:
Based in Mooresville, North Carolina and led by NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series driver Brad Keselowski, Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) fields the No. 29 RAM in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. BKR, with the aim to provide young talented drivers the opportunity to improve their skills with a professional, competitive team, has also fielded entries in the ARCA Series and other developmental motorsport series. For more information, please visit www.bradracing.com.

ABOUT JTG DAUGHERTY RACING:
JTG Daugherty Racing is a thriving NASCAR Sprint Cup Series operation owned by husband and wife team Jodi and Tad Geschickter along with five-time NBA All-Star and ESPN television analyst Brad Daugherty. JTG Daugherty Racing entered full-time NASCAR Sprint Series competition during the 2009 season after competing 14 years in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and winning races. Based in Harrisburg, N.C., the team returns to the pinnacle of the sport for their fourth year. 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte returns at the wheel for his second season with the team looking to add to his 21 victories, 115 top-five and 201 top-10 finishes. For more information, please visit www.jtgdaughertyracing.com.

ABOUT NATIONAL RETAIL HARDWARE ASSOCIATION (NRHA)
The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing 36,000 independent hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards across the U.S. and Canada. NRHA provides information, communication, training programs and networking opportunities to help these retailers become better merchants and compete more effectively. In 2011, NRHA launched PlanItDIY, a consumer-awareness and marketing campaign promoting the benefits of shopping at local, independent home improvement stores. The primary component of this initiative is PlanItDIY.com, a website where consumers can watch how-to videos and find project information for the most popular do-it-yourself home improvement projects. It also features the nation’s most complete store locator of independent home improvement retailers. For more information visit www.nrha.org orwww.PlanItDIY.com.
Here’s a recap:
Sprint Cup Series
Driver Bobby Labonte of (JTG) – No. 47 Toyota Camry Reese Towpower car – April 22 – Kansas Speedway

Camping World Truck Series
Driver Brad Keselowski of (BKR) – Reese Towpower featured on the No. 19 Twitter Truck – February 24 - Daytona International  Speedway
Reese Towpower No.19 RAM on August 22nd at Bristol Motor Speedway

Driver Parker Kligerman of (BKR)- No. 29 Reese Towpower RAM:
April 21st – Kansas Speedway
June 8th – Texas Motor Speedway
July 14th – Iowa Speedway
July 21st – Chicagoland Speedway
September 29th – Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Source: Cequent Consumer Products, Inc./REESE Towpower Press Release

2003 Winston Cup Champion Matt Kenseth

Kenseth, No. 17 team dominated 2003, leading 33 straight weeks and winning Championship by 90 points

CONCORD, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2012) – The NASCAR media named Matt Kenseth’s 2003 NASCAR Cup Championship as the top moment in Roush Fenway’s “25 Winning Years.” The 2003 Championship won the vote, much in the same fashion as Kenseth meticulously dominated the 2003 season, receiving almost 50 percent of the vote. As part of the launch of Roush Fenway’s “25 Winning Years” program, media were asked to vote for the team’s top moment at its stop last week on the annual NASCAR media tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

On display at the event were over 50 trophies from Roush Fenway’s 299 wins, including a trophy set as the centerpiece of each of the 25 tables at the venue.

“We have had a lot of big moments over the past 24 years,” said team co-owner Jack Roush, who founded the team in 1988. “Matt Kenseth winning our first Cup championship in 2003 ranks up there for sure.

“It took us 15 years and a lot of battles from the time we got started to get to the top of that mountain. To be honest, I wasn’t sure that we’d ever win a Cup title and I had pretty much given up on thinking we might win a Championship; we had missed it in so many close calls with Mark (Martin).”

Roush Fenway finished second on four occasions prior to that season, but Roush and Kenseth finally broke through in 2003. The No. 17 team, then led by current Roush Fenway general manager Robbie Resier, clinched the title one week before the season’s end at Rockingham and took home the sport’s top honor by a resounding 90 points.

Kenseth won early in the season at Las Vegas and grabbed the points lead with a fourth-place finish the next week in Atlanta. He and the team never looked back; leading the standings for the remaining 33 weeks of the season; setting a modern-era record for most weeks at the top of the standings. The season was a show of unprecedented consistency, with the team spending 35 of 36 weeks inside the top 10; finishing the season with one win, 11 top-five and 25 top-10 finishes.

NASCAR changed the point system and moved to the “Chase” format the following season.

Roush Fenway is the last team to win the NASCAR Winston Cup championship under the old point system and a year later became the first team to win under the “Chase” system with Kurt Busch hoisting the inaugural Nextel Cup trophy in 2004.

Busch’s 2004 championship along with Kenseth’s 2009 Daytona 500 win, Biffle’s 2000 Truck Series Championship (Roush Fenway’s first) and Mark Martin’s 1989 win at Rockingham (the team’s first) all received several votes in the poll.

Roush Fenway Racing is the winningest team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series with championship drivers Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne. Celebrating 25 winning years in 2012, Roush Fenway is the leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering its exclusive Roush Fenway OnTrack sponsorship measurement services, motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and its award-winning social marketing channel RickyvsTrevor.com. Visit www.RoushFenway.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway. For sponsorship inquiries call John Bauersfeld at 704.720.4621.

Source: Roush Fenway Racing, Press Release

John Cena

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –

Cena was invited to participate in this year’s big race by 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series runner-up Carl Edwards on WWE’s Monday Night Raw®. Edwards got out of his official No. 99 Fastenal Ford and told Cena, “NASCAR asked me to come to Monday Night Raw and personally invite you to drop the green flag and officially start the Daytona 500 on February 26.” An appreciative John Cena enthusiastically accepted with an emphatic “Yes!”

“John Cena is the greatest Superstar in WWE today,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “We look forward to seeing him on the flag stand waving the green flag to start ‘The Great American Race’ and kick off the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.”

Cena, who made his WWE debut in 2002, is a ten-time World Champion. He can be seen each week on the hit cable series Monday Night Raw on USA Network. The avid NASCAR fan will headline WrestleMania against The Rock® at Sun Life Stadium in Miami on Sunday, April 1, 2012.

Cena’s success has led to starring roles in various Hollywood films. He recently starred in The Reunion from WWE Studios and alongside Patricia Clarkson and Danny Glover in the family drama Legendary. His first theatrical film was the 2006 action-thriller The Marine from Twentieth Century Fox. Always a fan favorite with kids, Cena played himself in Nickelodeon’s popular teen comedies Fred: The Movie and Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred. A popular talk show guest, Cena has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Talk and many more.

Cena, like many NASCAR drivers, has a long standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is on pace to grant his 300th wish, making him the first celebrity wish granter ever to reach that lofty goal. The Make-A-Wish Foundation recently dedicated a room to WWE at the foundation’s headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, in honor of Cena’s unwavering dedication to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Past Honorary Starters for the Daytona 500 include NASCAR Hall of Famers Bobby Allison and Richard Petty, actor Ashton Kutcher, comedian Whoopi Goldberg and singer Mariah Carey.

Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 events, including the 54th annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.comor by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway). In addition, fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter (@NASCAR) and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500.

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Tommy Baldwin Racing Logo

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 6, 2012) 

Pemberton comes from a family of racers. The Saratoga, N.Y., native started out sweeping floors at Roush Fenway Racing and worked his way up to a NSCS crew chief in 1997. Most recently, he served as crew chief for Brian Vickers at Red Bull Racing. During his career as a NSCS crew chief, he compiled two wins, 21 top-fives, 92 top-10s and 15 poles.

“I’m thrilled to join Tommy Baldwin Racing,” explained Pemberton. “TBR has shown a lot of growth in a short time, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of stepping up the program this year. Tommy, Dave and I all come from families of racing and have similar backgrounds, so I think it will be a good fit.”

This season will mark TBR’s fourth season of competition. TBR began as a part-time, one-car NSCS team in 2009 and developed into a top-35 team by 2011. In 2012, TBR plans to compete with two NSCS teams and a part-time NASCAR Nationwide Series team. The team would like to increase the number of races in both the NSCS and NNS schedules, provided more sponsorship can be found.

“Hiring Ryan is another stepping stone for TBR,” Tommy Baldwin commented. “Ryan brings experience and a wealth of knowledge from all the years he has been in the sport. He has been successful with every team he has worked for, and we are excited to have him be a part of our program.”

About Tommy Baldwin Racing:

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin formed Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) in 2009. Baldwin utilized a declining economy to open a NSCS team with a stringent budget. The team worked to build to full-time competition, and by the 2011 season, the team’s third season, TBR competed in every race and locked the No. 36 Chevrolet in the top-35 in NSCS Owner Points. Dave Blaney drove the No. 36 Chevrolet to TBR’s highest finish of third in the October 2011 event at Talladega Superspeedway. TBR also fielded a second car for select races in the past two seasons with multiple drivers.

Based in Mooresville, N.C., TBR will compete in the NSCS in 2012 with NASCAR veterans David Reutimann and Dave Blaney. The team will also compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Ryan Blaney, Bobby Santos and Ryan Truex.

For more information on Tommy Baldwin Racing, visit tommybaldwinracing.com or follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/TBR.HBR, and Twitter, twitter.com/TBR_Racing.

Source: Tommy Baldwin Racing, Press Release

No 27 PEAK Menards Chevy Impala SS

WELCOME, N.C. (February 6, 2012)

Expanding on their hood sponsorship of the Menards Chevrolet, PEAK has redesigned the No. 27 Impala to be completely adorned with the signature “PEAK blue” and “Menards yellow” as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series kicks off the season with the 54th running of the “Great American Race” on February 26. The special paint scheme will also be showcased in the Budweiser Shootout on February 18 and the Duel 150 qualifying race on February 23.

“PEAK has been a great partner to work with over the years,” commented Menard. “This year, to kick off the season at Daytona with a little extra punch, PEAK decided to run a vastly different paint scheme on the No. 27 Chevrolet. There is always a special energy going into Daytona and I know the team and I are all excited to get there and do everything we can to put the No. 27 PEAK car into Victory Lane.”

PEAK first partnered with the 2011 Brickyard 400 champion in 2004, but their relationship with Menards dates back to the home improvement chain’s IndyCar days. To celebrate the occasion and generate excitement with fans, PEAK will feature exclusive online Menard content in the days leading into the Daytona 500. The blog can be followed at www.peakauto.com/blog. Fans can also follow the march to Daytona at @peakauto on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peakauto.

Menard had an outstanding 2011 season, capturing his first-career Sprint Cup Series win with an emotional trip to Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and finishing 17th in the driver championship standings, his highest career finish. Menard enters his sixth year of NSCS competition in 2012 and will make his second career appearance in the annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

About PEAK

PEAK products are manufactured, marketed and distributed by Old World Industries, which is among the largest privately-held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World’s brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Products; Mr. Clean® Windshield Wash, Wiper Blades, and Auto Care Products; SIERRA®, the safer antifreeze; Fleet Charge® Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge® Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; SmartBLADE™ Premium Wiper Blades; HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; SplitFire® Spark Plugs. For more information, please visit www.oldworldind.com or www.peakauto.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 14 championships, including six in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its current Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser/Rheem/Jimmy John’s Chevrolet) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar/Wheaties/BB&T Chevrolet). Its Nationwide Series program includes Elliott Sadler (No. 2 One Main Financial Chevrolet), 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Advocare/Bass Pro Shops/American Ethanol Chevrolet) and Kevin Harvick/Brendan Gaughan/Paul Menard (No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino/Menards/Hunt Brothers Pizza/Armour/Fast Fixin’/ Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. and Brendan Gaughan (No. 2 Potomac Family Dining Group/South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet), Joey Coulter (No. 22 RCR/Armour Chevrolet) and 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion Ty Dillon (No.3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) compete in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series season.

Source: Richard Childress Racing, Press Release