Stewart-Haas Racing Forms Collaborative Partnership with Tommy Baldwin Racing

Stewart-Haas Racing has entered into a collaborative partnership with Tommy Baldwin Racing where TBR will field the No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet Impala for all 10 of Danica Patrick’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2012.

The alliance guarantees a starting spot for Patrick in her Sprint Cup debut – the 54th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 26 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

TBR’s No. 36 car, which finished the 2011 season 33rd in points, becomes the No. 10 for 2012. For the 26 races where Patrick is not scheduled to drive, David Reutimann will pilot the No. 10 car. TBR has sponsorship inventory available for these 26 races.

“Tommy Baldwin Racing has proven to be a very strong organization and it’s a good fit with Stewart-Haas Racing,” said Matt Borland, vice president of competition, SHR. “It’s a Chevrolet team led by a racer who knows every inch of a racecar. That kind of technical expertise, along with a company mindset that is similar to ours, provides the ideal environment for Danica to learn and succeed.”

TBR was formed in 2009 and has matured from a single-car team to one that in 2012 will field two Sprint Cup entries and a NASCAR Nationwide Series entry. TBR is owned by Tommy Baldwin, who as a crew chief secured five victories, including the 2002 Daytona 500 with driver Ward Burton.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve established at Tommy Baldwin Racing, and the opportunity to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and aid in the development of Danica Patrick is a testament to all the hard work we’ve put in over the years,” Baldwin said. “Danica will have a great teammate in Dave Blaney, who has been instrumental in getting our race team to where it is today. And with David Reutimann driving the No. 10 car in the races where Danica is not, the team will remain in a strong and competitive position throughout the year.”

The agreement means TBR will also work with GoDaddy.com, the world’s largest Web hosting provider and Patrick’s longtime sponsor.

“Go Daddy is a first-rate sponsor,” Baldwin added. “Look how they’ve supported Danica over the last six years. Go Daddy is a sponsor that knows how to get things done right.”

Baldwin will maintain a hands-on presence with the No. 10 car and will work closely with Greg Zipadelli, who serves as SHR’s director of competition. Baldwin and Zipadelli have similar backgrounds, as both grew up in the Northeast – Baldwin in Bellport, N.Y., and Zipadelli in Berlin, Conn. – and made a name for themselves as successful crew chiefs within the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour before rising up the ranks as crew chiefs in the elite Sprint Cup Series.

“Working with Tommy will be like old times,” Zipadelli said. “We both grew up together and competed against each other in Modifieds and we did the same thing when we got to Sprint Cup. To finally be able to work with each other and help Danica Patrick make a successful transition from Indy cars to stock cars is a challenge we’re both looking forward to.

“Partnering with Tommy and his team provides Danica with the foundation she needs to succeed. With a guaranteed starting spot, we can go into each weekend and simply learn. It’s all about getting her comfortable in the car, and with the variety of tracks she’s running, seat time will be incredibly valuable. A guaranteed spot in the race ensures that she’ll have the opportunity to make as many laps as possible.”

Patrick’s 10-race Sprint Cup schedule is as follows:
· Feb. 26: Daytona 500
· May 12: Darlington (S.C.) Raceway
· May 27: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway
· Aug. 25: Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway
· Sept. 2: Atlanta Motor Speedway
· Sept. 16: Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill.
· Sept. 30: Dover (Del.) International Speedway
· Nov. 4: Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth
· Nov. 11: Phoenix International Raceway

One more race is still to be determined, with the plan being to assess Patrick’s development as the season progresses and then choose the remaining venue based on need and competitive reasoning.

“Our goal with Danica’s schedule is to try and maximize her 10 races so that she’s as prepared as she can possibly be for a full-time Sprint Cup schedule in 2013,” said Stewart, co-owner of SHR with Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest machine tool builder in the western world. “There are short tracks, intermediate 1.5-mile ovals, and some unique tracks like Darlington and Phoenix. The point is to expose her to as many challenges as possible so that she’ll know what to expect in 2012.

- True Speed Communications Press Release for SHR

NASCAR To Operate Its Digital Platforms Starting In 2013

Turner To Continue Exclusive Advertising Sales

NASCAR and Turner Sports announced today a restructuring and extension of their long-standing digital partnership. The new agreement takes the relationship through 2016, with NASCAR managing business and editorial operations for its digital platforms beginning in 2013 and Turner Sports continuing to oversee advertising sales and sponsorships across NASCAR-branded digital platforms.

“Turner Sports has been, and will continue to be, a great partner for NASCAR,” said Brian France, chairman and chief executive officer of NASCAR. “Taking a leadership role as it relates to our digital rights is something we as the sanctioning body know is important for the future of our sport, the development of our drivers and most importantly, the experience for both our current fans and future followers.”

“Turner Broadcasting and NASCAR have helped make each other successfulfor more than 28 years through a workingrelationship that, over time, has evolved with the media and technology landscape,” said David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. “The latest extension of our partnership is a strategically and fiscally enhanced business model for our company and ensures that NASCAR.COM remains a core asset of Turner's leading digital ad sales portfolio. Our unrivaled sports assets and scale offer advertisers the means to deliver the most targeted and relevant marketing messages across multiple digital and mobile platforms and properties.”

Under the new partnership, NASCAR will assume operational control in 2013 of all of its interactive, digital and social media rights including technical operations and infrastructure of all NASCAR digital platforms. Turner will continue to represent sponsorships and advertising for all NASCAR digital platforms, with the unique users from the NASCAR digital properties continuing to roll up to the Turner digital portfolio.

NASCAR’s comprehensive digital and social media portfolio includes NASCAR.COM, the official online destination of NASCAR which provides racing enthusiasts with an all-inclusive offering of engaging content including fantasy games, video highlights, social elements and in-depth editorial content. NASCAR.COM, and the sport’s other digital and social media platforms, have been managed by Turner Sports since 2001.

“This move is about the media, our sponsors and most importantly, our fans,” said Marc Jenkins, vice president of digital media for NASCAR. “We will build an innovative portfolio of platforms that strives to be as diverse as it is comprehensive. For our fans our digital platform will become the online destination for all things NASCAR. For everyone else, it will be the vehicle we’ll use to turn them into fans.”

- NASCAR Press Release

Federated to Continue Ken Schrader Partnership in NASCAR

Ken Schrader

Continuing its long and successful partnership, Federated Auto Parts will once again sponsor NASCAR legend Ken Schrader and his race teams during the 2012 season.

Federated will be the primary sponsor for Schrader and FAS Lane Racing in nine NASCAR Sprint Cup races in 2012 beginning with the Las Vegas race on March 11. For the remaining Sprint Cup Races this season, Federated will serve as an associate sponsor for FAS Lane Racing.

Returning to the ARCA series in 2012, Federated will be the primary sponsor of the Ken Schrader Racing entry in five races and the associate sponsor of the team for the rest of the season. Federated will also be the primary sponsor of Schrader and his Federated dirt track team, participating in over 50 events nationwide in 2012.

Federated will be the primary sponsor for Schrader and FAS Lane Racing in nine NASCAR Sprint Cup races in 2012 beginning with the Las Vegas race on March 11. For the remaining Sprint Cup Races this season, Federated will serve as an associate sponsor for FAS Lane Racing.

The nine scheduled races are: Las Vegas on March 11; Martinsville on April 1; Michigan on June 17; Kentucky on June 30; New Hampshire on July 15; Bristol on Aug. 25; Richmond on Sept. 8; Texas on Nov. 4 and Homestead on Nov. 18
Returning to the ARCA series in 2012, Federated will be the primary sponsor of the Ken Schrader Racing entry in five races and the associate sponsor of the team for the rest of the season. Federated will also be the primary sponsor of Schrader and his Federated dirt track team, participating in over 50 events nationwide in 2012.

Schrader will continue in his role as the official spokesman for Federated and will once again host the annual "Get Dirty with Kenny" promotion at Schrader's own dirt track, the newly named Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, Mo. Federated will also serve as the official parts supplier to Ken Schrader Racing.

- Federated Auto Parts Press Release

2012 Budweiser Shootout At Daytona Lineup

In what could be the deepest and most talented field to date, NASCAR announced Wednesday the list of eligible competitors for the 2012 Shootout.

The 34th annual season-opening event launches Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 18 with a start time set for 8:10 p.m. FOX and MRN will broadcast live nationally. 

Criteria is based upon the following qualifications, with eligibility based on a driver having been active in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the 2011 season:

· The highest ranked 25 competitors in 2011 NSCS driver points
· Previous winners at Daytona, including the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola, and Shootout events.

“By taking the top 25 competitors in last year’s driver points and combining that with former race winners at Daytona, you have all the ingredients for an extremely deep and talented field of drivers for the 2012 Shootout,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “When you take a look at the roster of drivers that this entails, I have to believe this is one of the most competitive fields that have ever been assembled for this event.”

The race distance will again be 75 laps (187.5 miles), consisting of two segments – 25 and 50 laps. Both green-flag laps and yellow-flag laps will count. Between segments there will be a 10-minute pit stop allowing teams to pit to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Crews will be permitted to work on cars and will be allowed to perform functions they would do on a normal pit stop in a regular NASCAR Sprint Cup event. All work must be performed on pit road or in the garage. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted.

Starting positions will again be determined by a blind-draw at the annual Shootout Draw Party on Friday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. on the SPEED stage in the Midway, outside Turn 4.

The Shootout – a “non-points” event for NASCAR Sprint Cup competitors – was first held in 1979. Kurt Busch is the defending race champion.

Drivers eligible for the 2012 Shootout include: 

2011 Top 25 Driver Points

Tony Stewart

Carl Edwards

Kevin Harvick

Matt Kenseth

Brad Keselowski

Jimmie Johnson

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Jeff Gordon

Denny Hamlin

Ryan Newman

Kurt Busch

Kyle Busch

Clint Bowyer

Kasey Kahne

AJ Allmendinger

Greg Biffle

Paul Menard

Martin Truex Jr.

Marcos Ambrose

Jeff Burton

Juan Pablo Montoya

Mark Martin

David Ragan

Joey Logano

Brian Vickers

Others (criteria in parentheses)

Bill Elliott (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Shootout)

Geoff Bodine (Daytona 500, Shootout)

Derrike Cope (Daytona 500)

Michael Waltrip (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Jamie McMurray (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Trevor Bayne (Daytona 500)

Terry Labonte (Shootout)

Ken Schrader (Shootout)

- NASCAR Media 

Kentucky Improvements Outlined During Sprint Media Tour

Kentucky Speedway

Kentucky Speedway officials presented national reporters an overview of infrastructure projects in progress at the 107,000-capacity Sparta, Ky., facility during the annual NASCAR preseason media tour today.

Outlined projects will be complete before Kentucky Speedway opens its five-race 2012 schedule with a NASCAR tripleheader weekend featuring the Sprint Cup Series “Quaker State 400,” Nationwide Series “Feed The Children 300,” and Camping World Truck Series “UNOH 225” June 28-30. The speedway will play host to a second 300-mile NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Sept. 22 and a 225-mile NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Sept. 21.

This season, Kentucky Speedway will feature:

Expanded Parking: Kentucky Speedway purchased two large land parcels adjacent to the north side of Kentucky Highway 35 which will be converted to expansive new parking fields. Kentucky Speedway also repurposed portions of its original acreage for additional parking.

Easier Facility Access: The state of Kentucky has committed to widening the Interstate 71 exit ramp at Ky. 35, widening Ky. 35 to seven lanes at points where it services the speedway and constructing a pedestrian tunnel which will safely connect new parking fields to the Kentucky Speedway grounds.

A New Traffic Plan: Kentucky Speedway will execute a new pedestrian and automotive traffic plan.

Infrastructure Improvements: Kentucky Speedway will construct and overpass to its infield tunnel road that will separate tram traffic and infield traffic. The speedway also will expand restrooms.

- Kentucky Speedway Press Release

BB&T and Richard Childress Racing Renew Partnership for 2012

Richard Childress Racing announced today the extension of its long-time partnership with BB&T Corporation for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The full-service financial institution will serve as primary sponsor for five races on the No. 31 Chevrolet and driver Jeff Burton, retaining its status as official bank of the 43-year-old Welcome, N.C.-based organization.

BB&T’s primary race sponsorship occurs within the corporation’s branch footprint, which covers 12 states and Washington D.C. The No. 31 BB&T Chevrolet will debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in March with other appearances coming at Martinsville Speedway and Richmond International Raceway in April, Darlington Raceway along with a special edition co-branded paint scheme with Caterpillar at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in May. The newly designed burgundy and gray paint scheme will also adorn the No. 31 entry at Dover International Speedway in June.

The RCR partnership with BB&T has enjoyed great success both on and off the track in the past five years, including the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series driver’s championship with Clint Bowyer and multiple trips to victory lane in NASCAR’s premiere division at Richmond and Talladega Superspeedway. The relationship began at the start of the 2007 Nationwide Series season and moved up to Sprint Cup Series action in 2009.

“The move to Jeff Burton and the No. 31 Chevrolet team will be a new piece of the puzzle, but I’m sure the strong effort the folks at BB&T put into their program will make it a great success for us and them,” added Childress.


- Richard Childress Racing Press Release

Bristol Going Green with Danica Patrick & St Patrick Day

George "Norm" Wendt of Cheers Fame Lending A Hand With Festivities 

Bristol Motor Speedway is "Going Green" in a big way with Go Daddy Girl Danica Patrick during a special St. Patrick's Day celebration for the Nationwide Series event March 17.

Breaking a long-standing tradition of eschewing green, once a much-maligned hue in the NASCAR garage, the World's Fastest Half-Mile is embracing the color, right along with Patrick who will be driving a special St. Patrick's Day paint scheme in the 300-lapper that day.

Patrick pilots the shamrock covered GoDaddy.com ride for JR Motorsports and makes her second start at BMS. As part of the celebration, fans can purchase a special ticket package for the race which also gives them access to a question and answer session with Patrick at Bristol on the morning of March 17. Fans will also receive a limited edition Danica / St. Patrick's Day event t-shirt, featuring the shamrock-themed No. 7 GoDaddy.com car. In addition, one lucky fan who purchases the package wins two hot passes and the opportunity to view the race from Patrick's pit box.

Beginning today Bristol fans may visit a special website, which will keep them up to date with all the current news surrounding Patrick, tickets and the St. Patrick's Day celebration at Bristol. DanicaGoesGreenAtBristol.com

"It's going to be a lot of fun racing at Bristol on St. Patrick's Day," Patrick said. "But doing it with the Go Daddy car covered in a shamrock paint scheme makes it truly special. Obviously with my last name, I've always liked St. Patrick's Day. The car design was a collaboration between myself, Go Daddy and JR Motorsports. And we had a lot of fun with it. Who knows? Maybe it will bring us little extra luck during the race."

The St. Patrick's Day celebration at BMS will be hosted by George Wendt, known for his 11-year role of the beer-drinking Norm Peterson on the television series Cheers. A post-race pit party also is on tap in the hospitality area with live music. In addition, the creek that runs through the property at Bristol Motor Speedway will be dyed green for the race and the lights that illuminate the stadium at night all will be green.

- Bristol Motor Speedway Press Release

Sprint Introduces NASCAR 2012 Miss Sprint Cup Lineup

Kristen, Kim and Jaclyn

Thousands of fans met the 2012 Miss Sprint Cup lineup during the NASCAR Preview Presented by Sprint in Charlotte, N.C.  Sprint announced that returning members Kim Coon and Jaclyn Roney have been joined by newcomer Kristen Beat of El Cajon, Calif.

Coon, Roney and Beat make up the most geographically balanced Miss Sprint Cup lineup since the program’s inception in 2008, representing the Southeast, Midwest and West Coast

Miss Sprint Cup represents the Sprint brand around the track and in Victory Lane wherever the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competes. The three representatives also serve as the fans’ “friend on the inside,” delivering via Facebook and Twitter behind-the-scenes updates, pictures and video, while highlighting Sprint products and offers.

Beat adds a Southern California flare to the Miss Sprint Cup lineup. The former Fuel TV on-air talent and extreme sports reporter grew up racing motocross bikes and was a big supporter of her brother’s pursuit of a professional racing career. When she isn’t at the racetrack, Beat enjoys surfing, working out and honing her culinary skills with healthy recipes. After receiving her communications degree from the University of San Diego, Beat pursued her dream of a career in broadcasting, eventually becoming the youngest credentialed reporter in X-Games history.

Coon returns for her second season as Miss Sprint Cup, which makes the former marketing and public relations professional the veteran member of this year’s lineup.

Rounding out the 2012 lineup is Roney, who is entering her first full season as Miss Sprint Cup. The Eastern Michigan University grad joined the program in July 2011 and is looking forward to attending her first Daytona 500 next month.

The Miss Sprint Cup program has gained tremendous recognition among race fans and industry members, with the Miss Sprint Cup representatives greeting thousands of fans every race weekend at the Sprint Experience, Sprint’s mobile marketing display.

Thanks to their engaging personalities and knowledge of the sport, the Miss Sprint Cup representatives are popular interview subjects among local media looking to get an insider’s view on the activities surrounding race weekends.

As their popularity has grown, they now regularly participate in charity events and appear at other NASCAR sponsors’ events. In all, the Miss Sprint Cup representatives took part in more than 600 media interviews and appearances last year.

- Sprint Nextel Press Release

Turn One Racing to Make NASCAR Sprint Cup Debut at Phoenix

Stacy Compton's Turn One Racing announced today that they will field a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car in 2012, starting with the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, March 4th. The team is building on the experience earned over the last three years of competition in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where the team earned a ninth place finish in the 2011 standings with driver Cole Whitt.

“This is a great opportunity for Turn One Racing,” said Team Owner, Stacy Compton. “It has always been our objective to grow the team and this is just the next step in that plan. We have a great group of partners behind us and feel like we are taking all the right steps to build a very competitive Sprint Cup team.”

Compton’s team has purchased cars from Richard Childress Racing and plans are in the works to race eight to ten events in their freshman year. The team will attempt the remaining races, excluding the 200-lap Daytona 500. “We have partnered with one of our long-time supporters to run a handful of races this year. We’re also working on additional sponsorship that would enable us to run more races throughout the year.”

The team is also in the process of putting together a full season program for the No. 60 truck. The driver, crew chief, and sponsor lineup for both teams will be announced at a later date.

- Turn One Racing Press Release

Busch Brothers and MONSTER ENERGY Team up In Nationwide Series

Kyle Busch Motorsports announced today that it has signed a multi-year agreement with Monster Energy Company as primary sponsor of the team's No. 54 Monster Energy Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Team owner Kyle Busch, the all-time race winning driver in the history of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will share driving duties with his brother Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion.

Kyle will drive the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway and the subsequent four races through California before splitting the balance of the season with Kurt. The team's goal will be to capture an Owner's Championship in its inaugural race season, similar to the Owner's Championship accomplished by KBM in its first full season in the Camping World Truck Series in 2010.

The development of this duo as teammates fits perfectly for primary team sponsor Monster Energy, who foregoes traditional forms of advertising and instead seeks brand exposure through the use of Extreme Athletes. With Monster Energy looking for increased presence across the NASCAR fan base, the company identified the Busch brothers as the drivers that best fit its family of Monster Energy Team Athletes.

KBM team owner and driver Kyle Busch explained, "Since debuting in NASCAR, Kyle Busch Motorsports has had the goal to add a championship-caliber Nationwide Series team to our organization. With today's announcement of Monster Energy as primary sponsor and my brother Kurt as the second driver, we've accomplished that goal. The Monster Energy team of athletes consists of champion performers united by a desire to be the best. Kurt and I share that same desire and will settle for nothing less than adding a NASCAR Championship to the long list of achievements for one of the strongest brands in the world."

In 222 starts over nine seasons, Kyle has proven himself to be the winningest competitor in the history of the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In addition to his 51 career wins, Kyle has secured 120 top-five finishes, 149 top-10 finishes and 23 poles. In 2010, Kyle made Series history with a record 13-win race season. Past NASCAR Nationwide Series Championships for Kyle include a Driver's Championship in 2009 and Owner's Championships in both 2008 and 2010 -- all with Kyle's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Joe Gibbs Racing.

Kurt has 12 career starts, three poles and three wins in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with his last Series victory coming at Watkins Glen in 2011. Kurt will spend additional seat time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, beginning with the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway through a part-time commitment to Phoenix Racing and the No. 1 NASCAR Nationwide Series entry.

To complement the driver lineup, and ensure a strong competitive advantage, KBM brings industry veteran and winning crew chief Mike Beam into the fold as the No. 54 Monster Energy Camry team leader. Beam is a long-time fixture in NASCAR who has accomplished career victories across all three major touring series. At an early age, Mike became a successful contributor towards a variety of competitive racing organizations including Petty Enterprises and Roush Fenway Racing.

Most recently Beam obtained the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series Owner's Championship. Through 48 career starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as a crew chief, Beam has accomplished 10 wins, 32 top-five finishes, 37 top-10 finishes and eight poles. Mike is also a past Late Model Sportsman (now the NASCAR Nationwide Series) National Championship winner with driver Butch Lindley so working towards an Owner's Championship with Kyle Busch Motorsports is very familiar territory.

- Kyle Busch Motorsports Press Release

NASCAR Extends Partnership With Federal-Mogul

NASCAR announced that it has renewed its partnership agreement with Federal-Mogul Corporation, extending Federal-Mogul’s market-leading MOOG brand of automotive steering and suspension components as an exclusive NASCAR Performance partner.

This multi-year agreement will continue to provide Federal-Mogul’s MOOG product and marketing team with a platform to enhance and differentiate its products and drive sales. The NASCAR Performance brand marks and intellectual property will appear on MOOG packaging as well as within the brand’s product literature, advertising and promotional programs, and at industry events.

“There’s no better proving ground for MOOG steering and suspension components than NASCAR,” said Jay Burkhart, senior vice president, Federal-Mogul Global Aftermarket. “Federal-Mogul’s extension of its partnership with NASCAR emphasizes our commitment to provide the best steering and suspension parts to NASCAR race teams, professional automotive technicians and vehicle owners.”

MOOG steering and suspension products – such as ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel hub assemblies and universal joints – feature innovative, problem-solving designs that make them the ideal choice for race teams, automotive technicians and vehicle owners. MOOG components are engineered to help professionals ensure precise handling and steering response, to deliver increased product durability, and to ensure easier installation on today’s vehicles, virtually regardless of make or model.

“For more than 45 years, NASCAR has validated the performance of MOOG products under the toughest racing conditions,” said Todd Armstrong, managing director, NASCAR Automotive Group. “Just as NASCAR is the world’s premier motorsports innovator, Federal Mogul is the technology expert when it comes to providing quality, precision steering and suspension components to car owners, certified mechanics and race enthusiasts.”

MOOG products have been the preferred steering and suspension technology of NASCAR teams for more than four decades. In fact, every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion since 1966 has relied on MOOG products for exceptional on-track performance and durability.

The agreement continues the MOOG brand’s high-profile involvement as a NASCAR Contingency Program sponsor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series. Federal-Mogul and the MOOG brand also sponsor the prestigious weekly and annual MOOG “Problem Solver” awards for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chiefs.

- NASCAR

Sport Clips Haircuts Renews Partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Sport Clips Haircuts will sponsor a total of eight races during the 2012 NASCAR season, including the Sprint Cup Series race in Darlington with the No. 11 Sport Clips Toyota driven by Denny Hamlin and seven additional Nationwide Series races.

“We are excited to continue our growth and partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing for the upcoming 2012 season,” said Gordon Logan, founder and CEO of Sport Clips. “The sport has allowed us to build brand presence with broad exposure among the large and very loyal NASCAR fan base. We are proud to have both Denny and Joey continue to represent us in such a positive manner while they are running up front. Darlington will be a special weekend for Sport Clips, as we will partner with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in the title sponsorship of the Nationwide Series race Friday night and will be on board with Denny in both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup races.”

This is the fourth year Sport Clips has been a sponsor with JGR and the eight total races (seven Nationwide and one Cup) is the most the organization has ever sponsored in a single season.

In addition to the Darlington Sprint Cup Series race, Sport Clips will appear on JGR’s No. 18 and No. 20 Nationwide Series Toyota a total of seven times in 2012 with drivers Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano. The schedule of Nationwide races is as follows:

DATE RACE CAR # DRIVER

April 13- Texas No. 18 Denny Hamlin

May 11- Darlington* No. 18 Denny Hamlin

May 26- Charlotte No. 18 Denny Hamlin

July 6- Daytona No. 20 Joey Logano

July 28- Indianapolis No. 18 Denny Hamlin

Sept. 7- Richmond No. 20 Denny Hamlin

Sept. 29- Dover No. 20 Joey Logano

*Also the Nationwide Series Race Sponsor (Events are subject to change.)

- Joe Gibbs Racing Press Release

Front Row Motorsports Adds David Ragan to 2012 Line-Up

Front Row Motorsports will follow up its best season in the team's young history by bolstering its line-up for 2012, adding race winner David Ragan to drive the No. 34 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Front Row veteran David Gilliland will build off an impressive 2011 season, returning to the team behind the wheel of the team's second entry, the No. 38 Ford Fusion.

Ragan joins Front Row after completing a 2011 season that delivered his first Cup win (Daytona International Speedway in July), two poles, and four top-five and eight top-10 finishes. The 26-year-old Unadilla, Ga., native is already a NASCAR veteran, first joining the national stock-car ranks at the age of 18 and quickly ascending to premier-level Sprint Cup racing. His No. 34 team is locked in to the starting line-up entering the 2012 season, including a guaranteed starting spot in the prestigious Daytona 500 next month.

"Front Row has made great progress in the last few years, and I look forward to helping them advance to the next level," Ragan said. "I think the team appreciates what I can bring to the table, and I think it's a good opportunity for both of us. I've also enjoyed a long relationship with Ford and I'm glad that I'll get to keep working with them."

Gilliland returns for his third season with Front Row and his seventh in the Cup series. The 35-year-old Riverside, Calif., native will return to the No. 38, the number he drove as a Sprint Cup rookie as well as the car he drove in his first season with Front Row. The No. 38 team is also locked in to the field entering 2012. Last season, Gilliland raced his way to a third-place finish in the Daytona 500 to start off an impressive 2011 run, in which he proved to be a force on superspeedways and road courses.

"We've gotten better year to year and even week to week in the time I've been with Front Row, so I'm excited to be back for a third year and to have David (Ragan) as a teammate," Gilliland said. "It's good to be back in the '38' car, too. It was my dad's number, and I've also had some pretty good days at the racetrack with that number on the door."

Front Row Motorsports, which is owned by restaurant and transportation entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, enters its fourth full-time season in the Sprint Cup Series. The team turned in its best results in its young history in 2011, earning one top-5, two top-10, three top-15 and five top-20 finishes in 2011, including the history-best third at Daytona.

Sponsorship for the Front Row Motorsports entries is being finalized and will be announced soon.

- Front Row Motorsports Press Release