For the second time in about a week a national sponsorship has decided to end an important NASCAR relationship.
The latest is Diageo’s Crown Royal which has sponsored Matt Kenseth’s #17 Ford at Roush Fenway Racing for almost seven years. Instead it will add assets and continue to be the title sponsor of a race at Richmond International Raceway.
"In shifting our strategy, we will end our sponsorships with Roush Fenway Racing and NASCAR upon the conclusion of the 2011 season. We have developed strong relationships with the people at both organizations - they have not only been fantastic business partners, but have also become our friends. We thank them for working with us throughout the years to showcase the importance of our social responsibility initiatives," said Diageo in a statement.
Roush Fenway issued the following reaction.
"We are obviously disappointed with the news, but first we would like to thank Diageo and Crown Royal for a terrific partnership that has spanned almost a decade," said Roush Fenway President Steve Newmark in a statement. "They have been a first-class partner all the way around. We look forward to finishing out the season with them on the No. 17 as Matt and the Crown Royal team continue to contend for another championship."
Affliction Clothing which sponsors Kenseth’s car in four Sprint Cup races this year, will add two races for 2012.
"We have already opened the door for discussions and are currently in the process of speaking with companies interested in taking over the program for next season and beyond," added Newmark.
Last week Red Bull, which owns a two-car NASCAR team said that it would end its’ program in the stock car-based series.
The latest is Diageo’s Crown Royal which has sponsored Matt Kenseth’s #17 Ford at Roush Fenway Racing for almost seven years. Instead it will add assets and continue to be the title sponsor of a race at Richmond International Raceway.
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| Photo: nascar.com |
"In shifting our strategy, we will end our sponsorships with Roush Fenway Racing and NASCAR upon the conclusion of the 2011 season. We have developed strong relationships with the people at both organizations - they have not only been fantastic business partners, but have also become our friends. We thank them for working with us throughout the years to showcase the importance of our social responsibility initiatives," said Diageo in a statement.
Roush Fenway issued the following reaction.
"We are obviously disappointed with the news, but first we would like to thank Diageo and Crown Royal for a terrific partnership that has spanned almost a decade," said Roush Fenway President Steve Newmark in a statement. "They have been a first-class partner all the way around. We look forward to finishing out the season with them on the No. 17 as Matt and the Crown Royal team continue to contend for another championship."
Affliction Clothing which sponsors Kenseth’s car in four Sprint Cup races this year, will add two races for 2012.
"We have already opened the door for discussions and are currently in the process of speaking with companies interested in taking over the program for next season and beyond," added Newmark.
Last week Red Bull, which owns a two-car NASCAR team said that it would end its’ program in the stock car-based series.