Forget silly season, it’s becoming more like musical chairs as top sponsors realign for more relevant sponsorships.
In the latest round of consolidation towards the top; Shell Oil Company announced an alliance with Penske Corporation incorporating the entire spectrum of Penske’s operations.
Shell and its’ subsidiary, Pennzoil, will now be on the No.22 car driven by former NASCAR Cup Champ, Kurt Busch’s Dodge.
In addition Shell will be an associate sponsor on Penske’s IndyCar teams of Ryan Briscoe, Helio Castroneves, and Will Power.
This sponsorship goes beyond racing as Penske Corporation has some of the largest automobile dealerships and truck leasing operations in North America.
A company release states “The global business alliance provides an opportunity for Shell and Pennzoil to expand their presence not only within motorsports, but also as a preferred supplier of fuels, lubricants and related products to the Penske organization.
Beginning in 2011, Shell and Pennzoil will be the “Official Fuel and Motor Oil Supplier” to the Penske organization in the U.S. and the organizations will look to extend their alliance with business development opportunities in several other countries.”
This announcement leaves Richard Childress Racing looking for a full-time sponsor of the No. 29 car driven by Kevin Harvick.
RCR’s reaction, in a statement, was “Shell and Pennzoil have been great partners with Richard Childress Racing since our first race together, when Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 team won the Daytona 500 in 2007. I’m disappointed that our partnership will conclude at the end of the year but understand some of the reasons that went into their business decision.”
Last year Harvick made it be known that he wanted to leave the team, but the next language indicates he might have changed his mind.
“What this creates for RCR is the opportunity for a new partner to forge its own relationship and identity with Kevin Harvick… The No. 29 team has had only two primary sponsors since it began in 2001 but the number 3 has played a significant role at RCR for decades. We feel strongly that the third chapter of the No. 29 team’s partnership history will be a successful one.”
In a related development, 26-year old Brad Keselowski, in his first full year in Sprint Cup competition will take drive the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge.
"We're extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with MillerCoors and are excited to extend this successful relationship," said Roger Penske. "Brad is a tremendous talent with a bright future and I look forward to watching him continue the great tradition of the Blue Deuce."
In the latest round of consolidation towards the top; Shell Oil Company announced an alliance with Penske Corporation incorporating the entire spectrum of Penske’s operations.
Shell and its’ subsidiary, Pennzoil, will now be on the No.22 car driven by former NASCAR Cup Champ, Kurt Busch’s Dodge.
In addition Shell will be an associate sponsor on Penske’s IndyCar teams of Ryan Briscoe, Helio Castroneves, and Will Power.
This sponsorship goes beyond racing as Penske Corporation has some of the largest automobile dealerships and truck leasing operations in North America.
A company release states “The global business alliance provides an opportunity for Shell and Pennzoil to expand their presence not only within motorsports, but also as a preferred supplier of fuels, lubricants and related products to the Penske organization.
Beginning in 2011, Shell and Pennzoil will be the “Official Fuel and Motor Oil Supplier” to the Penske organization in the U.S. and the organizations will look to extend their alliance with business development opportunities in several other countries.”
This announcement leaves Richard Childress Racing looking for a full-time sponsor of the No. 29 car driven by Kevin Harvick.
RCR’s reaction, in a statement, was “Shell and Pennzoil have been great partners with Richard Childress Racing since our first race together, when Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 team won the Daytona 500 in 2007. I’m disappointed that our partnership will conclude at the end of the year but understand some of the reasons that went into their business decision.”
Last year Harvick made it be known that he wanted to leave the team, but the next language indicates he might have changed his mind.
“What this creates for RCR is the opportunity for a new partner to forge its own relationship and identity with Kevin Harvick… The No. 29 team has had only two primary sponsors since it began in 2001 but the number 3 has played a significant role at RCR for decades. We feel strongly that the third chapter of the No. 29 team’s partnership history will be a successful one.”
In a related development, 26-year old Brad Keselowski, in his first full year in Sprint Cup competition will take drive the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge.
"We're extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with MillerCoors and are excited to extend this successful relationship," said Roger Penske. "Brad is a tremendous talent with a bright future and I look forward to watching him continue the great tradition of the Blue Deuce."