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The National Association for
Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today that Camping World will be the
title sponsor for the NASCAR Truck Series beginning in 2009. Camping World
replaces longtime series sponsor Craftsman, which had been the sole title
sponsor since the inception of the NASCAR Truck Series in 1995.
The seven-year agreement
gives Camping World the exclusive rights to sponsor the series, which has built
its reputation on very competitive and tough racing. Camping World will enjoy
the support of the most brand-loyal fans in all of sports, including millions
who annually attend races of the series, which features 25 points events at 23
tracks across North America. All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races will
be broadcast live on SPEED or FOX which will result in over $100 million worth
of exposure for the new title sponsor.
“Camping World has a
unique connection to the sport and to the NASCAR fans,” said NASCAR Chairman and
CEO Brian France. “Camping and tailgating is an essential part of the NASCAR
race experience. Thousands of RVs pack the campgrounds at every NASCAR event
often for 3 or 4 days at a time. This makes Camping World the perfect match for
the NASCAR Truck Series.”
“I can’t say enough about
the commitment and leadership that Craftsman has provided for the Truck Series
over the past thirteen years. We thank Craftsman for all it’s done with the
series and the fans,” said France.
"Camping World has a
strong affinity with NASCAR fans and we're thrilled to be the primary sponsor in
NASCAR's Truck Series," said Camping World Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis.
“With the state of the current economy, Camping World’s main objective is to
communicate our brand in the most cost effective manner and to promote
affordable, family fun. Additionally, we feel strongly that this sponsorship
will dramatically increase our customer base in experiencing our entire product
offering. We expect this relationship to not only benefit the teams and fans,
but we will put a special emphasis on supporting the four auto manufacturers in
selling more trucks and the Truck Series sponsors to yield the same return on
investment that we’ve enjoyed. Camping World will work diligently to promote
the four manufacturers and team sponsors by positioning them as preferred
product providers to the 4 million RV enthusiasts we currently serve,” said
Lemonis.
The NASCAR Camping World
Truck Series will launch its inaugural season February 13th at
Daytona International Speedway. Camping World will continue its successful
relationship with Kevin Harvick Incorporated, RCR, ISC, SMI, Dover Motorsports,
ESPN, Speed Channel and its title sponsorship of the NASCAR Camping World East
and West Series through 2009.
The NASCAR Truck Series
is invariably competitive year in and year out. Along with a 19% increase in
television ratings, this year, the series is host to another battle for the
championship as the points lead has changed 9 times. Johnny Benson and Ron
Hornaday have traded the lead several times this year and Benson currently leads
Hornaday by just 65 points with four races to go. Along with crafty veterans
such as Rick Crawford, Dennis Setzer and Todd Bodine, the series also features
an up and coming rookies like Colin Braun and Erk Darnell. Drivers for each
manufacturer have won races this year and are represented in the top 10 points
standings.
Founded in 1966, Camping
World is America's largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of
recreational vehicles and outdoor camping accessories and services. The company
grew from a single point location in Bowling Green, KY to operating successful
nationwide Supercenters.
Over the last five years,
Camping World has progressively expanded their products and services offering
therefore providing consumers with a vast selection, convenience and value.
Camping World now operates under the department store model as a one stop
shopping destination providing services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle
including: Recreational Vehicle Sales; RV Rentals; RV Service & Collision; over
8,000 RV & outdoor accessories, Performance & Tow centers; Detail &
Refurbishment centers known as RV Spa; President's Club customer loyalty
program; Campground reservations & directories; RV Finance and Insurance; RV
Tours & Travel and a nationally distributed
magazine called RV View.
The dynamic Camping World
retail network headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, currently operates in 33
states and serves over 4 million RV enthusiasts. |