DAYTONA BEACH (Oct. 23, 2008) – 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 three or four 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 four million RV enthusiasts we currently serve,” said Lemonis.
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will launch its inaugural season Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Camping World will continue its successful relationship with Kevin Harvick Inc., RCR, ISC, SMI, Dover Motorsports, ESPN, SPEED 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 heated battle for the championship as the points lead has changed nine times. Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday have traded the lead several times this year; Benson currently leads Hornaday by only 65 points with four races to go. Along with crafty veterans such as Rick Crawford, Dennis Setzer and Todd Bodine, the series also features up-and-coming rookies like Colin Braun and Erik Darnell. Drivers for each manufacturer have won races this year and are represented in the series standings’ top 10.
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 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, Ill., currently operates in 33 states and serves over four million RV enthusiasts.
From Ramsey Poston / NASCAR
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