NASCAR Prepares to Say “Goodbye” to RJR With Victory Lap Program
Indianapolis, Indiana
NASCAR and the RJ Reynolds Company, who paired together in the early seventies to sponsor the Winston Cup, will part ways at the end of the 2003 season.
Beginning as a southern regional sport, the combination of fierce competition, and PT Barnum like marketing has grown the sport to become the largest attended athletic competitions in the United States.
In tribute to the sponsor, NASCAR president Mike Helton announced that the final nine races of the 2003 season would be utilized to celebrate the relationship, and the champions who have been crowned.
“RJR has been the perfect partner in helping NASCAR become one of the most popular sports in America”, said Helton. “They deserve and have the gratitude of the entire NASCAR industry, and we are proud to pay tribute to everything they have done for our sport”.
Beginning with the Sharpie 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway, and through the season finally at Holmstead, each event will begin with a symbolic victory lap by active and retired drivers who have claimed the title of Winston Cup Champion.
“When I get to do a polish victory lap at Bristol to honor Allen Kulwicki it is going to rock the house. Stated 1989 champion Rusty Wallace, who indicated he is very excited about the program.
“I can’t thank Winston enough, it going to seem weird next year without them. When the new company steps in, they are really gong to have to step up to the plate to fill those shoes”.
Former champions Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, Bill Elliot, Bobby and Terry Labonte, Benny Parsons, Tony Stewart, Dale Jarrett where all on hand to praise RJR, and help unveil the cars that will highlight the victory lap logo.
RJR Sports Marketing President Ned Leary presented the program with Helton, and seemed genuinely appreciate the tribute.
“We are humbled that NASCAR has chosen to celebrate out partnership in such a significant manor, noted Leary. I’m sure the victory lap will not only capture the fans interest, but also the rich history of the last thirty-three years”.
