NASCAR Daily News Headlines * December 7, 2007

Coca-Cola Expands NASCAR Commitment

The extension of the Company’s relationship with NASCAR follows the new 10-year sponsorship agreement with International Speedway Corporation (ISC), making Coke the leading soft drink pour across NASCAR-sanctioned tracks. Through partnerships with ISC and Speedway Motorsports, Inc., Coca-Cola will be refreshing fans at 12 race tracks in 2008 before expanding to 17 race tracks by 2012. Coca-Cola will make its ISC debut in February 2008 at the 50th running of the Daytona 500 at famed Daytona International Speedway

“The relationship between Coca-Cola and NASCAR is successful because we share the same passion to refresh and enhance the racing experience for fans. Over the past 10 years, we’ve built a deep connection between our brands, NASCAR, and its fans, and by extending our NASCAR partnership, we will intensify that bond,” said Sandy Douglas, president, Coca-Cola North America. “During the next decade, we’ll be creating even more programs that bring fans closer to our brands and the sport they love – both at the track and beyond.”

The deal extends Coca-Cola North America’s position as the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage sponsor for NASCAR, including designations for Coca-Cola, the “Official Sparkling Beverage of NASCAR,” POWERade, the “Official Sports Beverage of NASCAR,” DASANI, the “Official Water of NASCAR” and Minute Maid, the “Official Juice of NASCAR.” Coke Zero is set to play a more prominent role in NASCAR sponsorship activation moving forward, including new creative to debut in early 2008, high-visibility track signage and Coke Zero driver appearances. The Company’s newest brand, glacéau vitaminwater, will continue to expand its presence within the sport as well.

“Coca-Cola’s iconic status and deep involvement in the sport of NASCAR – including official beverage status, track pouring rights, race entitlements and relationships with the drivers and teams in the Coca-Cola racing family – add up to a very valuable partnership,” said Steve Phelps, chief marketing officer at NASCAR. “Fans will now see new Coca-Cola brands involved in the sport, supporting the drivers, teams and races they love. In addition to its always memorable creative and widespread promotions, Coke also does a great job getting its employees and entire bottling system excited about NASCAR, which in turn provides valuable exposure to the sport nationwide. The company has been a long-time supporter of NASCAR, and we are thrilled to embark on this next expanded phase of our partnership.”

While Coca-Cola has been involved with stock car racing for more than 40 years, the brand officially teamed with NASCAR in 1998. A signature part of the brand’s innovative marketing approach is the Coca-Cola Racing Family – a group of top drivers that includes Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Jamie McMurray, Kyle Petty, Elliott Sadler, Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip. Coca-Cola Racing Family members make appearances and are featured in advertising, promotions and packaging.

In addition, the Coca-Cola 600, held annually at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., is the longest continuous sponsorship of any race in NASCAR. In 2008, Coca-Cola also will assume title sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series races at Daytona International Speedway during Fourth of July weekend. An official announcement of the new race names is expected early next year.

Win Dinner With Dale Jr.

Argentina-Based Team Builds COT

"We are really proud to be the first team in NASCAR history to build a car in South America, or anywhere outside the USA," said Canapino, a well-known racecar builder and crew chief in South America. "When we went [to the U.S.], we felt they gave us a nice welcome to the sport. The category's technicians provided us with the rules and now we know most of the chassis will be built in Argentina. Rear suspensions are quite similar to everyone, but there is some more freedom to work with front suspensions, which we will use to create our own setups. We all know that the V8 engine is similar to all teams, too."

When word first hit the region about HAZ Racing's plans, thoughts were the team would look at the Nationwide Series as a starting point. But at the show the team confirmed plans on racing in NASCAR's top division.

"We positively know that it will be harder for us to find the right balance in oval tracks, but we are here to make experience," Canapino said. "For sure, we will feel more comfortable when we go to road courses, though everything is part of a step-by-step process."

At the team's display there was a scale-model of the car with the No. 08 on both the sides and the top. Fans could look at the car in the modern facilities of the Sociedad Rural de Palermo in Buenos Aires. Screens also surrounded the display showing highlights of Nextel Cup races to give the Argentine fans, which are more familiar with road-course racing, a more in-depth look at the sport.

"Sooner or later, there will come a day in which we will need help from an American driver to develop our car, someone to let us know most of the secrets of oval racing and the vehicle specifications," Canapino said. "However, at due time our plan is to select a driver from our native country to participate in the championship."(nascar.com)