NASCAR Daily News Headlines * November 3, 2008

Ganassi Picks Up Sponsor

Champion, a brand within Hanesbrands Inc., will be an associate sponsor on each of Ganassi’s six cars across the three racing series and provide the apparel for drivers, team members, pit crews and Ganassi staff.

Terms of the deal were not available, but it’s a combination of cash and apparel.

The Ganassi Racing deal is Champion’s first with a motorsports team.Claire Edgar, Champion’s brand leader, said the Ganassi deal is Champion’s only current contract with a professional sports team.

“This is the first time we’ve ever partnered with a motorsports team,” Edgar said. “We really liked the diversity of their driver lineup, the range of series they’re in and their proven record as champions.”

Ganassi touts that five of its nine drivers hail from outside the U.S., including Sprint Cup driver Juan Pablo Montoya from Colombia and IndyCar Series former champion Dario Franchitti from Scotland.

Adidas, which has an endorsement deal with Dale Earnhardt Jr., is the only other athletic apparel brand in NASCAR. Nike’s Starter brand exited the sport last year. Penske Racing has an apparel deal with Hugo Boss for its IndyCar Series and American Le Mans Series teams.

Ganassi marketing executives were introduced to Champion by the racing team’s title sponsor, Target, but the deal is separate for the arrangement with the store. Champion’s apparel offerings to Ganassi’s drivers and officials will include “Double Dry” shirts, sweats, jackets and sportswear.

Race and Commercial Breakdown for the Dickies 500