Rheem Announces NASCAR Sponsorship Plans
Rheem has completed a multi-year agreement with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) to be the primary sponsor of the No. 29 Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick for 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series® points races as well as being the co-primary sponsor with Budweiser for NASCAR's annual mid-season All-Star race over the term of the agreement. Rheem will also be a major associate sponsor of the No. 29 Chevrolet for the remaining 26 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in which Budweiser or Jimmy John's are the primary sponsor. Rheem will continue its co-sponsorship with Menards® of RCR's No. 33 Chevrolet driven by Paul Menard and others in the NASCAR Nationwide Series® for 12 races in the 2012 season.
"Rheem and RCR have created a strong partnership over the years and this new agreement allows us to continue building on that strong foundation," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "Rheem shows its commitment to the sport by its involvement on multiple levels at RCR, as well as its commitment to great causes like the 'Chasing the Cure' program for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, so we couldn't be happier to be working with them for years to come."
Rheem also announced an agreement with Eddie Sharp Racing® (ESR) to be the season-long, primary sponsor of the No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado that will compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series® in 2012. As a part of the agreement, RCR has formed a technical alliance with ESR to provide engineering, testing and technical assistance to the team while also receiving support from Chevrolet and ECR Engines. After successfully competing in several NASCAR races for Rheem in 2011, Cale Gale has been signed to drive the No. 33 Rheem truck full time for ESR in 2012.
"I am looking forward to 2012 and being a part of the Rheem racing family. Rheem has become synonymous with winners for many years, and to have their support as we move forward with Cale is really special," said ESR owner, Eddie Sharp.
The 2012 season marks the sixth consecutive year that Rheem has participated with sponsorships in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. Rheem experienced immediate success by winning its first race as a sponsor in February 2007-the Daytona 500. Since then, the company has recognized and rewarded nearly 10,000 plumbing and HVAC contractors by hosting them at its Rheem VIP Racing Experience hospitality events. Rheem uses its motorsports program to develop strong business-to-business relationships, build consumer brand awareness, promote sales, and advocate for special causes such as breast cancer awareness and youth programs.
"Rheem is very pleased to expand our association with RCR and Kevin Harvick, as well as to kick off a new relationship with Eddie Sharp Racing. We are especially excited to have our company's flagship brand associated with NASCAR's most elite level of racing, the Sprint Cup Series. We are equally happy to have our entire family of brands participating in the fast-paced and thrilling Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. NASCAR has proven to be a perfect fit with our professional contractor network, while providing excellent brand exposure to the tens of millions of NASCAR fans who value performance, durability and commitment to excellence. We can hardly wait for the start of the 2012 season," said Ed Raniszeski, Rheem corporate director, strategic relationships.