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CORNELIUS, N.C. (Feb. 3, 2009) – Jeremy Mayfield returns to NASCAR Sprint Cup competition in 2009 as both team owner and driver. Thanks in part to NASCAR and sponsor ALL SPORT®, Mayfield plans to field a full time entry in the series. He will assume driving duties of the team’s No. 41 entry beginning with the season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
“Team ownership is something I’ve always wanted to pursue,” said Mayfield. “Things have really fallen into place this year with the NASCAR rule changes and with ALL SPORT coming on board as a partner.”
Mayfield’s ownership aspirations were given new life when NASCAR announced one key rule change for the 2009 season – a ban on testing at NASCAR sanctioned tracks.
“I have to give NASCAR a lot of credit for the things they’ve done in the sport over the last two years to make it possible for people like me to get involved as a team owner,” continued Mayfield. “The new COT car and even more importantly the testing ban have made it a reality for me to come in and compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.”
Mayfield will be joined in ownership by Gary Smith, Chairman and CEO of Big Red, Inc. and co-owner of Mayfield Motorsports. Smith’s ALL SPORT brand will sponsor the team during the 2009 Sprint Cup season.
“We are excited to continue our involvement in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series by teaming up with Mayfield Motorsports to sponsor the No. 41 ALL SPORT Toyota,” said Smith. “ALL SPORT has been a key partner in many auto racing sponsorships in the past and as a result, our plan is to capture the thrill of racing through in-store programs designed to get consumers excited about our connection to motorsports.”
Mayfield’s level of commitment is bolstered by his dual role in the organization and supplemented by the support of a strong team with leadership provided by veteran crew chief Tony Furr. In addition, Mayfield will be utilizing Triad Racing Technologies engines and chassis to support his racing efforts.
“Mayfield Motorsports is a collaboration of a lot of good people and friends of mine,” explained Mayfield. “With this opportunity, we we’re able to put a lot of people who were out of work back into a job, which has given everyone working here a real connection to the team.”
While the push is on to begin the season on a high note, few other drivers have Mayfield’s ability to deliver under pressure. A five-time Sprint Cup Series race winner, Mayfield also secured a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in both 2004 and 2005. His impressive history allowed him to attract sponsorship from ALL SPORT, a leading isotonic sports drink company which is a subsidiary of Big Red, Inc.
“I grew up drinking ALLSPORT, so to enter into a partnership with Gary Smith and to represent the brand is a fantastic opportunity for me,” said Mayfield. “Auto racing is a very physically demanding sport and as a driver it is important for me to stay hydrated. ALL SPORT gives me the hydration I need for a grueling race.”
Mayfield’s plans may begin with the Daytona 500, but they have an undertone of endurance similar to what the driver has shown in his 20-year racing career.
“We’re here for the long haul,” said Mayfield. “This isn’t something I’m going into with short term aspirations. Together with All Sport, we’re going to compete this year with the goal to build a solid team for many years to come.”
About ALL SPORT®
ALL SPORT® was developed using today’s sport physiology research and provides an optimal balance of fluids to help rehydrate during physical exertion. ALL SPORT® delivers real value by combining desired taste with replenishing carbohydrates, 100% RDA Vitamin C and 60 mg Potassium to help prevent muscle cramping while satisfying both thirst and body. ALL SPORT® is available in 12-ounce, 20-ounce and 32-ounce bottles, and is sold at retail stores throughout the country. A subsidiary of Big Red, Inc., All Sport, Inc. is based in Austin, Texas and distributed by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group. Visit us at www.drinkallsport.com