KERNERSVILLE, N.C. (February 1, 2011) — Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced today a multi-year partnership with world-renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) apparel brand TapouT, an Authentic Brands Group company. TapouT will make its NASCAR debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 5, 2011 as sponsor of the No. 2 Chevrolet Impala in the Nationwide Series event with driver Elliott Sadler. KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick will also carry the world renowned black and white logo on the hood of the No. 2 TapouT Chevrolet Silverado in the Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway in 2011.
This partnership marks an unprecedented expansion for the TapouT brand, which to date has only sponsored MMA fighters and events. With the rise in popularity of MMA, TapouT is now branching out into new markets and reaching new fans in other sports.
Co-founders of TapouT, Skyskrape and Punkass, believe that NASCAR and MMA fans alike will be excited about the company’s new sponsorship venture.
“I expect NASCAR and MMA fans to be in a bit of shock – in a good way,” said Skyskrape. “TapouT has never ventured outside of MMA like this, but seeing how the fans love both sports, I think they will be the real winners here. TapouT loves doing things out of the ordinary and we think this is going to be a great partnership.”
Punkass echoed Skyskrape’s sentiments. “There are so many crossover fans that will love to see TapouT breaking ground into other competitive sports.”
Fellow MMA fan and supporter Kevin Harvick is also looking forward to the opportunity to help TapouT expand into this market.
“TapouT has become one of the most well known brands in sports,” said Harvick. “To have the opportunity to become part of the TapouT organization means a lot to not only me, but the KHI racing family. DeLana and I are very excited about this program and look forward to kicking it off in Las Vegas.”
Elliott Sadler will be exposing the TapouT brand to the NASCAR nation for their first event in Las Vegas.
“TapouT is coming on board with us in the perfect NASCAR market to launch our partnership,” said Sadler. “When you think of Las Vegas you think of all the historic fights that have been held in that town. I’m a huge fan of mixed martial arts and TapouT apparel. They have some really bold designs that will definitely be appealing to NASCAR fans. We’re going to work very hard to get these guys into victory lane in Vegas and work really hard to market the TapouT brand to all of the NASCAR fans.”
The multi-year sponsorship includes co-branded Kevin Harvick and TapouT product launching in Spring 2011.
CONCORD, NC (February 4, 2010) — With the 2011 Sprint Cup Series season set to return to action at Daytona International Speedway next week, Roush Fenway Racing’s Matt Kenseth and his wife Katie are expecting great things for the month of February with the addition of a new baby. The Kenseths expect to welcome the latest addition to the family by the end of the month, and Roush Fenway Racing will look to two drivers to be on-call in case Kenseth needs to travel home to be with his family.
