RCR Statement
“Shell and Pennzoil have been great partners with Richard Childress Racing since our first race together, when Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 team won the Daytona 500 in 2007. I’m disappointed that our partnership will conclude at the end of the year but understand some of the reasons that went into their business decision. RCR will continue to provide Shell-Pennzoil the highest caliber program possible, keeping in sharp focus the ultimate goal of winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. What this creates for RCR is the opportunity for a new partner to forge its own relationship and identity with Kevin Harvick and the championship-level team led by crew chief Gil Martin, our other race teams and drivers, and our other 35 partners. The No. 29 team has had only two primary sponsors since it began in 2001 but the number 3 has played a significant role at RCR for decades. We feel strongly that the third chapter of the No. 29 team’s partnership history will be a successful one.”
KURT BUSCH TO DRIVE #22 SHELL PENNZOIL CUP CAR IN 2011
Houston – Shell Oil Company and Penske Corporation announce a multi-year cross business alliance starting in the 2011 racing season. The new alliance allows Shell and Pennzoil to expand their motorsports presence as it includes a primary sponsorship with 2004 NASCAR® Sprint Cup Series champion, Kurt Busch and the No. 22 car, as well as associate sponsorships promoting Shell V-Power® with IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe.
The global business alliance provides an opportunity for Shell and Pennzoil to expand their presence not only within motorsports, but also as a preferred supplier of fuels, lubricants and related products to the Penske organization. Beginning in 2011, Shell and Pennzoil will be the “Official Fuel and Motor Oil Supplier” to the Penske organization in the U.S. and the organizations will look to extend their alliance with business development opportunities in several other countries.
The Penske organization is one of the world’s most successful and recognized automotive-based business enterprises and provides unique activation opportunities. Additionally, this alliance continues to enable further product development for Shell and Pennzoil both on and off the track through the invaluable knowledge gained surrounding fuels, lubricants and engine technologies. Like Shell and Pennzoil, Penske Corporation has a close relationship with Chrysler and Ferrari, both part of the Fiat Group.
Winning is a tradition for Penske, an organization that has earned more than 315 major race victories including 15 Indianapolis 500 wins and the 2008 Daytona 500, 370 pole positions and 22 national championships.
As part of the alliance, Pennzoil will become the “Official Motor Oil” of Penske Racing in 2011 which includes all of its entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series as well as the IZOD IndyCar Series. For Pennzoil, returning to Penske is a homecoming of sorts as Pennzoil first aligned with Penske as part of its IndyCar teams in 1983 and won the 1984 and 1988 Indianapolis 500 Mile Races with driver Rick Mears. In addition, Kurt Busch won his 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship driving a Pennzoil-supported car for another team.
Shell is the no. 1 lubricants supplier in the U.S. and the nation’s best-selling gasoline brand with more than 14,000 branded stations selling more premium gasoline, Shell V-Power, than any other brand. Shell has a strong motorsports history aligning with race teams since the 1920’s. In addition to the alliance with Penske Racing, Shell currently has several motorsport technical co-operation programs in place, including Ferrari in Formula 1, Ducati in MotoGP and with Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR.
BRAD KESELOWSKI TO PILOT BLUE DEUCE STARTING IN 2011
Miller Lite Inks Multi-Year Deal, Extends 20-Year Partnership with Penske Racing
CHICAGO (April 21, 2010) – The tradition of great drivers in Penske Racing’s No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge will continue as Brad Keselowski takes the wheel of the Blue Deuce beginning in 2011. The 26-year-old Keselowski is currently in his first full year on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, driving the No. 12 Penske Dodge.
“Brad is one of the hottest young drivers in NASCAR and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Miller Lite Racing family,” said Andy England, chief marketing officer at MillerCoors. “Rarely in this sport are you presented with the opportunity to build a relationship with a top-tier driver at the start of his career. We look forward to ‘tasting greatness’ with Brad and Penske Racing in the years ahead.”
Keselowski finished third in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings in 2008 and 2009 and was voted by the fans as the most popular driver on the circuit both seasons. This year, he sits second in the Nationwide Series point standings, with six top-10 finishes in seven races. He recorded his first Sprint Cup victory last spring at Talladega.
“We’re extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with MillerCoors and are excited to extend this successful relationship,” said Roger Penske. “Brad is a tremendous talent with a bright future and I look forward to watching him continue the great tradition of the Blue Deuce.”
For Keselowski, a third-generation driver, the move to the Miller Lite Dodge is a milestone moment.
“To follow champions like Rusty Wallace and Kurt Busch in the legendary Blue Deuce is a dream come true,” Keselowski said. “The Miller Lite Racing team is accustomed to winning on and off the track, and I can’t wait to do my part to build on that tradition.”
Busch, currently ninth in the Sprint Cup standings, will continue to chase the Cup championship in the Miller Lite Dodge throughout the 2010 season. He then moves to Penske Racing’s newly formed No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Dodge in 2011.
“Kurt is a champion, a great driver and has been an enthusiastic ambassador for Miller Lite over the past four years,” England said. “We want to thank him for that, and we look forward to chasing the 2010 Sprint Cup championship with Kurt and the whole team at Penske Racing.”
