CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2011) – NASCAR fans today will get a sneak peek at Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s new-look paint scheme for the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season.

A partner on Earnhardt’s cars since he joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2008, PepsiCo will feature its Diet Mountain Dew brand on the No. 88 Chevrolets in 2012. AMP Energy will remain as a major associate sponsor, retaining a significant presence with the team next season.
The new No. 88 Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevrolet will debut at the 2012 Daytona 500.

Photo Credit: HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS MEDIA

“The time is right to put the power of Dale Earnhardt Jr. behind Diet Mountain Dew as our lead brand on the 88 car,” said Brett O’Brien, vice president of marketing for Mountain Dew and AMP Energy. “Diet Dew is one of the fastest-growing carbonated soft drinks in the United States, and

Dale Jr. is the embodiment of the person we’re trying to target with Diet Mountain Dew—it’s a perfect partnership. Additionally, AMP Energy will continue to be a significant part of our sponsorship activity with several AMP Energy paint-outs in 2012.”

Continue reading “Photos: Dale Earnhardt Jr’s 2012 Diet Mountain Dew Paint Scheme”

Brian Vickers Visits the Georgia Aquarium to Promote Upcoming AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway

HAMPTON, Ga. (Aug. 25, 2011) – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series veteran Brian Vickers visited the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday to promote the upcoming AdvoCare 500 night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept. 4. While at the aquarium, Vickers, who is a certified diver, dove with the aquarium’s Whale Sharks, Groupers and other aquatic life.

“I’m here a little bit early for the Labor Day weekend, but it was a great opportunity to experience the Georgia Aquarium,” said Vickers. “I had no idea something like this existed in downtown Atlanta — the largest aquarium in the world. A lot of incredible species of fish here and sharks, but most importantly here to promote the Atlanta Labor Day weekend race. Three races. Incredible ticket prices. Lynyrd Skynyrd is playing and there’s always good racing at Atlanta, so we’re all looking forward to that. What the fans will most be interested in is the $39 tickets that are being sold and the $19 student tickets and always free parking.”

PHOTO CREDIT: NASCARMEDIA

Continue reading “Photos: Brian Vickers dives with sharks at Georgia Aquarium”

By Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.—Subbing for Penske Racing teammate Brad Keselowski, Kurt Busch won Saturday’s Zippo 200 Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen International in an event in which Busch and his brother, Kyle Busch, led every lap.

Keselowski, who broke his ankle Aug. 3 during testing at Road Atlanta, watched the race from the ESPN television booth as Busch held off Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano to win his first Nationwide race since 2006 and his third in 12 career starts.

Busch won in a green-white-checkered-flag finish that took the event three laps past its scheduled distance of 82 laps at the 2.45-mile road course.

PHOTO CREDIT: NASCARMEDIA

Johnson finished second despite a pit-road penalty. Logano was third, followed by Kyle Busch, who couldn’t improve his position after the final restart, and Carl Edwards. Paul Menard, Ron Fellows, Aric Almirola, Trevor Bayne and Elliott Sadler completed the top 10.

Continue reading “Watkins Glen Nationwide Series Race Recap with Photos”