UPS (NYSE: UPS) and NASCAR have signed a multi-year agreement for UPS to remain the sport's official logistics partner, providing critical pick-up and delivery services for race teams, vendors and suppliers at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event throughout the season.
In addition to its official partnership, UPS will continue its relationship with Roush Fenway Racing as a full-season associate sponsor of the No. 99 Ford, driven by Carl Edwards.
The decision to continue with NASCAR in an official capacity for a 13th season and Roush Fenway Racing as a sponsor for a fourth season was driven by the positive growth UPS has enjoyed through its direct involvement in the sport.
"UPS has enjoyed a great relationship with NASCAR and our official status allows us to continue providing logistics solutions for other great NASCAR partners both at and away from the racetrack," said Ron Rogowski, UPS vice president, sponsorships and events. "The shift in our program was a strategic business decision that allows us to focus on the elements that drive the best return on our investment, including continuing our relationship with Roush Fenway Racing."
UPS also will continue its successful customer and employee hospitality activations at select events throughout the year in addition to serving as primary sponsor on the No. 99 Ford at Kentucky Speedway.
"We are always evaluating ways to refine and enhance all of our sponsorship programs to ensure they are aligned with our business strategy and objectives," continued Rogowski. "While we're making some changes to our racing program in 2012, we are confident UPS's ongoing association with NASCAR and Roush Fenway Racing will continue to present new and meaningful opportunities for UPS, our customers and employees."
"We are pleased that UPS will continue as a partner in our sport at multiple levels," said Jim O'Connell, chief sales officer, NASCAR. "NASCAR works for business because our fans are among the most brand loyal in all of sports. UPS is a world-class company and one that we are proud to call our partner."
The 2012 racing season will mark UPS's 12th consecutive year of team sponsorship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the sport's premier division. UPS's first sponsored driver was racing legend Dale Jarrett, who retired in 2008 after 668 races. Since 2009, David Ragan of Unadilla, Ga., has piloted the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion as part of the Roush Fenway Racing team.
"It has been an honor and privilege having David Ragan serve as UPS Racing's official brand ambassador on and off the track during the last three seasons," added Rogowski. "David's dedication, work ethic and personal integrity are second to none and we always will be grateful for the many contributions he and the entire No. 6 team have made to the success of our motorsports program."
"We are very pleased that UPS will continue to partner with Roush Fenway Racing," said Roush Fenway President Steve Newmark. "UPS is one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world and we have enjoyed a strong relationship for many years. Although they are restructuring their commitment, it speaks volumes that an organization of UPS's caliber has chosen to stay a part of our partnership roster and that they recognize that Roush Fenway will continue to deliver a great return on their marketing investment."