|
 The bottom line: the performance of the organization that's making
the change.
Stewart-Haas Racing took the entire NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
community by surprise with its announcement of the team's impending
move to Ford in 2017. Co-owner Tony Stewart has been a Chevy
loyalist throughout his racing career, and insiders marveled at his
willingness to make a deal with another car maker.
Likewise, Kevin Harvick has driven Chevrolets since he broke into
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing with Richard Childress Racing in
2001. Harvick's long association with Chevy has given rise to
speculation that the driver of the No. 4 car might look to change
teams because of the switch to Ford.
Before Friday morning's opening Cup practice at Phoenix
International Raceway, however, Harvick was dismissive of that idea.
Asked pointedly if he will be in a Stewart-Haas Racing Ford next
year, Harvick gave every indication that will be the case.
"I don't see any reason why that wouldn't happen," Harvick said.
"For me, I'm in the best position that I've been in with my team. I
feel like I have the best crew chief in the garage (Rodney
Childers).
"It would be pretty tough to turn around and walk out on everybody
who has been a part of building everything that we have built so
far."
That's an understatement. Since joining SHR in 2014, Harvick has won
eight races, nine poles and a championship.
And, by the way, Harvick has won five of the last seven races at
Phoenix. Since joining Stewart-Haas, he has finished first three
times and second once at PIR.
FORD HONORED WITH THIRD "DRIVING BUSINESS AWARD"
Ford Motor Company is the first three-time winner of the NASCAR
"Driving Business Award," the sanctioning body announced Friday.
The award honors the Official NASCAR Partner that demonstrates
leadership and results through participation in the NASCAR Fuel for
Business Council (NFFB).
"As a proud member of the Council, winning the 'Driving Business
Award' for the third time is proof, yet again, of how effective the
NASCAR Fuel for Business Council platform is at generating a
positive return on investment for partners," said Tim Duerr, Ford
Performance motorsports marketing manager.
"At Ford, we're constantly identifying new and innovative ways to
add value to our partnerships, and this tool maximizes our B2B
strategy in motorsports."
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More than two-thirds of the council members participated in business
deals with Ford, which sold more than 3,500 vehicles through its
"Partner Recognition Program." Co-marketing programs with Miller
Coors, Goodyear and SiriusXM Satellite Radio resulted in sales of
nearly 900 vehicles.
All told, Ford executed an array of business deals totaling more
than $5 million.
BATTLE OF SUPERHEROES SET FOR FONTANA
Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
will square off next weekend at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana,
Calif., with the liveries of rival superheroes Superman and Batman
prominently displayed on the hoods of their cars.
As part of a promotion for the film "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of
Justice," Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet will feature the large,
unmistakable Superman "S" in the primary sponsorship position.
Earnhardt's No. 88 Chevy features Batman above the primary sponsor
Nationwide Insurance's logo.
The choice of Johnson as Superman is appropriate. During his run of
five straight championship from 2006 through 2010, he earned that
very nickname.
"I didn't have a say, but I was very happy to end up with Superman,"
Johnson said Friday at Phoenix International Raceway. "I think Mark
Martin called me that years ago, and some have used that reference
in a nickname from time to time.
"I feel like it was much more fitting than Batman. Superman is going
to kick Batman's butt -- bottom line."
Earnhardt may have something to say about Johnson's assertion. The
association with Batman has been serendipitous for the NASCAR Sprint
Cup Series' perennial most popular driver.
When Earnhardt drove a Batman-themed car promoting "The Dark Knight
Rises" at Michigan in 2012, he broke a 143-race drought, winning for
the first time since 2008.
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