2013 silly season notes for #47-Bobby Labonte / JTG-Daugherty Racing:: 2000 Sprint Cup Champion Bobby Labonte re-signed for 2013. Brian Burns worked his way from interim status 2012 to the full crew chief role in 2013. House-Autry Mills is a new primary sponsor for two races and an associate partner for 21 races in 2013. Herr's also joins the team as an associate sponsor in 2013. Scott Products, Clorox, Kingsford, Bush's Beans, Charter and Kroger return as sponsors on the #47 Toyota. JTG Daugherty team owner Brad Daugherty said on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio 90's The Morning Drive that the team is looking to add a 2nd car in the 1st half of the 2013 season. One rumored driver was David Reutimann but he has signed with BK Racing for 2013. See images of the six of the #47 schemes on my #47 Team Schemes page. See more about other teams on my 2013 Team / Driver Silly Season Chart.(1-30-2013)

Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing Ready to Get Down to Business: It's a new year and a new car. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers set sail for a three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway January 10-12 in preparation for the Daytona 500. Bobby Labonte and his JTG Daugherty Racing team are well prepared to make single car runs and also mix it up in the draft with the 2013 #47 Toyota Camry during the Daytona Preseason Thunder test session at the 2.5-mile tri-oval. "We obviously already tested at Charlotte Motor Speedway with the new car and now we're ready to tackle Daytona," said 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte. "We've been gearing up for Daytona during the off season and we've got a couple cars ready to go. Brian Burns (crew chief) has surrounded himself with some really good people and we are so far ahead of where we were last year at this time. They have built two really nice cars for this three day test session. We're hoping to learn a lot so we can go back and tweak some things at the race shop. We're looking forward to representing our sponsors SCOTT Products, Clorox, Kingsford, Bush's Beans, House-Autry, Herr's, Charter, Toyota and Kroger this season. Our sponsors and our fans are really important to us and we couldn't do this without them."
"I'm just real excited about what 2013 has in store for JTG Daugherty Racing," added JTG Daugherty co-owner Brad Daugherty said. "We've worked really hard this off season and we're ready for Bobby Labonte to get back in the seat and test this week at Daytona International Speedway. Bobby Hutchens and the entire crew have put a great package together and we're looking forward to getting in the draft and seeing how our Toyota Camry performs. We've got some fresh new faces and capable veterans and we couldn't be happier about this season."(JTG Daugherty Racing), see images of six paint schemes on the #47 Team Schemes page.(1-11-2013)

Charter Communications is scheduled to be the primary sponsorfor 2 races in 2012:
Auto Club Speedway - 3/25
Michigan - 6/17

Bubba Burger's is scheduled to be the primary sponsor for 2 races in 2012:
Pocono - 6/10
Chicago - 9/16

JTG Daugherty looks to add 2nd team: Mike Bagley, co-host of The Morning Drive on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio 90 reports via Twitter that JTG Daugherty team owner Brad Daugherty told them that they [JTG Daugherty Racing] are looking to add a 2nd car in the 1st half of this [Sprint Cup Series] season. The team currently runs Bobby Labonte in the #47 Toyota. Rumors in late 2012 has David Reutimann as a possible driver for a 2nd JTG Daugherty car in 2013.(12-12-2012)

New sponsor for Labonte in 2013: JTG Daugherty Racing has been diligently working on securing sponsorship all season long for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and beyond for their #47 Toyota Camry team. While longstanding iconic brands return along with 2000 champion driver Bobby Labonte, the single-car operation is proud to add new sponsorships to the lineup next year. North Carolina based House-Autry Mills is slated to be the primary for the Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, May 18 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, September 29. In addition, House-Autry Mills will be an associate partner for 21 races next season on the #47 Toyota Camry with a grilling schematic.
"House-Autry is a great addition to our sponsor lineup and we are thrilled about continuing to build the group of grocery related brands that partner with us," stated team co-owner Tad Geschickter. House-Autry Mills, is a Four Oaks, NC based producer of chicken, seafood, and pork breaders, sauces, corn meal, and hushpuppy, biscuit and cornbread mixes that are available through thousands of grocery stores in 37 states, as well as foodservice distributors and restaurants throughout the country.
"We take pride in the fact that for 200 years our traditional Southern taste has been bringing families & friends together over delicious meals using our convenient & easy to use products," said House-Autry CEO Craig Hagood. House-Autry Mills, "The Choice of Southern Cooks Since 1812", is proud to be a part of the Southern cooking tradition and now JTG Daugherty Racing. "We are excited to partner with JTG Daugherty Racing and Bobby Labonte," added Hagood. "Their excellent knowledge and experience, on and off the track, will go a long way in assisting us to reach our goals."(JTG Daugherty Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #47 Team Schemes page.(12-11-2012)

Burns will remain as Labonte's crew chief UPDATE: Brian Burns has worked his way from interim status to the crew chief role at JTG/Daugherty Racing for the #47 Toyota and driver Bobby Labonte. Burns had been a crew chief with Travis Kvapil and an interim crew chief with Labonte for the final four races in 2012 after Frank Kerr was reassigned. He returned to the crew chief role for at JTG/D in August when Todd Berrier parted ways with the team. Under Burns' direction, Labonte posted three finishes of 12th or better in the final six races of the season. "I think he's done a great job since he was put in that position," said general manager Bobby Hutchens. "He's a solid engineer and he understands the race car. Plus he's a great leader with the crew. Considering that he's already had time in the position, I really believe we'll be able to make progress next year."(Fox Sports)(12-8-2012)
UPDATE: Hard work and dedication does pay off. Late Friday afternoon, JTG Daugherty Racing inked Brian Burns to return as crew chief of the No. 47 Toyota Camry with driver Bobby Labonte for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. "Anytime we have needed Brian to step into a crew chief role and lead our team, he has risen to the challenge," co-owner Tad Geschickter said. "He has done a solid job for us and we're pleased he accepted the position to guide our team in 2013." With Burns and the addition of general manager Bobby Hutchens, the team made forward progress and turned in some respectable finishes. Now, Burns is ready to build on the foundation he already has in place. "I'm looking forward to this season and working with Bobby again," Burns said. "The 2013 car may have leveled the playing field with all the changes and I feel like we will be able to turn some heads. We have some good things on the horizon and we are adding more engineering support. We are also staffing up to have extra support at the shop and track. Our team owners are providing us with the tools we need to get to the next level."
Burns, who received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering technology from Purdue University (Indianapolis), has been in the sport for over a decade. The first role in racing for Burns was race engineer from 2003 to 2009 with Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. His first crew chief role came at Front Row Motorsports with driver Travis Kvapil beginning in June 2010 for the remainder of the season and was a lead engineer before stepping up.
The Indiana native then moved over to Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) at the beginning of the 2011 season as a race engineer. He was assigned to JTG Daugherty Racing to produce and analyze fully dynamic simulation results, coordinate all geometry setup changes along with a laundry list of other responsibilities.
Near the end of the season, he served as interim crew chief for Labonte in the final six events and then moved to the Harrisburg, N.C. shop at the beginning of 2012. Midseason Burns was at the helm again when crew chief and general manager Todd Berrier parted ways with the team.
Burns, whose best finish with Labonte during the 2012 season was ninth at Martinsville Speedway, has paid his dues to earn the full-time position as Labonte's crew chief. "Brian is very smart and has done a really good job for JTG Daugherty Racing," said 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte. "We're looking forward to working together again next season and building on the foundation we have in place." (JTG Daugherty Racing)(12-11-2012)

Bobby Labonte back with JTG Daugherty Racing in 2013: With Thanksgiving Day around the corner, the curtain closes on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series year at Homestead-Miami Speedway this Sunday. It's been a long season, but JTG Daugherty Racing's driver Bobby Labonte is already preparing for a fresh start in February 2013. Next year, the 2000 champion driver will return to the seat of the #47 Toyota Camry that is sponsored by Clorox this weekend. Labonte, who finished 15th in the most recent event at Phoenix International Raceway, aims to finish the season on a high note in Homestead. "We are continuing to make strides," Labonte said. "We've come a long way. We have some momentum on our side going into Homestead and the off season. We hope to close out the year and give Clorox and all of our partners a strong finish."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(11-14-2012)

Vektor Vodka to sponsor the #47 at Phoneix: Vektor Vodka will be introducing a signature drink available to fans throughout the midway called The Redline, as well as having their logo proudly displayed on the hood of Bobby Labonte's #47 JTG-Daugherty Toyota Camry. Helping to keep PIR's party alive after the checkered flag, PIR: After Dark will feature guest bartender Brad Daugherty and guest appearances by Bobby Labonte. "Teaming up with a powerhouse venue like Phoenix International Raceway is a natural progression for us," said Native Spirits CEO Dr. Mark S. Williams. "This is our hometown, and having Vektor Vodka on the hood of the JTG-Daugherty Racing #47 Toyota with an icon like Bobby Labonte on the wheel at PIR is incredible. This is our first year in what we hope will be a long term relationship with NASCAR, PIR, and the most loyal fans in sports."(PIR)(11-6-2012)

Wounded Warrior Project on the #47; Labonte has handshake deal for 2013: Bobby Labonte's #47 Toyota Camry is carrying a special camouflage scheme with a distinct purpose to raise awareness for Wounded Warrior Project. Wounded Warrior Project raises awareness and enlists the public's aid for the needs of injured servicemen and women. It also helps injured service members aid and assist each other and provides unique, direct programs, and services to meet their needs. "It's definitely an organization we want to be a part of and The Clorox Company is letting us place Wounded Warrior Project on our Toyota Camry at Texas," Labonte said. "We want to continue to help raise awareness. It's near and dear to our hearts. Tens of thousands of Wounded Warriors and caregivers receive support each year through Wounded Warrior Project programs. Visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org for more information on how you can help." As Labonte helps spread the word about Wounded Warrior Project, there is word being spread around the garage about him returning to JTG Daugherty Racing's #47 Toyota Camry next season. "There's a hand shake and a fist pump and all that stuff that goes with that," Labonte said. "All in all, that's what we've been planning to do the whole time. At the same time, you make sure they have all their sponsors in place and the shops in place and all the things are lining up with the race team. With Bobby Hutchens coming on board, there is a lot of confirmation of some thoughts that might have not been there a few months ago."(JTG Daughterty Racing), see image of the car on the #47 Team Schemes page.(11-1-2012)

Pine Sol on the #47 at Martinsville: Bobby Labonte is bound and determined to have a clean race with his #47 Pine-Sol Toyota Camry and make it to the finish line with the fenders on his machine during the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. This will be the first time the Corpus Christi, Texas-native has carried The Clorox Company's Pine-Sol brand on his machine and the 21-time Cup winner wants to make a good first impression and top his 17th-place finish he had at the .526-mile oval in April.(JTG Daughterty Racing), see image of the car on the #47 Team Schemes page.(10-24-2012)

#47 team support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, JTG Daugherty Racing's #47 SCOTT Products Toyota Camry will carry pink door numbers and a pink ribbon during the Bank of America 500 race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-11-2012)

Herr Foods joining JTG Daugherty in 2013: JTG Daugherty Racing and Herr Foods Inc. announced a new sponsorship agreement, which will make Herr Foods Inc. an associate sponsor of the #47 Toyota Camry for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Herr Foods Inc, founded in 1946, is a national brand that specializes in delivering unique flavors of snack foods. From Hot Dog flavored potato chips to Jalapeno Popper cheese curls, Herr's fans Live Life with Flavor with every bite.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-27-2012)

Three pit crews make it to the track after flight delay: Pit crews for Richard Childress Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and JTG Daugherty Racing were on a tight schedule for Sunday's Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Blame it on problems with a scheduled flight to bring them to the track. The crew members were scheduled to reach the track about 10:00am/et. However, mechanical issues at their Concord, N.C., departure point forced them to change planes, delaying their arrival for the race. They reached the track about 12:50pm/et with a rush job ahead. Team owner Richard Childress said Miami Air, whom he charters with for the race-day flights, was able to get another plane to carry the crews. The plane landed shortly before 12:00pm/et in Manchester, N.H., about 25 miles from the track. Vehicles carrying the crew members were expected to get a police escort to make it through the traffic. Reaching the track would be no easy assignment. Typically traffic would be heavy with a crowd of about 90,000 people expected at a track with only one main entrance on a road that is converted from two lanes to four lanes using the shoulder for the race.(Sporting News)(9-23-2012)

Bush's Beans and Hannoford support #47 team at NHMS: This weekend for the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) Bobby Labonte and his JTG Daugherty Racing team will have BUSH'S Beans prominently displayed on the #47 Toyota Camry for the seventh time this season. "BUSH'S Beans has been a proud supporter of JTG Daugherty Racing for many years," Labonte said. "It's hard to believe, but the company has been in business for over a century. They have been a household name in my home for as long as I can remember. We're pleased to have their distinguished label back on the 47 Toyota Camry this weekend." In addition to BUSH'S Beans support, Hannaford Supermarkets also has presence. Hannaford is a leading grocer serving customers throughout Northern New England and New York. They are proud to be a part of so many great communities and contribute to the health, education and vitality of those communities. One of their programs, The Hannaford Helps Schools Program, has raised over seven and a half million dollars for over 2,7600 New England and New York schools over the past thirteen years. This weekend JTG Daugherty Racing is presenting a check for $25,000 to Hannaford Helps Schools.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see image of the car on the #47 Team Schemes page.(9-19-2012)

Reutimann to JTG Daughtery Racing? UPDATE hearing that David Reutimann recently met with officials from JTG Daugherty Racing for a 2013 ride, either as a replacement for current driver Bobby Labonte or for a 2nd team car as JTG Daughtery Racing is looking to expand to a two-car team if sponsorship is found.(8-9-2012)
UPDATE: "I'm not sure where this came from, but Bobby Labonte is the #47 driver," said JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter. "Bobby's done a great job for us and our sponsors. We are continuing to work on getting the right tools in place to help our team perform better."(JTG Daughtery Racing)(8-10-2012)

Freightliner and Miller Share Primary Sponsorship of #47 at Watkins Glen: Two companies will be prominently displayed on Bobby Labonte's #47 Toyota Camry fielded by JTG Daugherty Racing this weekend at Watkins Glen International. Both Freightliner and Miller are positioned on the hood and other sections of Labonte's ride for the Finger Lakes 335 at The Glen on Sunday, August 12. "We are fortunate to have a group of tremendous sponsor partners at JTG Daugherty Racing," co-owner Tad Geschickter said. "We couldn't build the cars without the support of Miller Welders and couldn't transport them to the track each week without the support of Freightliner Trucks." Freightliner Trucks is a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, OR. Miller Welders is a proud technical partner of JTG Daugherty Racing. Miller Electric Mfg. Co., with headquarters in Appleton, Wisconsin, manufactures arc welding and cutting equipment designed for manufacturing, fabrication, construction, aviation, motorsports, education, agriculture and marine applications. For a second week in a row, Labonte has Brian Burns calling the shots. "Brian Burns is very organized, works hard, is very smart and is a great member of our team," Labonte said. "Unfortunately, we haven't put him in the best position, but we are working on that. It's going to take a little time for us to reboot. We appreciate the support of our sponsors and fans during a transitional period."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-9-2012)

Brian Burns to serve as Labonte's crew chief at Pocono: Change is good and JTG Daugherty Racing has learned that adapting quickly is essential to success as they enter the Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway with Bobby Labonte at the wheel of the #47 SCOTT Products Toyota Camry. The next step for JTG Daugherty Racing is finding a long-term crew chief. This weekend Labonte's interim crew chief David Hyder is fulfilling his normal role at Iowa Speedway with the K&N Pro Series East team that JTG Daugherty Racing prepares for recent winner Cale Conley. With that being said, team engineer Brian Burns will step up to call the shots for the team this weekend at Pocono.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-1-2012)

Crew Chief Changes #78? UPDATE: Todd Berrier is listed as the crew chief for #78-Regan Smith, Berrier had been #47-Bobby Labonte's crew chief and GM for JTG Daugherty Racing.(7-23-2012)
UPDATE: Furniture Row Racing announced today that Todd Berrier has been named crew chief for the team's #78 Chevy driven by Regan Smith. Berrier, who replaces Pete Rondeau, will take over the crew chief duties immediately. His first race on the pit box will be Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In making the announcement team general manager Joe Garone said, "Todd will be a great fit with our operation. The skill sets he has acquired during a successful crew chief career will be valuable assets as we move forward with a high level of energy and anticipation."
"Furniture Row Racing has a reputation in the Sprint Cup garage for its commitment and potential," said the 42-year-old Berrier. "I welcome this opportunity and can't wait to begin my new position at Indianapolis this weekend."(Furniture Row Racing)(7-24-2012)

Crew Chief Changes #47? UPDATE and new general manager: David Hyder is listed on NASCAR's entry list as the crew chief for #47-Bobby Labonte while Todd Berrier, woh was the crew chief, is listed as the crew chief for #78-Regan Smith.(7-23-2012)
UPDATE: Approaching the Indianapolis Motor Speedway race weekend, JTG Daugherty Racing announced today significant changes that include a new general manager and crew chief change for the #47 single-car NASCAR Sprint Cup Series operation. Bobby Hutchens joins the racing organization as general manager. "Bobby Hutchens is someone I have admired for a long time and the individual I've turned to many times for direction over my 18 years as a car owner," said JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter. "In my opinion, he is the best in the business and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber step in to help steer our team in the right direction during this important transition."
David Hyder will assume the role as interim crew chief for this weekend's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We have our eye on the crew chief that we want for the long term, but couldn't get it all done in time for the next few races," Geschickter said. "We would rather make the right decision for the long term. We are fortunate to have David Hyder working at JTG Daugherty Racing every day as crew chief for the K&N Pro Series East team that we have been preparing each week for Cale Conley. He has a wealth of Sprint Cup experience and we know he will do a great job until we make our decision." Todd Berrier, who joined JTG Daugherty Racing at the end of the 2011 season as crew chief and general manager, recently accepted a position with another team that was announced today. Labonte's team is prepared for the Brickyard this weekend as they display SCOTT Products on the hood of the #47 Toyota.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(7-24-2012)

Crew Chief Changes? #78 & #47?: David Hyder is listed on NASCAR's entry list as the crew chief for #47-Bobby Labonte while Todd Berrier is listed as the crew chief for #78-Regan Smith. It had been rumored that Crew chief Pete Rondeau was out as Smith's crew chief and remain with Furniture Row Racing in another capacity.(7-23-2012)

New sponsor for JTG Daugherty Racing at NHMS: JTG Daugherty Racing announced that Luke & Associates, Inc. will sponsor Bobby Labonte and the #47 Toyota Camry for the first time during the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "It's good to have our friends at Luke & Associates on board at New Hampshire Motor Speedway," Labonte said. "We are proud to be a part of JTG Daugherty Racing," said Jim Barfield, CEO for Luke & Associates. "The ability to further support our troops by signifying them on the hood is exciting for us as a company and fans." In May, Labonte participated in a Goodyear tire test at Loudon.(JTG Daugherty Racing). See images of the scheme on the #47 Team Schemes page.(7-12-2012)

Clorox colors for Labonte: Bobby Labonte and the JTG Daugherty Racing team will proudly display the The Clorox Company's Clorox logo on the hood of the #47 Toyota Camry for the 110-lap event. The Clorox Company is based in Oakland, Calif., which is a mere hour away from the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course. Clorox, which is a global company with leading brands that have become household names, has a longstanding relationship with JTG Daugherty Racing through the NASCAR platform that spans over a decade. "The Clorox Company has stood behind our company through thick and thin," co-owner Tad Geschickter said. "It means a lot to have sponsors who are true business partners. We are both vested in seeing each other succeed."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(6-20-2012)

BUBBA burger making first appearance on the #47: This week JTG Daugherty Racing and three-time Pocono Raceway winner Bobby Labonte reveal the fiercely designed scheme of the #47 BUBBA burger Toyota for the first time at the newly repaved track in the Pocono 400. In January, BUBBA burger announced a two-race primary sponsorship with JTG Daugherty Racing during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Pocono this week and also during the Geico 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. on September 16. Additionally, BUBBA burger has had presence on Labonte's machine as an associate sponsor throughout the season at select events tying into the team's retail theme 'Racing Season is Grilling Season' along with Kingsford Charcoal, BUSH'S Beans and SCOTT Products.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see an image of the car on the #47 team paint schemes page.(6-5-2011)

JTG & JGR also re-sign with Toyota: Joe Gibbs Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing and JTG Daugherty Racing announced new multiyear extensions with Toyota on Tuesday. Lee White, the president of Toyota Racing Development, said all three teams will be with Toyota "for a long time to come." The announcement was made at TRD's Salisbury, N.C., shop where the re-designed 2013 Camry was introduced. It came amid speculation that Dodge, which loses anchor Penske Racing to Ford after this season, might target JGR. White admitted that one of Toyota's organizations was "ripe for the picking by one of our fellow manufacturers." "All have agreements with Toyota and TRD that extend beyond two more years," White said. "Rest assured, we enjoy our partners, we value our partners, and we expect to be competing with our partners on this dance floor for a long time." JGR owner Joe Gibbs said he never had conversations with Dodge.(ESPN)(5-23-2012)

Update on All-Star Fan vote UPDATE Labonte wins the vote: Nearly 2 million votes have been cast in the 2012 Sprint Fan Vote for one driver to gain entry into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The five drivers leading the Sprint Fan Vote standings (in alphabetical order) are: A.J. Allmendinger, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bill Elliott, Bobby Labonte and Joey Logano. Voting will continue until 5:00pm/et Saturday. Fans can vote by visiting Sprint.com/Speed, using the NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile application on Sprint Android devices, or by texting "VOTE" to 229466 on any wireless carrier (standard text messaging and data rates apply).(Charlotte Observer)
UPDATE: As voting neared completion for tonight's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, over 2.34 million votes had been registered. The top five drivers receiving votes (in alphabetical order) were A.J. Allmendinger, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bobby Labonte, Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr.(CMS Pit Notes)
UPDATE 2: #47-Bobby Labonte, the 2000 Sprint Cup Champion, finished 12th but won the Sprint Fan Vote and will race in the Sprint All-Star Race. (5-19-2012)

Special NASCAR Unites schemes to run UPDATES & Images: as part of the NASCAR Foundation's NASCAR Unites program, a few drivers will run special paint schemes at various races including #47-Bobby Labonte, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #55-Mark Martin, #56-Martin Truex Jr. and #99-Carl Edwards at Charlotte in May;
#2-Brad Keselowski, #29-Kevin Harvick and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Charlotte in May and Daytona in July;
#16-Greg Biffle at Michigan in June. See links to the images of the schemes on the Paint Scheme Gallery page.(4-9-2012)
UPDATE: NASCAR announced the launch of "NASCAR Unites – An American Salute," a patriotic initiative uniting the NASCAR industry and fans this summer to celebrate America and support U.S. military families. NASCAR Nation will be covered from head to toe – and from splitter to spoiler – in red, white and blue to highlight the summer season, starting and ending at two traditionally patriotic summer NASCAR events held at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-27) and Daytona International Speedway (Independence Day Weekend, July 5-7). Additional activities related to the six-week initiative will take place between these "tent-pole" events, including retail programs and other sponsor promotions.
To launch the initiative, the "NASCAR Unites – An American Salute" paint scheme for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #88 National Guard Hendrick Motorsports Chevy was revealed today in the nation's capital for more than 30,000 children and their guests attending the 134th Annual Easter Egg Roll event at the White House.
Among those NASCAR drivers already committed to "NASCAR Unites – An American Salute" paint schemes are Earnhardt, 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion #14-Tony Stewart, #16-Greg Biffle, Danica Patrick, #2-Brad Keselowski and #99-Carl Edwards. As part of the program, NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation will work with charities to fund initiatives that support military families. A social media promotion utilizing a #NASCARUnites hashtag will highlight track activations as well as patriotic activities from teams, broadcast partners and sponsors.(NASCAR)
AND In the Nationwide Series, #88-Cole Whitt, will run in the Kentucky race in June and #7-Danica Patrick will run in the Nationwide race at the Daytona race in July. See images of the cars on the #7 NNS team paint schemes and #88 NNS paint schemes page.(4-9-2012)

Bush's Bean on the #47 at Martinsville: Five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races are in the books and approaching Martinsville Speedway Bobby Labonte will have a fifth different primary sponsor on his #47 Toyota Camry hood with BUSH'S Beans. Kroger kicked off the season opener at Daytona International Speedway, Kingsford Charcoal followed suit at Phoenix International Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. At Bristol Motor Speedway, Clorox was front and center and Charter graced Labonte's machine for the first time at Auto Club Speedway. Now, it's BUSH'S Beans turn for the next two events before Reese Towpower takes the helm at Kansas Speedway while SCOTT Brand and BUBBA burger are in line.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(3-29-2012)

Charter Slated to Sponsor JTG Daugherty Racing: Charter Communications, Inc., a leading broadband communications company and the fourth-largest cable operator in the United States, joins JTG Daugherty Racing's sponsor lineup during the team's fourth season of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. "The Charter deal is a game changer for us," JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said. "We always strive to provide our sponsors with great value. This new partnership, with the fourth-largest cable provider in the country, gives us the opportunity to create sponsor activation elements that we could have never provided before." Charter's first primary race with JTG Daugherty Racing and Bobby Labonte unfolds this weekend at Auto Club Speedway. Charter is also scheduled to be front and center on the #47 Toyota Camry at Michigan International Speedway June 17.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(3-21-2012)

JTG Daugherty wants second team in 2013: #47-JTG Daugherty Racing purchased some old cars from MWR to get started this season and will get its engines from Toyota Racing Development, but eventually plans to build its own cars at the Harrisburg shop. [Owner Brad] Daugherty said a plan already is in place to add a second car to the fold for next season, adding that "it's a distinct possibility" JTG could field a second car in a handful of races later this season. "We're already working on it," Daugherty said. "That's something that's going to happen sooner rather than later, because we need that. That's as big as we want to be, though. The cost comes down and the information goes way up. So we're really working on that."(NASCAR.com)(2-5-2012)

BUBBA burger to sponsor Labonte for two races: JTG Daugherty Racing revealed BUBBA burger has signed on with the racing organization as a primary sponsor for Bobby Labonte's #47 Toyota Camry during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. BUBBA burger is scheduled to have prominent position on Labonte's car during the Pocono 400 at Pocono on June 10 and at Chicago on September 16. "BUBBA burger is excited to return as a sponsor of JTG Daugherty Racing," according to Billy Morris President/CEO of BUBBA foods. "NASCAR Fans have grown to be great fans of BUBBA burger at the track and at home. It was an easy decision for us to partner with great brands like Kingsford Charcoal, Bush's Beans and SCOTT Products for our Racing Season is Grilling Season promotion. Together we will win on the track and off the track." Additionally, BUBBA burger is scheduled to have presence on Labonte's machine as an associate sponsor for the full season. BUBBA burger is an obvious fit for JTG Daugherty Racing's retail theme 'Racing Season is Grilling Season'. "BUBBA burger has activated a lot in our sport and it's great to hear they are sponsoring our Toyota Camry this year," said Labonte. "BUBBA burger used to be JTG Daugherty Racing's partner and I know Tad (Geschickter) is happy to have them back. They fall right into the team's marketing theme 'Racing Season is Grilling Season' and they are the #1 branded frozen burger in the United States.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(1-25-2012)

Kroger-USO to sponsor #47 Toyota in Daytona 500: Kroger will have major presence during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, returning as primary sponsor of JTG Daugherty Racing's #47 Toyota Camry of Bobby Labonte. "We are pleased to have Kroger helping us kick off our season at Daytona again," Labonte said. "They are a great partner of JTG Daugherty Racing. They enjoyed the race last year and we were in the hunt for the win. We were able to stay out of trouble to be in contention on the final lap. If we can be that fortunate this year and put ourselves in position again, anything can happen." Once again, the Kroger car will carry the USO logo in the Daytona 500. In 2011, the Kroger family of stores expanded its partnership with the USO through Honoring Our Heroes, a year-long campaign to support members of the armed forces and their families. With the help of customers, associates and key partners, the program generated $1.5 million to assist the USO's programs to support troops and families. Kroger will present these funds to the USO during the pre-race ceremonies at the Daytona 500. This company-wide campaign with the USO will continue in 2012. The USO is the nation's leading organization providing morale-boosting programs and services to enhance the quality of life for troops and their families around the world. Kroger and JTG Daugherty Racing also will thank the hundreds of Kroger associates from across the country, who are active duty and reservist members of our armed forces. They are paying special tribute by placing the names of these men and women on the hood of the car for the Daytona 500.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(1-25-2012)

Brad Daugherty to test at Martinsville: Brad Daugherty may be best known as a five-time NBA All-Star or for his work as an ESPN analyst for NASCAR's top touring divisions. However, his passion for racing runs deeper than just with his co-ownership of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team JTG Daugherty Racing. Taking a closer look at Daugherty's fervor for racing, he dabbles as a driver himself in the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) and other racing series. In preparation for competition in the NASA Southeast Region next season, he has decided to test a NASCAR Camping World Series truck at Martinsville Speedway on Wednesday. Daugherty plans to race in eight NASA Southeast Region events during the 2012 season. Daugherty already has the races circled on his calendar that he will compete in during the first half of the season before he returns to work as a TV analyst.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(11-28-2011)

Reese Towpower scheme closes out season for Labonte: #47-Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing's owners focus on finishing the last race of the season at Homestead on a high note in the midst of ramping up their 2012 campaign. Owner Ted Geschickter is pleased with the progress that new general manager and crew chief Todd Berrier is making at the Harrisburg, N.C. shop. "We are optimistic about how Todd Berrier is developing our program for next season," Geschickter said. "It's going to be a busy off season, but we are up for the challenge. We are fortunate to have a group of sponsors who are standing behind us as we work to improve our on-track performance in 2012." One of JTG Daugherty Racing's proud partners, Reese Towpower is branding the #47 Toyota Camry to close out the year. Reese Towpower has pioneered the technology that has set the standard for today's most advanced towing. "We've really enjoyed growing our partnership with Reese Towpower," said Labonte. "They've done a great job activating their sponsorship in NASCAR. Also, all the work they did with DKMS to help find Jordan Jemsek and others a bone marrow match was pretty special to watch. They really got involved and made their racing program a success while helping others. We're proud to be a partner."(JTG Daugherty Racing), see images of the Reese Towpower scheme on the #47 Team Schemes page.(11-17-2011)

Labonte to raise awareness for Wounded Warrior Project & A Good Night Sleep Foundation: Bobby Labonte returns to The Lone Star State in hopes of raising awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and A Good Night Sleep (AGNS) Foundation during the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday. Thanks to The Clorox Company donating their primary space on JTG Daugherty Racing's #47 Toyota, Wounded Warrior Project will be prominently displayed along with their Believe in Heroes (BIH) campaign. Sunday's race is the first of two in which Labonte will feature the Wounded Warrior logo on his car as part of WWP's Believe in Heroes campaign. The two-month BIH campaign honors the sacrifices of those who have answered the call to serve in the ten years that followed the events of Sept 11th through a series of special events and initiatives around the country. Also, prior to the race, Safeway will be presenting the Wounded Warrior Project with a substantial donation of $500,000 to show their support for the trials and sacrifices of Wounded Warriors and their families. Veteran and wounded warrior Timothy Seckel will represent WWP and our nation's veterans at the race. Additionally, A Good Night Sleep will have presence on the C-post. A Good Night Sleep is a non-profit focused on delivering brand new beds to people transitioning out of homelessness and into permanent housing.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(11-3-2011)

Grilling.com scheme for Labonte at Martinsville: JTG Daugherty Racing's sponsors are mastering their use of the team's assets with driver Bobby Labonte and the #47 Toyota Camry team to promote their brand to millions of loyal NASCAR fans. Kingsford, is showcasing Grilling.com this weekend on Labonte's machine at Martinsville Speedway in the Tums Fast Relief 500. To tie together the relationship between the brand, website, driver, team and fans, Kingsford and Grilling.com are providing a chance for one lucky fan to win an ultimate VIP track and grilling experience with Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing in Las Vegas in March by registering at Grilling.com/racing starting on September 30th. Fans can register for an opportunity to be Labonte's Pit Master for the day, which includes a 3-day (2-night) stay on the Las Vegas strip; round-trip airfare; a rental car; a BBQ lunch with Bobby and crew; a VIP tour and more leading into the big race weekend in 2012.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see an image of the car on my #47 team paint schemes page.(10-26-2011)

NASCAR Confiscates Windshields: UPDATE: NASCAR confiscated the windshields from Michael Waltrip Racing's #00 and #56 Toyotas and from the #47 Toyota for JTG-Daugherty Racing on Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. Each team was forced to switch out the windshield for a new one after they were found to have unapproved modifications. Any penalties for the infraction will come next week. The #00 and #56 cars went out and paced the final practice session.(Motor Racing Network)(10-21-2011)
UPDATE: NASCAR has issued penalties to the #00, #47 and #56 teams that compete in the Sprint Cup Series as a result of rule infractions discovered during opening day inspection Oct. 21 at Talladega Superspeedway. All three cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the rule book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20-3.2.1A (unapproved modification to an approved windshield) of the 2011 NASCAR rule book. Crew chiefs Rodney Childers (#00), Frank Kerr (#47) and Chad Johnston (#56) have each been fined $50,000 and have been suspended from the next four Sprint Cup Series championship events and suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 23. Car chiefs Steve Channing (#00), Raymond Fox (#47) and Anthony Lunders (#56) have likewise been suspended from the next four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events and suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 23. Additionally, Bobby Kennedy, director of competition for Michael Waltrip Racing, has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Car owners Rob Kauffman (#00), Tad Geschickter (#47), and Michael Waltrip (#56) have each been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points. Drivers David Reutimann (#00), Bobby Labonte (#47), and Martin Truex Jr. (#56) have each been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver points.(NASCAR)(10-25-2011)
AND: "We are very disappointed in this entire situation and we will not appeal NASCAR's ruling," JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Brad Daugherty said. "We look forward to racing at Martinsville Speedway this weekend and getting ready for next season." Team chief race engineer Brian Burns will assume the role as crew chief for the #47 Toyota Camry replacing Frank Kerr and Bob Bechstein has been named car chief replacing Raymond Fox following penalties assessed by NASCAR.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-25-2011)
AND: "Michael Waltrip Racing is ultra-sensitive and very serious about working within the guidelines of NASCAR policy. We do not condone this type of activity and as such we will take appropriate internal corrective action immediately. We thank NASCAR for providing a fair and equitable platform for all of its competitors and respect its decisions; therefore, we will not appeal." The following team personnel moves will take effect until NASCAR reinstates the suspended crew members:
#56 Team: Veteran crew chief Pat Tryson will serve as interim crew chief in place of suspended crew chief Chad Johnston at Martinsville. Allen Mincey, #56 race mechanic, will serve as interim car chief in place of suspended car chief Tony Lunders
#00 Team: Bobby Kennedy, executive vice president of race operations, will serve as interim crew chief in place of Rodney Childers. Chris Hall, #00 race mechanic, will serve as interim car chief in place of suspended car chief Steve Channing.
Both crew and car chiefs will return to their positions following their suspensions.(Michael Waltrip Racing)(10-25-2011)

JTG Daugherty Racing to announce 2012 plans UPDATE: JTG Daugherty Racing owners to announce 2012 sponsor lineup for the #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry, make official driver announcement, and upcoming changes for the racing organization on Sunday, October 23rd [not Sat,] at Talladega Superspeedway. Bobby Labonte is the current driver.(JTG)(10-20-2011)
UPDATE: per JTG Daugherty Racing Twitters: JTG Daugherty Racing press conference, Bobby Labonte returns to drive the #47 Toyota with Todd Berrier as the crew chief, current crew chief, Frank Kerr ,oves to shop foreman position.
AND Sunday morning JTG Daugherty Racing owners Tad and Jodi Geschickter and Brad Daugherty announced their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series plans for the 2012 season at a press conference at Talladega Superspeedway. Driving for JTG Daugherty Racing again next season will be 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte. In addition to Labonte signing for next season, Todd Berrier has been named as crew chief and general manager of the JTG Daugherty Racing operation. Berrier spent nearly two decades as a crew chief at Richard Childress Racing and led his team into the Chase for the Sprint Cup four times. Along the way, he won several races. Notable wins as crew chief, include the 2007 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and the 2003 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with driver Kevin Harvick. "I'm looking forward to this new opportunity with JTG Daugherty Racing and working with Bobby." said Berrier, who mentioned he has 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins as a crew chief, not counting non-points races he has won. Frank Kerr, who has performed crew chief duties for JTG Daugherty Racing during the last four seasons will take on a new role as shop foreman. Toyota and TRD USA (Toyota Racing Development) will continue to support the #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry as the team returns to the Harrisburg, N.C. race shop for their base of race operations.
Laerte Zatta, formerly of TRD, will be the team's director of engineering.
In addition to the personnel and structural changes in store for 2012, JTG Daugherty Racing continues to stay ahead of the industry on sponsorship procurement and retention. JTG Daugherty Racing announced that the Kingsford Charcoal will return for its fifteenth season with the team. Further complimenting the platform, Bush's Beans will return for its 10th season with the team. Also, returning is Kimberly-Clark Corporation whose SCOTT Paper Products seeks to become the paper product of choice for the tailgate. Rounding out the shopper BBQ solution will be Hidden Valley, KC Masterpiece Barbeque Sauces & marinades, and Glad bags and wraps.
The "Take Care of Your Crew" platform is based on the concern for the rising cost of healthcare and the fact that shoppers are seeking to make healthier choices to take care of their families. Clorox® bleach and bleach-based cleaning and disinfecting products will be the cornerstone of the promotion. Co-sponsoring is Kimberly-Clark whose brands provide people with essentials for a better life by adding convenience to daily routines with some of the world's most recognized products.
Reese Towpower and Highland products will also return as sponsors (no word on which races or how many races each with sponsor has been announced as of yet).(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-23-2011)

Seven-Year-Old Jemsek Reunites with Labonte and JTG Daugherty: When a little girl named Jordan Jemsek was fighting leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant earlier this season, #47-Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing crew members visited her at Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital to see how they could help spread the word about her battle. Now that Jemsek has had her bone marrow transplant and is cancer-free, she's reuniting with Labonte and the #47 Lance Toyota Camry team for the first time. Since they visited her in the hospital, this time Jemsek is making it a point to come see them at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage during Bojangles' Pole Night this Thursday.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-12-2011)

What's up with former RCR crew chief Todd Berrier? Veteran crew chief Todd Berrier, who hasn't been to the race track since team owner Richard Childress promoted Luke Lambert to the job as #31-Jeff Burton's crew chief, is reported to be considering a job as general manager at Tad Geschickter's #47 team, where Bobby Labonte drives.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

#47 team expected to remain with MWR and Toyota: JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody today that his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team [#47 Toyota] will likely maintain its current alliances with Michael Waltrip Racing and Toyota in 2012. "We are looking at a number of different options that will enable us to continue to share notes and technical support with Michael Waltrip," he said, adding that the partnership "has definitely helped us be a better team. As it looks today, we are going to assert some independence. But we continue to work every week with Michael to figure out what (the relationship) is going to look like."
Geshickter confirmed that JTG Daugherty will no longer operate out of the MWR shops in Cornelius, NC, in 2012, instead moving back to their its own facility in Harrisburg.
Geschickter also confirmed that while not complete, talks designed to return JTG Daugherty to the Toyota camp in 2012 are close to bearing fruit. Geschickter said an official announcement of next year's manufacturer and driver lineup will likely come at Talladega in two weeks, but said he expects Bobby Labonte to return to the #47 next season. "Bobby and I shook hands, which is all we've ever needed to do," he said. "Short of signing a contract, we're feeling pretty good about getting that done." Geschickter also revealed plans to expand the team in the foreseeable future, saying, "We're definitely looking to become a multi-car team in 2013."(Sirius Speedway)(10-6-2011)

Grilling.com scheme for Labonte at Dover: JTG Daugherty Racing's sponsors are mastering their use of the team's assets with driver Bobby Labonte and the #47 Toyota Camry team to promote their brand to millions of loyal NASCAR fans. Kingsford, is showcasing Grilling.com for the first time this weekend on Labonte's machine at Dover International Speedway in the AAA 400. To tie together the relationship between the brand, website, driver, team and fans, Kingsford and Grilling.com are providing a chance for one lucky fan to win an ultimate VIP track and grilling experience with Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing in Las Vegas in March by registering at Grilling.com/racing starting on September 30th. Fans can register for an opportunity to be Labonte's Pit Master for the day, which includes a 3-day (2-night) stay on the Las Vegas strip; round-trip airfare; a rental car; a BBQ lunch with Bobby and crew; a VIP tour and more leading into the big race weekend in 2012.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see images of the scheme on the #47 Team Schemes page.(9-29-2011)

JTG Daugherty ending alliance with MWR? UPDATE4: Michael Waltrip Racing currently fields two teams with #56-Martin Truex Jr. and #00-David Reutimann, and supplies cars for #47-Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing out of its Mooresville, N.C., shop. Sources said JTG Daugherty Racing may cut its tie to MWR but remain in the sport with Labonte as its driver in 2012.(ESPN)(9-16-2011)
UPDATE: MWR has paved the way for a third full-time entry [with Clint Bowyer] by ending its affiliation with JTG Daugherty Racing, which had housed its #47 entry at the team's headquarters as part of its alliance. Team owner Brad Daugherty plans to keep his organization on track next season but is currently looking at options to align with another team, with speculation of a partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports. Daugherty's affinity to and admiration of Petty has even included the former college basketball and NBA star wearing the #43 throughout his career. An association as NASCAR business partners would further that connection. RPM was close to launching a third team with Bowyer before contract talks with the driver broke down so the desire to expand is evident.(CBS Sports)(9-22-2011)
UPDATE 2: JTG Daugherty Racing hasn't decided on an affiliation for next season, and retaining its relationship with Michael Waltrip Racing is still an option, team owner Tad Geschickter told Sporting News on Thursday. Geschickter said his phone had been "blowing up" in the wake of a report on CBSsports.com that MWR had terminated its relationship with JTG Daugherty, which fields Toyotas for Bobby Labonte, and speculation in the same story that JTG Daugherty might align itself with Richard Petty Motorsports. "I haven't talked with Richard Petty Motorsports," Geschickter said. "There's no truth to that at all." Geschickter said that, to his knowledge, MWR was still exploring its capacity to supply cars to JTG in light of possible expansion.(Sporting News)(9-23-2011)
UPDATE 3: Michael Waltrip Racing is preparing to add a driver but not a team. Team co-owner Michael Waltrip said Friday he hopes to have a deal completed with driver Clint Bowyer and a sponsor within seven to 10 days. The move will not necessitate the addition of new personnel or expansion, however. MWR has been providing resources for the JTG Daugherty team - in essence a third team - but that relationship will end at year's end. Beginning next season, all three Cup teams operated out of the MWR shop will be owned by the organization.(Charlotte Observer)(9-24-2011)
UPDATE 4: JTG Daugherty Racing is looking at potential alliances with Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing for the 2012 Sprint Cup season, co-owner Brad Daugherty said Tuesday. Daugherty, who is also an analyst for ESPN's NASCAR coverage, said the goal for the operation is to run the team from its own shop in Harrisburg, N.C. For the past three seasons, the team has been working from MWR's shop in Cornelius, N.C. Daugherty said the move has nothing to do with MWR looking to finalize a deal for current RCR driver Clint Bowyer in a third car. He also said reports that the organization is looking to form an alliance with Richard Petty Motorsports are not true. "We have an offer from MWR and we are evaluating that alliance opportunity along with a few others,'' said Daugherty. "I want to be clear it is JTG Daugherty Racing's desire to race out of our own shop. We are looking to run faster and smarter and we need a big team alliance to do so. MWR has been a good partner and we appreciate their input into our race team. One again, though, where we end up is a decision (co-owners) Tad (Geschickter), Jodi (Geschickter) and I will make.'' Daugherty said the team plans to keep its relationship with 2000 Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte and has not ruled out maintaining a relationship with Toyota. MWR and JGR field Toyotas, while RCR fields Chevrolets.(ESPN)(9-28-2011)

Hannaford Supermarkets on the #47 at New Hampshire: This weekend Bush's Beans will be sharing the JTG Daugherty Racing entry with Hannaford Supermarkets to help bring continued awareness to The Hannaford Helps Schools Program, which has raised over $6.75 million for 2800 K-12 schools during the past eleven years across New England and New York. Bush's Beans has taken the lead with partners, Clorox, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, McKee Foods, Snyder's-Lance Inc. in partnering with Hannaford. During driver introductions, Labonte will be presenting a $20,000 check to Shawn McBreairty, Category Manager for Hannaford on behalf of sponsor relationships.(JTG Daughtery Racing) see an image of the car on my #47 team paint schemes page.(9-22-2011)

Kleenex Cool Touch Tissues on #47 at Chicago: From its beginnings in 1924, Kleenex Brand has grown into a global icon. This month the Kleenex Brand launches a brand new product and Bobby Labonte showcases the new Kleenex Cool Touch Tissue on his #47 Toyota Camry at Chicagoland Speedway for the first time. Kleenex Cool Touch Tissue was created to provide comfort to the sore and uncomfortable nose that occurs with frequent wiping, like when you have a cold or allergies. It's a first-of-its-kind feature.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-15-2011)

Bush's Baked Beans returns to JTG Racing: This weekend Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing hope they have the found the right ingredients to be a strong contender in the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway with Bush's Baked Beans front and center of the #47 Toyota fielded by JTG Daugherty Racing. "Bush's Beans is on our Toyota Camry for both Bristol and Atlanta Motor Speedway," Labonte said.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-26-2011)

CapitalDPO and Summit Trust sponsoring Labonte: CapitalDPO, Inc., and Summit Trust are sponsoring Bobby Labonte and the #47 Toyota Camry in the Helluva Good! Sour Cream Dips Race at the Glen at Watkins. Capital DPO is an innovative financial services company that utilizes specialized software, consulting services, and design approaches that support private companies through the process of going public by direct public offering (DPO). CapitalDPO is part of the Capital Window Group of companies that include Capital Window Corporation and Capital Window Fund I, L.P. Summit Trust Company is a new and different kind of company serving professional advisors and their high net worth clients. Their unlimited IRA's allow their clients to invest in commodities, closely held businesses, real estate, hedge funds, private equity funds like Capital Window Fund I and many other alternative investments. Summit Trust can create and form charitable foundations, charitable trusts, asset protection trusts and dynasty trusts, which avoid many generations of federal estate taxes.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-9-2011)

Reese Towpower to sponsor #47 at Pocono & Homestead: Cequent Consumer Products brand Reese Towpower, the leading manufacturer for towing products, announced the company added another race as primary sponsor of JTG Daugherty Racing's #47 Toyota with driver Bobby Labonte in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20th. "Reese Towpower sponsored us in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, which was the first race of the year and now they are sponsoring us in the last race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway," said Bobby Labonte, driver of the #47 Reese Towpower/Highland entry fielded by JTG Daugherty Racing. "We are all charged up about what they were doing as a company and excited about the new products they have coming out. We have a good relationship with Reese Towpower that we hope will last for a very long time." In addition to Reese Towpower kicking off the 2011 season, they also sponsored Labonte's car during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star event weekend in May at Charlotte Motor Speedway and they are primary for the Good Sam RV Insurance 500 at Pocono Raceway this weekend.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-3-2011)

JTG Daugherty Racing jackman injured at Indy, but plans to be at Pocono: #47 JTG Daugherty Racing jackman Mike Klein was taken to the infield care center at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Sunday's race after another car clipped him on pit road. Klein was treated and released from the infield care center and went for further evaluation in the Charlotte area on Monday afternoon [no word on the outcome]. "I went to the doctor this morning," Klein said. "It's a cracked heel, but it is a non-weight bearing spot so it will heal on its own. I'm getting a MRI this afternoon [Monday] just to make sure there is no damage to my Achilles tendon. Both Jimmie Johnson [the driver who hit Klein] and [#47 driver] Bobby Labonte called me this morning to check on me. That shows a lot of character. I'm looking forward to being back at Pocono this weekend."()(8-2-2011)

Huggies for Bobby Labonte: Bobby Labonte enters Indianapolis Motor Speedway with JTG Daugherty Racing and the #47 Toyota Camry carrying a new brand - - Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers, which is a slip-on disposable diaper providing for an easy diaper change that will be available in stores beginning in August. "This is a big launch for Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers," Labonte said. "We are looking forward to supporting them at the Brickyard." Labonte has started every Brickyard 400 along with only three others - - Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin. (JTG Daugherty Racing)(7-31-2011)

Capital Window Fund sponsoring Labonte: The Capital Window Fund I, L.P., a technology and opportunistic growth fund, is sponsoring 2000 champion driver Bobby Labonte and the # 47 Toyota in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Capital Window Fund I, L.P., is a $100 million technology and opportunistic growth fund seeking high returns through investments in small to mid-size companies in need of growth capital to support products, services, infrastructure development programs, job growth initiatives, and market expansion. The Fund focuses on disruptive technology and services areas which prosper in static and declining economic conditions, including green and clean energy, biotechnology, wireless, media, software-as-a-service, healthcare, electronic software and hardware, gaming and financial services.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(7-13-2011)

Tryson helping JTG at Michigan: From the Bobby Labonte Facebook page, "Pat Tryson is a consistent NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase crew chief who is in transition," JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said. "While he is looking for his next crew chief opportunity, Pat has agreed - with the blessing of our partners at Michael Waltrip Racing - to help JTG Daugherty Racing and crew chief Frank Kerr try to improve our results."(6-16-2011)

RainEater Wiper Blades sponsoring Labonte: For the first time during the 2011 Sprint Cup Series season, RainEater Wiper Blades will sponsor Bobby Labonte and the #47 Toyota in the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at Michigan International Speedway. RainEater's involvement in motorsports is quite simple. It is to build and expose their brand to millions of loyal race fans while also generating awareness of their high quality wiper blades and driving traffic to their growing list of retail partners. RainEater Wiper Blades are available at more than 1,500 locations nationwide. RainEater Wiper Blades selected Michigan International Speedway to showcase their brand as they are also the title sponsor of the ARCA Racing Series event (RainEater Wiper Blades 200).(JTG Daugherty)(6-16-2011)

MWR Family of Teams & Drivers To Host Collections For Joplin Victims: Race fans can join Michael Waltrip Racing's teams and drivers at two locations in the Kansas City area Thursday night collecting donations for the tornado victims of Joplin, Mo. "I want to show the world that NASCAR has the best fans and I want everyone to come out and support our friends and neighbors in Joplin by bringing stuff they really need right now," said team owner Michael Waltrip. "If you bring it, my guys will drive it to Joplin." #00 Aaron's/TUMS Toyota team members and driver David Reutimann along with JTG Daugherty Racing's #47 Clorox Toyota driver Bobby Labonte will host collections at the Aaron's store in Shawnee, Kan. 6-8 p.m. Thursday [June 2nd] while #56 NAPA AUTO PARTS team members and Martin Truex Jr. will do the same 6-8 p.m. at the Bass Pro Shops in Olathe, Kansas. Waltrip will join the No. 00 team at the Aaron's store 6-6:45 p.m. before joining the #56 team 7:15-8 p.m. in Olathe.
Fans can meet, take pictures and collect autographs from the drivers and crewmembers at both sites in return for donations of canned foods, blankets, and toiletry items MWR will transport to Joplin on Friday. The first 200 donations at the Olathe Bass Pro Shops will receive a No. 56 die cast racecar while the first 200 donations at the Aaron's store will receive a nine-inch "Lucky Dog" stuffed animal. Waltrip said MWR sponsors NAPA, Aaron's, TUMS, Toyota, Best Western, Boost Mobile and Bass Pro Shops created the events as a response to the tragedy in Missouri. MWR employees at the team's Cornelius, N.C. race shop will also collect items for the truck going to Joplin. "Everyone has seen the devastation on television and we wanted to help those people who are suffering right now," said Waltrip. "We're racing in the area this weekend at Kansas Speedway and we just wanted to do something that gives back to this community and the people that mean so much to MWR and NASCAR. I hope everyone in the area will come out to the Aaron's store in Shawnee and the Bass Pro Shops in Olathe. We'll have some fun while we collect items the people in Joplin really need."
Aaron's, 12108 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Shawnee Kansas, is about 12 miles from Kansas Speedway while Bass Pro Shops, 12051 Bass Pro Drive in Olathe Kansas, is about 14 miles south of the track.
Michael Waltrip Racing will give fans outside the Kansas City area a way to help. The team will make Truex and Reutimann car hoods, fire suits worn during Sunday's race along with the racing gloves and shoes available through the NASCAR Unites online auction. During the week following the Kansas race, fans can bid on the MWR items at www.NASCAR.com/unites.
The death toll from the massive tornado that devastated the southwest Missouri city now stands at over 126. More than 900 people were injured in the May 22 tornado, which is now considered the nation's single-deadliest in six decades.(Michael Waltrip Racing)(5-29-2011)

Kingsford colors for Labonte at Charlotte: #47-Bobby Labonte's sponsor for the Coca-Cola 600 is Kingsford, which is providing all the charcoal for the Quarter-Mile Cookout during the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk on Friday, May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Kingsford is a longstanding partner of JTG Daugherty Racing. "I'm in the Coca-Cola Racing Family and Kingsford is a big supporter of JTG Daugherty Racing and it's great to see two of my favorite brands come together for grilling season for the Quarter-Mile Cookout at Charlotte," Labonte said. "Once the race is over on Sunday, my family and I will be grilling out ourselves on Memorial Day at the house. It's such a special day. It gives each of us time to reflect, remember and pay tribute to our troops." In addition to Kingsford's primary presence at Charlotte Motor Speedway, there will be a Barium Springs Home for Children logo displayed on the rocker panel. Labonte, JTG Daugherty Racing and K&N Pro Series East driver Coleman Pressley are helping bring special recognition to Barium Springs Home for Children as they make a visit to the Statesville, N.C. location on Thursday, June 9th.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(5-26-2011)

Reese Towpower and DKMS joins up with #47 team: Cequent Consumer Products brand Reese Towpower and DKMS, the world's largest bone marrow donor center teamed up for three lifesaving events during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star week in Charlotte, NC . The public will have an opportunity to get swabbed and save a potential life by registering to become a bone marrow donor with DKMS. Reese Towpower is a 2011 sponsor of JTG Daugherty Racing and driver Bobby Labonte, who is driving the #47 Reese Towpower Toyota in the Sprint Showdown at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Labonte is vying for a coveted spot in the All-Star Race Saturday May 21st by the Sprint Fan Vote or by securing a transfer spot during the Sprint Showdown.
Race Fans can come out, get swabbed to save a life and see the race car and the Reese/ DKMS display during the All Star week- long celebration in Charlotte. The events kick off at The NASCAR Hall of Fame (400 Martin Luther King Blvd. between Caldwell and Brevard near the box office) from 1- 5pm May 23rd and 24th. Labonte's #47 Reese Towpower "getswabbed.org" car will be on display along with the Reese DKMS display. Reese Towpower will also hold a drawing for tickets to a future NASCAR race and DKMS will be registering for potential lifesaving bone marrow transplant donors on site. On February 12th the Reese Towpower/getswabbed.org car raced in the Bud Shootout to help raise awareness for a six-year-old girl named Jordan Jemsek fighting Leukemia in a Charlotte hospital. After the race, thousands of supporters turned out at swabbing events or registered online for home swabbing kits. Since then, a match was found for the child who is now recovering from a bone marrow transplant surgery. The awareness that this team created for getswabbed.org has already registered 3,000 bone marrow donors but there are thousands of patients who still have not found their life saving match. After the All Star Race, you can catch Labonte driving the #47 Reese Towpower car at the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono in August.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #47 Team Schemes page.(5-17-2011)

JTG Daugherty Racing 1st Quarter Spirit Award: JTG Daugherty Racing received news that members of the National Motorsports Press Association selected the team as the first quarter winner of the NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award. The team was recognized for its efforts with six-year-old Jordan Jemsek, who was racing for her life. Little Jordan was in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant in the midst of fighting Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML), which was brought to the attention of the race team by crew member Joey McCarthy. Thanks to the efforts of individuals at JTG Daugherty Racing, Reese Towpower, Snyder's-Lance, Inc., SPEED Channel, Charlotte Observer, FOXSports.com and so many others the word was spread, prayers were answered, money was raised and thousands of donors were registered. "I think it is unbelievable the fact that we can make a difference in people's lives by doing things that are so important, which takes little time away from us," said Bobby Labonte. "To make such an impact on one person and then so many is a true testimony for our race team. We literally just got an update from an email that Jordan came home last Thursday and is doing well. That is such great news."
"We are humbled to receive the NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award," co-owner Tad Geschickter added. "All of us at JTG Daugherty Racing are blessed to work in a sport that we love. With the rigors of the NASCAR season, it is easy to lose perspective on how lucky we all are. Our outreach to Jordan and her family was the right thing to do and was meant to help all the team members keep the season's ups and downs in perspective. We certainly didn't expect the recognition, but it is gratifying none the less. We will continue to keep Jordan and her family in our thoughts and prayers as she recovers and hope that our continued efforts to raise awareness for Bone Marrow Match testing will help heal many people. We also would like to give a special thanks to Reese Towpower and Snyder's-Lance, Inc. for all of their support and our media partners. We couldn't have done it without them."
"It's an honor for JTG Daugherty Racing to be recognized with such a prestigious award in the motorsports industry for our work with Jordan Jemsek and DKMS," said co-owner Jodi Geschickter. "With the help of so many, we were able to raise awareness on the best ways to help her as well as so many others affected by leukemia. We're grateful to have a platform in motorsports to reach out into our communities to help make a difference and we're appreciative of the media who supported our efforts."
JTG Daugherty Racing's partners echo the team owner's sentiments. "It's a great recognition for the team and what surprised us the most is how a single person can save the life of a patient waiting for a bone marrow transplant," said Francis Bernart, Vice President of Marketing, Cequent Consumer Products. "Being involved has raised awareness in ourselves. By taking seconds out of your day to "get swabbed," you can potentially be the match that a patient is waiting for. During the NASCAR All-Star week, we will continue our efforts to keep this in the limelight to generate as much awareness as possible."
"Congratulations to JTG Daugherty Racing," said Eric Boonshaft, Senior Brand Manager of Snyder's-Lance, Inc. "We are proud to be a partner and support the bone marrow drive in honor of Jordan. This effort really showcased what the JTG Daugherty Racing family is all about."
DKMS, which is the world's largest marrow donor center, is grateful to the team and sponsors for their continued efforts. Worldwide, DKMS donors have provided marrow and peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) for more than 25,000 transplants. DKMS now has over 2.7 million registered bone marrow donors. "We are eternally thankful for the support of JTG Daugherty Racing and Bobby Labonte, who with Reese Towpower, Highland and Snyder's-Lance, Inc., helped DKMS bring awareness to millions of people and register over 3,000 potential bone marrow donors," said Alina Suprunova, VP of Partner Relations for DKMS. "However, 6 out of 10 patients who can benefit from a transplant never receive one. Together we will continue the fight against leukemia and hope to inspire thousands of other fans to go to www.getswabbed.org and help us save lives."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(5-12-2011

JTG Daugherty running special decals at Darlington: JTG Daugherty Racing is carrying the Snyder's-Lance Inc. brand Tom's on the hood of Bobby Labonte's #47 Toyota with a special patriotic scheme along with a couple special decals at Darlington Raceway. With the recent partnership of Snyder's-Lance Inc. and the Armed Forces Foundation, the racing organization has positioned the foundation's logo on the quarter panels to show support to their mission of promoting the morale, welfare and quality of life of those within the United States armed forces community, including members of the military and their families. The campaign will run throughout the summer months encouraging consumers to support the Foundation via an in-store and Facebook donation drive along with a matching gift of $25,000 from Snyder's-Lance Inc. In addition to having presence from the Armed Forces Foundation, JTG Daugherty Racing is placing an American Red Cross decal on the C-post highlighting states affected by deadly spring storms.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(5-5-2011)

Michael Waltrip Racing's Fifth Annual Fan Fest, May 25th: #15-Michael Waltrip, #00-David Reutimann, #56-Martin Truex Jr., #47-Bobby Labonte, Ryan Truex & Brett Moffit are scheduled to sign autographs at Michael Waltrip Racing's Fifth Annual Fan Fest on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at its shop in Cornelius, North Carolina. Waltrip will sign autographs as well as his New York Times best-selling book "In the Blink of an Eye" from 1:00 - 3:00pm before joining all the drivers 5:30 - 7:30pm/et. MWR's Tim Brown, modified racer and star of the History Channel's 2010 reality series "Madhouse," will also sign autographs and display his No. 83 race car. Note: Pastrana-Waltrip Racing driver Travis Pastrana will not attend Fan Fest due to filming commitments for an upcoming movie, team merchandise will be available for purchase.
Michael Waltrip Racing is at exit 28 on I-77 in Cornelius, N.C. about 15 miles north of Charlotte, N.C. The team's race shop and gift shop will be open to the public throughout the day. More info at the Michael Waltrip Racing website.(5-3-2011)

Labonte running decal for killed servicemen:When #47-Bobby Labonte finally straps in for the race, his car will have a special decal to commemorate Matthew Ira Lowe, 33, of Plantation, Florida, and Lt. Nathan Hollingsworth Williams, 28, of Oswego, New York, that were killed when their F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed during a training flight in central California in a farm field. Lowe, the pilot, earned the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal during his career. Williams, a naval flight officer who managed the plane's weapons systems, earned the Air Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment ribbon and Pistol Marksmanship Medal. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families during this difficult time," Labonte said. "We wanted to do something as a team to commemorate both of them for serving our country. We are running a special decal on the C-post at Talladega."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(4-14-2011)

Busch's Baked Beans returns to the #47: Since the Daytona 500, Bobby Labonte's #47 has sported a unique look with a different sponsor weekly. During the fourth race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Labonte arrives with a household brand that is headquartered not far from the half-mile high-banked concrete oval of Bristol Motor Speedway. Labonte's Toyota Camry will be branded Bush's Beans for the Jeff Byrd 500 presented by Food City. Bush Brothers & Company, which is based in Knoxville, Tenn., enters their ninth racing season with JTG Daugherty Racing.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #47 Team Schemes page.(3-16-2011)

Reese Towpower, Labonte & JTG Daugherty donate sponsor space on car: As the Daytona 500 excitement builds on who will win arguably the race of the year, six-year-old Jordan Jemsek is looking for someone who will help her win the race of her life. Little Jordan is in the fight for her life against Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML). A bone marrow transplant is Jordan's only chance to win this fight. In the midst of JTG Daugherty Racing's Daytona team meeting led by Tad Geschickter, Bobby Labonte and crew chief Frank Kerr, team member Joey McCarthy told everyone in the room Jordan's story he read in the Charlotte Observer. It touched him because he has a child Jordan's age.
For the 33rd annual Shootout on Saturday, February 12th, Reese Towpower has donated the TV panel to place a photo of Jordan's smiling face on the #47 JTG Daugherty Racing Toyota that Bobby Labonte will drive and the website www.GetSwabbed.org to raise awareness on how to get tested in hopes of finding a bone marrow match for Jordan and others. On Saturday, March 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 pm/et, a bone marrow drive will be held in honor of Jordan at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church (3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211 in the Church Ministry Center Building, rooms D & E on the first floor). For more information, visit http://www.dkmsamericas.org/drives/help-save-jordan-and-others. To order a quick and easy cheek-swab home test kit, visit www.marrow.org.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(2-8-2011)

JTG Daugherty Racing announces sponsor lineup for 2011: JTG Daugherty Racing announced their sponsor line-up for the #47 Toyota Camry as 2000 Series champion Bobby Labonte competes for a spot in the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase.
To kick off the season, Labonte leads JTG Daugherty into their first-ever Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. For the 33rd annual event, the team is proud to announce a new partnership with Cequent, a TriMas company, and the Reese Towpower brand. Reese Towpower hitches will sponsor the #47 Toyota for the first time during the Shootout on Saturday February 12. In addition, Reese will sponsor the car in the All-Star event at Charlotte Motor Speedway and return as primary at Pocono Raceway in August.
For the Daytona 500, The Kroger Co. returns as primary sponsor of the #47 Toyota. In 2011, Kroger is partnering with the USO to celebrate the 70th anniversary as the leading organization that provides morale-boosting programs and services to enhance the quality of life for troops and their families around the world. In honor of our retired and active duty members of the military and their families, Kroger is donating $400,000 to the USO during the pre-race ceremonies at the 2011 Daytona 500. As a special tribute, Kroger and JTG Daugherty Racing have placed a very special logo on the hood of the #47 car for the Daytona 500. The logo includes the names of more than 350 Kroger associates from across the country who are active duty and reservist members of our nation's military. These men and women have served in our armed forces while employed by the Kroger family of stores.
Every sponsor is significant to the racing program's success, but one has been with JTG Daugherty Racing every step of the way. Kingsford Charcoal returns to the team for its 14th year to remind fans that 'Racing Season is Grilling Season'. Kingsford Charcoal will be primary at Las Vegas, Richmond (April), Dover (May), Charlotte (May), Daytona (July) and Michigan (August).
Just after Vegas, the familiar face of Little Debbie can be seen on Labonte's car at Auto Club Speedway.
Following California, Lance Sandwich Crackers takes over the reins for the April event at Martinsville. Labonte's machine will also fly the Lance colors at Darlington and Charlotte (October).
Shifting from snacks to famous baked beans, Bush Brothers & Company returns for their ninth year with the team and Bush's Baked Beans will be a primary of the #47 Toyota Camry for seven races including Texas (April), Talladega (April), Bristol (August), Atlanta (September), New Hampshire (September), Dover (October) and Kansas (October).
Another longstanding team partner, Clorox launches their first of six primary races at Phoenix in February. They are also slated to prominently be displayed at Kansas (June), Pocono (June), Infineon Raceway, Texas (October), and Phoenix (November).
JTG Daugherty Racing announces partnership renewal with Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Kimberly-Clark Corporation will highlight several key brand introductions by taking primary space for the races at Kentucky, Indianapolis, Chicago, and the October event at Talladega.
JTG Daugherty Racing has signed the RainEater wiper blade brand to have primary billing at Michigan in June. RainEater is the industries newest aftermarket wiper blade brand offering consumers superior all-weather performance with their aerodynamic frameless and full feature traditional wiper blades.
Associate sponsorships for 2011 include Glad Bags & Wraps, KC Masterpiece, Hidden Valley, Tom's, Coca-Cola, and Sullivan-Palatek.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(2-7-2011)

2010 Races [?] that Little Debbie's has been the primary sponsor, no schedule found:
Bristol - 3/21
Martinsville - 3/28
Pocono - 6/6
Watkins Glen - 8/8
Michigan - 8/15
Phoenix - 11/14

2010 Races [5] that Bush’s Baked Beans is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Talladega - 4/25
Richmond - 5/1
Bristol - 8/21
New Hampshire - 9/19
Dover - 9/26

2010 Races [5] that Kimberly-Clark/Scott's has been the primary sponsor:
Texas - 4/1
TBA

2010 Races [3] that Lance Snacks has been the primary sponsor:
Atlanta - 3/7
New Hampshire - 6/27
other one TBA

2010 Races [?] that Kingsford Charcoal has been the primary sponsor:
Las Vegas - 2/28
Phoenix - 4/10
Darlington - 5/8
Charlotte - 5/30
Daytona - 7/3
TBA

2010 Races [?] that Clorox has been the primary sponsor:
Michigan - 6/13
Infineon Raceway - 6/20
Chicago - 7/10
Pocono - 8/1
TBA

2010 Races [?] that Kroger / Clorox has been the primary sponsor:
Daytona - 2/14 - Kroger Floral
Indy - 7/25
TBA

2010 Races [1] that Armour All has been the primary sponsor:
Auto Club Speedway - 2/21

2010 Races [1] that A&P / MDA has been the primary sponsor:
Dover - 5/16

2010 Races [1] that Cavalia has been the primary sponsor:
All-Star Race - 5/21

Another sponsor for JTG Daugherty Racing: RainEater decided to get involved in motorsports to build and expose their brand to millions of loyal race fans. They want to capitalize on the fun and excitement of the racing environment to generate awareness of their wiper blades and to ultimately drive traffic to their retail partners. RainEater feels that JTG Daugherty Racing and Bobby Labonte is the perfect fit for their first venture into the world of motorsports marketing (RainEater). No word how many or which races RainEater will be on the #47 Toyota in 2011.(12-4-2010)

Ambrose scheme to bring awareness to food drive: Marcos Ambrose will carry Little Debbie on the hood of his #47 Toyota at Phoenix with strong support from Safeway. JTG Daugherty Racing partners (Clorox, McKee Foods, Kimberly-Clark, Lance, Bush’s Beans, TUMS, Reynold’s) have joined forces with Safeway to bring awareness to “Ben & Matt’s Million Can Crusade” and make a donation to the valley’s largest can food drive. Every dollar donated provides 10 cans of meat, fish, veggies, fruitand other non-perishables to thousands of individuals and families in need. NASCAR fans can also be a part of the crusade to raise a Million Cans of food (or the cash equivalent) by dropping off food at any SAFEWAY store in Arizona or at St. Vincent de Paul’s in Phoenix and/or by making a donation at any Desert Schools Federal Credit Union. For more information on SAFEWAY locations for donations, visit www.knixcountry.com.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(11-11-2010)

Ambrose will spend offseason in U.S.: Each year since he's been in NASCAR, Marcos Ambrose has made the 9,500-mile journey from Miami to his native Tasmania to be home with friends and family for Christmas. But when the season ends next month, Ambrose and his family will remain in North Carolina. "This year I'm not going back to Australia," Ambrose said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. "It's all getting pretty hot and heavy, so I've got to stay here and really get ready for 2011." If Ambrose has a Christmas wish list this year, his No. 1 request has to be an infusion of cash for Richard Petty Motorsports, the team he's planning on joining next season. Since news broke that the team was struggling, Ambrose has been in constant contact with his future employers. "I talk to them a lot," Ambrose said. "I have no control over the decisions that are going to get made and the direction they want to take. But I'm fully committed to them and look forward to driving for them in 2011."(NASCAR.com)(10-31-2010)

Ambrose and JTG Daugherty Racing Say "Boo!" To The Flu: As Halloween approaches, Flu season is lurking in the shadows. Entering Talladega Superspeedway for the Amp Energy 500, Marcos Ambrose and his #47 KLEENEX Brand Toyota Camry team are supporting Say "Boo!" to the Flu events. The racing organization is teaming up with Families Fighting Flu (FFF), The Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA) and The Clorox Company to build awareness about family flu vaccination locations and to educate parents on the importance of flu prevention.(JTG Daugherty)(10-28-2010)

Allmendinger / Ambrose talks about RPM: from a Frontstretch interview by Jay W. Pennell with #43-Allmendinger and #47-Ambrose about the Richard Petty Motorpsorts situation:
Jay W. Pennell, Frontstretch.com: I asked you last week about your situation at RPM and you described it by saying, “at least there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It’s not like there’s a train coming back at you to hit you.” Do you still feel that way now?
Allmendinger: “I feel like the train is coming back now.Honestly, I’m not exactly sure what’s happening. I don’t have any hardcore answers about what’s going on inside the team. There are certain people that need to answer those questions. For me, all I can do is focus on driving the race car. Can’t fix anything else. I feel bad for my guys that work so hard, my guys here at the race track, back at the shop, my guys that get told things like we might not be going to Talladega – which we are, we got the cars and the motors. They’re the ones that work really hard and bust their butts. All I can do is take care of it as best I can, just try to keep us focused on coming to the race track. We can’t fix what’s going on and I don’t know the true answers. We still have fast race cars. We’re still working hard. The last couple of weeks we’ve had a couple of setbacks when it comes to engine problems during the race, but we’ve been running well, so that’s all we can focus on.”
Pennell: Are you worried about your situation for next season?
Allmendinger: “I’d be freaking lying to your face if I said, ‘It’s all good.”
Pennell: What about Talladega or Texas? Are you worried about making it to those races?
Allmendinger: “I can’t worry about it, honestly. If I let that take away from this weekend, then it doesn’t really matter. If I go out there and suck it’s kind of irrelevant when it comes to anything. There’s definitely question. I think (we’ll be at) Talladega, for sure, and I think we’re getting our stuff together for Texas and things like that, but there’s nothing set in concrete. For me, it’s working hard at the race track and making sure we’re running well. To me you’ve always got to look at the worst case scenario, and if it’s the worst case scenario and we have to go work on other stuff and make that happen. That’s why I pay Tara Ragan for and my management to work on that so I can worry about the race car.”
Marcos Ambrose, moving to RPM in 2011: “I believe in the program over there (at RPM). I made the choice to commit to them because I believe it is a great fit for me. I wish them the best of luck to get themselves sorted out and back on the right path. I’m not involved in the decision making (at RPM). All I can do is voice my commitment to them. I believe the choices I made were right, I still do. I’m looking forward to the opportunity, they have a great program with assistance from Roush and the program’s a great place. With Stanley coming on board supporting it, it’s a great place for me to be. I was joking about it when we ran well in Richmond, but I believe in the program over there and want the chance to drive for Richard Petty Motorsports.”(Frontstretch.com)(10-23-2010)

Ambrose to run special Dollar General’s Country Million Sweepstakes scheme: This weekend Australian driver Marcos Ambrose has gone country to promote Dollar General’s Country Million Sweepstakes. Ambrose and the JTG Daugherty Racing team will run a special Dollar General Country Million Sweeps scheme on the #47 Toyota in the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at the half-mile Martinsville Speedway oval. “There are more than 5,000 prizes of cash and gift cards up for grabs, but the best part of the Country Million Sweepstakes is the grand prize, which is a cool $1 million dollars,” Ambrose said. “It’s simple to enter. Visit your local Dollar General store or go to www.dollargeneral.com to find out more.” While Ambrose helps spread the word to fans about Country Million Sweepstakes, he is also looking to top his 11th-place finish he delivered earlier this season at the smallest track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit. “We have three Cup starts at Martinsville Speedway and our best finish is 11th,” Ambrose said. “We’re hoping for a good run there this weekend." Ambrose made his NASCAR debut in 2006 at Martinsville Speedway with JTG Daugherty Racing in the Camping World Truck Series.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #47 Team Schemes page.(10-22-2010)

Ambrose to stay in the #47 thru end of season: Reports that #47-Marcos Ambrose would come to Richard Petty Motorsports to get an early start on his 2011 contact are premature, according to Tad Geschickter, Ambrose's current owner at JTG/Daugherty Racing. Geschickter said that Ambrose recently had asked for an early release from his ride in JTG/Daugherty's #47 Toyota, but that current sponsor and promotional obligations prevented that request from being granted. That was the status quo as of Wednesday night, when Geschickter last spoke to Ambrose. "Our plan at this point is to finish out the year," said Geschickter, who has hired 2000 Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte to replace Ambrose in the #47 next year.(Sporting News)(10-21-2010)

Kerr will stay on as #47 crew chief: Frank Kerr will remain with the #47 JTG/Daugherty Cup team as crew chief for Bobby Labonte, team owner Tad Geschickter confirmed Saturday. Kerr has served as crew chief for Marcos Ambrose, who is leaving the team at the end of the season to drive the #9 Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports. Labonte, the 2000 Cup champion, was hired to replace Ambrose. Labonte and Kerr tested recently at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Ga., and were pleased with the results. “We did hit it off really well,” Labonte said. “He’s a hard worker, and they’ve got a good, solid foundation. I’m looking forward to hopefully being able to step right in and pick up where they’re at today and hopefully just improve, just because that’s what everybody wants to do.”(Sporting News)(10-10-2010)

Congrats: Congratulations to Dave and Tara Kulak on the birth of their son Aiden Thomas at 6 a.m. September 27th. Aiden weighed 8 lbs, and was 22 inches long. Aiden is their second son. Dave is a front tire carrier for JTG Daugherty Racing's #47 Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series.(9-27-2010)

JTG & Sponsors to present donation, special scheme: Bush’s Baked Beans, Clorox, Kingsford Charcoal, Lance, Little Debbie, TUMS with the assistance of JTG Daugherty Racing will be presenting a $20,000 check to Hannaford Helps Schools on Sunday. The Hannaford Helps Schools Program has raised over $6.2 million dollars for over 2,700 New England schools over the past decade from customers buying great participating brands (JTG Daugherty Racing), and driver Marcos Ambrose will run a special scheme at New Hampshire, see an image of the scheme on my #47 Team Schemes page.(9-14-2010)

Kroger back on the #47 at RIR: For Marco Ambrose’s fourth NSCS race at Richmond, Kroger will cover the hood of his #47 Toyota Camry carrying a message on the quarter panels that ‘TONIGHT’S GRILL NIGHT!’ Kroger is one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers with store formats that include grocery and multi-department stores, convenience stores and mall jewelry stores operating under nearly two dozen banners. “We had a lot of fun in February with Kroger handing out roses for Valentine’s Day and this time they are reminding fans that night time is also a good time to fire up the grill whether you are tailgating at a football game, a NASCAR race or cooking at home,” said Ambrose, who has finished 11th, 22nd and ninth respectively at RIR. “It’s a really a nice scheme and our car will look sharp under the Richmond lights. This particular car, we have raced twice and we feel good about it.”(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-9-2010)

Ambrose Voted Best V8 Supercar Driver Ever: As a part of V8X magazines 10-year celebration, motorsports journalists have rated NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver #47-Marcos Ambrose as the best V8 Supercar driver ever. “It’s just an honor to receive this kind of recognition,” Ambrose humbly stated. “I really want to thank V8X magazine and the motorsport journalists who voted for me. I love the V8 Supercar Series and I have so many fond memories. I’m proud to have been able to be a part of its history.” The magazine states that journalists were polled on ‘who was – or is – the best driver in the sport’ and ‘who they thought laid it all on the line’. Ambrose’s V8 Supercar stats are impressive. He has 28 race wins to his credit along with 18 pole positions and the Barry Sheene Medal in his Championship winning years of 2003 and 2004. Ambrose, branded the ‘Devil Racer’, bid farewell to the V8 Supercar Series in 2005 to go across the pond and pursue a career in NASCAR.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-2-2010)

Congrats - Dennis Terry: On Friday morning, #47 JTG Daugherty Racing front tire changer Dennis Terry and his wife Micki welcomed their first child Demi Addison Terry at 7:30 am. Demi weighed 8 pounds and 2 ounces. Both mom and baby are doing fine.(JTG)(8-20-2010)

RPM to announce some 2011 plans Tuesday: Big announcement coming from Richard Petty Motorsports tomorrow [Tuesday, Aug 17th] about a new driver/sponsor combination for 2011 (Ford Racing Facebook), Ambrose?.(8-17-2010)
AND: Richard Petty Motorsports will make a “driver and sponsor announcement” Tuesday at 1:00pm/et, and sources say the team will announce ... that Marcos Ambrose will drive the team’s #9 Fords next season, replacing Kasey Kahne. Stanley Tools –- current sponsor of Elliott Sadler’s #19 Ford at RPM -– will reportedly sponsor Ambrose’s 2011 effort.(Sirius Speedway)(8-17-2010)

Ambrose not ruling out return to Australia: Marcos Ambrose hopes that his career path continues to include NASCAR, though he says he's truly not ruling out a return to racing in Australia. Ambrose, in his fifth season of NASCAR competition and second full season at the Sprint Cup level, recently announced that he will part ways with his JTG Daugherty Racing team at the end of this season. The former V8 Supercar champion says that he recognizes that he took a risk in making that move - especially considering his role with that team was both sponsored and covered by a contract through next season. Still, he says that there seems to be a bit of buzz in Australia about any potential for a return. "I've spoken to a few people down there, and all have been well received, and it's actually been in the papers and on national television over the last few days, you know, obviously not ruling out the possibilities of me returning and where I would potentially go," Ambrose said during a national teleconference Tuesday. "But my heart is in NASCAR to be honest with you. I've got unfinished business at this level of racing. I feel like I've become part of the sport but I haven't become a contender on a weekly basis, and I feel like I'm really -- if I left now, I would feel like I've got unfinished business.(Fox Sports)(8-5-2010)

Labonte finds ride for 2011: JTG Daugherty Racing announced that 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte will take the reins as driver of the #47 Toyota Camry for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 36-race schedule. “JTG Daugherty Racing is a solid race team that has come close to winning races with Marcos Ambrose and I’m looking forward to developing our new partnership in 2011,” Labonte said. “The team is thriving and their technical alliance with MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) is intact. It’s great to have next year already set in stone so when this season ends we can begin focusing on next year right away. Everything is in place and we have all the right ingredients to win races together.”
Labonte’s credentials speak for themselves. The Corpus Christi, Texas native is a 21-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner with 26 pole awards, 114 top-five and 199 top-10 finishes. Team owners Jodi and Tad Geschickter and Brad Daugherty are pleased Labonte accepted the offer to drive the JTG Daugherty Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry as they enter their third full-time season of competition at Daytona International Speedway on February 13th.
“We are really happy Bobby has decided to join our team because I have known him for a long time and I have always admired him as a professional driver and as an individual,” Daugherty said. “He will do an outstanding job representing our products and team. He has gotten to a point in his career that he still has some things to accomplish. He is highly experienced with a championship on his résumé’ and we know he is capable of winning.”
“We would like to give a warm welcome to Bobby as he joins the JTG Daugherty Racing family,” said Jodi Geschickter. “We know he is an amazing fit for our sponsors and racing organization. The Labonte name has a history of excellence. Bobby is a proven winner, a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and his character is solid. We share similar goals and views regarding the future. We are pleased that he has accepted the offer to join JTG Daugherty Racing in 2011.”
JTG Daugherty Racing’s partners concur. “We are extremely excited to have Bobby coming on board,” said Grant LaMontagne, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of The Clorox Company, the longest running sponsor partner of JTG Daugherty Racing. “He’s a champion and a great fit for our brands. We expect to have a serious run for the Chase next season.” This announcement follows Marcos Ambrose’s decision to part ways with JTG Daugherty Racing at the end of the year, which was confirmed on Tuesday by team officials.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(7-28-2010)

Labonte to the #47?: Bobby Labonte is the leading candidate to drive the #47 Toyota for JTG Daugherty Racing in 2011, multiple sources confirmed Tuesday. JTG Daugherty Racing will be the sixth team in four years for Labonte, who left Petty Enterprises after the 2008 season. In 2009, he drove for Hall of Fame Racing in a #96 Ford fielded by Yates Racing for much of the year but found himself out of a ride late in the season. He drove the remaining races for #71 TRG Motorsports and started 2010 with that organization. He left that seat in June when the team began having to park early in events because of a lack of funding. He has driven for Robby Gordon Motorsports and Phoenix Racing in the months since then and will be back in a TRG car this weekend at Pocono Raceway. The 2000 Cup champion, Labonte has 602 career Cup starts with 21 victories. The 46-year-old Labonte will replace Marcos Ambrose, who announced Tuesday he was parting ways with the team after the 2010 season. A Bobby Labonte spokesman declined to comment.(SceneDaily)(7-28-2010)

Ambrose to the #9?: UPDATE: Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that Marcos Ambrose will replace Kasey Kahne in the #9 Ford at Richard Petty Motorsports next season. Ambrose said he has no “Plan B” in place for 2011 and could even return to his native Australia if another Sprint Cup opportunity does not surface. Highly placed sources tell Sirius Speedway that a deal with RPM is “95% done,” though there is no definitive word on who might sponsor the effort. Ford Racing Marketing Manager Tim Duerr declined to comment specifically on the report today, but said the automaker has longstanding ties with Ambrose. “Marcos started with Ford and Ford brought him to NASCAR,” said Duerr. “He bleeds Ford blue, and we would love to see him back in a Ford next season. I don’t think that Marcos has a signed Sprint Cup ride for next season at present. It all depends on him, a sponsor and a team putting something together, but I am optimistic that we will see Marcos back in a Ford next season.” A spokesman for Richard Petty Motorsports declined to comment today, calling the report “speculation.”(Sirius Speedway)(7-28-2010)

Amrose & JTG Daugherty to split: After five successful years together in NASCAR’s top touring divisions, JTG Daugherty Racing and Marcos Ambrose will part ways at the end of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. “JTG Daugherty Racing and our sponsors are obviously huge Marcos Ambrose fans and we are disappointed to see him leave after five great years of building a program together from the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, to the Nationwide Series, and into the Sprint Cup Series,” said Tad Geschickter, co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing along with Brad Daugherty and Jodi Geschickter. “Marcos is a friend and he is a great talent. He will be an asset to his next team. While we hate to see him move on at the end of the season, we will remain focused on winning races with Marcos. We are excited about our company's development. We have NASCAR’s greatest and most loyal sponsors, a growing fan base, and a steadily improving race team.”
“We have enjoyed working with Marcos and getting to know his family and friends from both the United States and Australia,” Jodi Geschickter added. “They have brought a lively dimension to our racing family and we have appreciated the opportunity to get to know them. Although we will miss Marcos, we have an amazing team at JTG Daugherty Racing and we look forward to announcing our plans for 2011.” Daugherty echoes the Geschickter’s sentiments and wishes Ambrose much success in his future endeavors.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to work with Marcos for the last five years and it has been an enjoyable experience,” Daugherty said. “We wish him the utmost success and best wishes. JTG Daugherty Racing has a bright future and we already have great plans in place for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.”
The two-time V8 Supercar champion’s first appearance with JTG Daugherty Racing was at Martinsville Speedway in 2006 when he made his NASCAR debut in the Camping World Truck Series. Ambrose naturally progressed the next year to the NASCAR Nationwide Series spending two years in the division before competing full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the racing organization.
“It has been a great five year journey for me and JTG Daugherty Racing,” Ambrose said. “I am proud of being their driver and of what we have been able to accomplish together. I want to personally thank Tad, Jodi and Brad and the entire race team for everything they have done. Our plan is to complete the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with the same desire and commitment and end our relationship the same way it started with a positive attitude and the willingness to win. I will do everything I can to help JTG Daugherty transition into next year with their new driver. After five years, I personally felt it was time for a change. I have no firm plans of what will come next for me and my career. I would like to continue in NASCAR and finish off what I started, but I have not discounted returning to Australia. I’m grateful to JTG Daugherty Racing for giving me an opportunity to become a NASCAR driver and I wish them the best in the future.” The Launceston, Tasmania Australia native has recorded four top-five and nine top-10 finishes with JTG Daugherty Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and has also delivered two Nationwide Series victories. His career-best Cup finish is a second-place finish at Watkins Glen International last season. Currently Ambrose has two top-10 finishes and is 27th in the driver points standings after 20 starts this season. JTG Daugherty Racing will make an announcement in the near future regarding their driver for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.(JTG Daugherty Racing)
AND Ambrose did not say where he will drive next season, but he's believed to be close to finalizing a deal with Richard Petty Motorsports.(ESPN/AP)(7-27-2010)

Other teams interested in Ambrose? At least two rival team owners are taking a look at #47-Marcos Ambrose for 2011, if the always-smiling Aussie/Tasmanian racer decides to move on. Ambrose' 2009 rookie NASCAR season was so spectacular, with several near-wins. But he has struggled through the past few months, to put it mildly. And that lost victory at Sonoma last month was all the more biting.MikeMulhern.net)(7-26-2010)

Stock Car Commission denies Ambrose penalty appeal: On May 20, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of JTG Daugherty Racing regarding the #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. The appeal concerned penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on April 16, 2010, for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Texas Motor Speedway. The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing." and Section 20-2.3A: "Unapproved added weight." The Appellants argued that the pieces added to the radiator support panel near the nose of the car were simply spacers used to align the panel correctly with the bottom of the radiator. In the view of the Appeals Panel, the pieces clearly constituted added weight. Furthermore, the Appeals Panel was troubled by the thought of unapproved weight located in an area other than an approved weight container as defined in the Rule Book. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.(NASCAR PR), for more information on the penalty, see my Sprint Cup penalties page(5-20-2010)

Cavalia to sponsor Ambrose in the Sprint Showdown: Not far from the roaring engines inside Charlotte Motor Speedway there is a different kind of horsepower found underneath a 110-feet-high White Big Top with 71,400 square feet of canvas. The world’s largest touring White Big Top holding court in uptown Charlotte is home to Cavalia - - a lavish multimedia, equestrian extravaganza featuring 62 majestic horses and 40 artists, including acrobats, aerialists, riders, musicians and dancers. Cavalia announced for the first time that they will sponsor Marcos Ambrose and JTG Daugherty Racing’s efforts during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. For the Showdown, The #47 Cavalia Toyota Camry will sport a sleek black look with majestic horses from the captivating fast-paced performance featuring harmony between horse and human. On May 9th, Ambrose took his wife Sonja and daughters Adelaide and Tabitha to Cavalia to witness the tribute of horses, which is also a celebration of the relationship between man and horse. The show takes place on a 160-foot wide stage that allows the horses to express themselves in all their beauty, their grace and their strength and at times in total liberty. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec (Canada), Cavalia is the brainchild of Normand Latourelle who has become renowned for producing popular events around the world and is in Charlotte thru May 28th.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see an image of the car on my #47 Team Schemes page.(5-19-2010)

A&P to Sponsor Ambrose and Continue to Raise Awareness for MDA: JTG Daugherty Racing announced a partnership with The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. (A&P) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the Autism Speaks 400 presented by Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes at Dover International Speedway this weekend. JTG Daugherty Racing's #47 Toyota Camry driven by Marcos Ambrose will carry A&P and MDA on the hood in addition to having associates Scott, Bush's Baked Beans, Little Debbie and Kingsford on board. A&P has been a big supporter of MDA for nearly a quarter of a century. This week Ambrose is helping A&P continue their efforts in raising awareness about MDA, which continues their dedication to cure muscular dystrophy and related diseases by funding worldwide research since 1950.
"We're happy to have A&P affiliated with our race team and it's pretty special that they are responsible for us having MDA on our car," Ambrose said. "MDA does amazing work in making life better for people with muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases. I'm proud to have them on board this weekend."
Tad Geschickter, co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing echoes Ambrose's sentiments about A&P being on the #47 Toyota Camry for the first time and their support of MDA's commendable work. "We are happy to assist in adding value for our sponsors, retailers and customers and at the same time we are pleased to help A&P raise awareness for MDA," Geschickter said.
A&P and MDA are both looking forward to the association with JTG Daugherty Racing this week at the Monster Mile. "We are dedicated to supporting MDA's critical mission to find a cure for neuromuscular diseases," said Ron Marshall, President & CEO, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. "Our valued partners including Clorox, Little Debbie and Kimberly Clark, have allowed us the exciting opportunity to be a part of the Autism Speaks 400 giving us the ability to create further awareness and support of MDA's important cause. Helping our most valuable asset, our children, is a mission that myself and all of the A&P associates are passionate about and we are proud to have the JTG Daugherty Racing #47 Toyota Camry represent our partnership with MDA as it goes for the Sprint Cup."
"MDA couldn't be prouder of the partnership that we enjoy with A&P," said Tod Van Kirk, MDA Regional Director. "This weekend's event is an example of their commitment to our cause". Ambrose aims to deliver both A&P, MDA and his associate partners a strong finish at Dover International Speedway, where he finished 14th in the fall. "Dover is another incredible place and you can get in trouble there in a hurry if you are not careful," Ambrose said. "It's like Bristol super-sized. Things happen so fast there. Dover is just an extremely fast track. We're banking on having a good run and delivering a solid finish for our sponsors."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(5-12-2010)

Parts confiscated from #13 and #47 teams UPDATE 2 Penalties announced: NASCAR confiscated the lower radiator pans from Max Papis' #13 Toyota and Marcos Ambrose's #47 Toyota during post-qualifying Sprint Cup Series inspection. The pans are considered "unapproved ballast weight mounting" according to Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby and is in violation of NASCAR Rule 20-2.3 (added car weight). Darby said the violation could carry a penalty. The piece confiscated on the #13 Toyota was 45.2-pounds, while the #47 Toyota's pan weighed 25.7 pounds. One crew chief who was observing the steel pieces in the NASCAR hauler after they were confiscated said the pans "should weigh a couple of pounds at best" and be composed of one-eighth inch aluminum. Frank Kerr, crew chief of the #47 Toyota said it was the same radiator pan the team has used all season. "We asked the inspectors when we first put it on the car at California if it was 'OK' and they said it was 'on the edge, but OK.' There hasn't been any question about the piece until now."(FoxSports)(4-17-2010)
UPDATE: The long steel pieces also were installed in an unapproved mounting location, according to the tags on the parts which were on display in the NASCAR hauler. "We'll know a lot more how NASCAR views these pans [next week]," said Michael Waltrip Racing Executive Vice President Cal Wells, whose organization builds the cars for Ambrose and Papis. "We'll have to wait and see. NASCAR likes to have parts submitted if you have got something new or different. I believe there was some confusion on what should or shouldn't be submitted. … In this particular case what we designed was a modular piece that holds a radiator, the pan up front and the duct work and a host of different things. There's no intent to do anything [around the rules]. We'll see what they decide to do."(SceneDaily)(4-19-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR has issued penalties to the #13, #47, #00 and #56 teams that compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a result of rule violations committed at Texas Motor Speedway last week. Robert “Bootie” Barker, crew chief of the #13 team, and Frank Kerr, crew chief of the #47 team, have each been fined $75,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 20-2.3A (unapproved added weight); 20-7 (all engine cooling system components must be approved by NASCAR prior to being used in competition); and 20-7.3A (radiator mount; failure to submit components) of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rule book.
Car owners Robert Germain (#13) and Tad Geschickter (#47) have each been penalized with the loss of 50 championship owner points for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-2.3A. Drivers Max Papis (#13) and Marcos Ambrose (#47) have each been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver points for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-2.3A.
Rodney Childers, crew chief of the #00 team, and Pat Tryson, crew chief of the #56 team, have each been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1; 20-7; and 20-7.3A. All of these violations occurred during post-qualifying inspection on April 16.(NASCAR)(4-21-2010)
MWR Statement: Executive Vice President of Michael Waltrip Racing Cal Wells: “NASCAR indicated we were running a part, a radiator pan, which had not been officially submitted for approval. We accept NASCAR’s ruling and will not appeal because we cannot debate whether the part was submitted, only whether or not the part needed submission. This gives us a clear line of sight on how parts need to be submitted for approval. We will work diligently with NASCAR in the future on all new parts to ensure this does not happen to MWR again.”(MWR)(4-21-2010)

Ambrose to be honored: #47-Marcos Ambrose will receive a Sportsmanship of the Year award in his second year of full-time competition during the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame (TMHoF) dinner and induction ceremony Friday night in the Grand Ballroom of the Speedway Club at Texas Motor Speedway. “I am honored to receive the Sportsmanship award and would like to thank the Motorsports Hall of Fame panel, Eddie Gossage and everyone at Texas Motor Speedway,” said Ambrose, who will be among other TMHoF award winners, such as, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, John Sturbin, Robert Yates and inductee Joe Gibbs. “I have such a great appreciation for our sport. When I came into NASCAR I promised myself I was going to appreciate every single day and not get mad or angry. I remind myself every day that I’m doing something that millions of kids out there – girls and guys – would love to do when they grow up. I am lucky enough to be a driver. Sure, you may get disappointed at times and there are compromises. However, you can never lose sight that there are not many downs when you are a racecar driver. I love what I do. So, to be recognized like this for the first time - especially when I’m a goofy Tasmanian coming from 14,000 miles away - is pretty awesome.”(JTG Daugherty Racing)(4-15-2010)

Clorox considering sale of STP, Armor All: Consumer-products giant Clorox Co. is moving toward the sale of its two automotive brands, STP and Armor All, and will likely launch a process to auction the well-known names, according to people familiar with the matter. The Oakland, Calif., company has been analyzing its large product portfolio and could hire an investment bank within the next couple of months to handle the sale, these people said. STP and Armor All have combined annual sales of about $300 million. STP, a maker of oil treatments, brake fluid and fuel-system cleaners, is seen as more valuable than Armor All, which makes automotive polishes, auto-glass cleaners and upholstery cleaners. Clorox has one of the widest-ranging product portfolios in the household-products sector: In addition to its namesake bleach, the company's brands include Kingsford charcoal, Hidden Valley dressing and Brita water filters. Nevertheless, Clorox has long regarded auto-care brands Armor All and STP, to be outside the company's core, preferring to focus on products that promote wellness, sustainability and affordability.(Wall Street Journal - subscription required), no word on how this might impact the company's NASCAR involvment. Clorox is a sponsor of JTG Daugherty Racing and #47-Marcos Ambrose.(4-11-2010)

Kingsford back on the #47: Marcos Ambrose is stoking the fire to heat up his 2010 Sprint Cup Series season at Phoenix International Raceway after collecting three top-15 finishes in six starts. Reliability issues have smoldered his JTG Daugherty Racing team's efforts, but Ambrose is poised to capture his first top-10 finish of the year in his #47 Kingsford Charcoal Toyota on Saturday. (JTG PR) Kingsford was the sponssr at Las Vegas and will be primary on an undetermined number of races this season. See an image of the car on my #47 Team Schemes page.(4-8-2010)

Lance debut's on the #47: Lance, Inc. has a longstanding history in racing and this season they will have major presence in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Lance partnered with JTG Daugherty Racing and driver #47-Marcos Ambrose for multiple primary races. Lance fully brands Ambrose’s Toyota Camry for the first time this year at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 7th for the Kobalt Tools 500. In addition to sponsoring Ambrose’s efforts to capture his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory, Lance has also partnered with Kids Crooked House to give one lucky race fan the opportunity to win a customized racing-theme Kids Crooked House by visiting www.lance.com.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see image of Lance scheme on my #47 Team Schemes page.(3-4-2010)

Ambrose to run Kingsford colors at Vegas: With warmer weather around the corner, Marcos Ambrose is reminding race fans that “Racing Season is Grilling Season” as he straps into his #47 Kingsford Toyota Camry and attempts to change his luck at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS). "Kingsford Charcoal is a wonderful partner of ours and they’ve been with us for a long time,” Ambrose said. “I’m an outdoorsman and I’m always cooking on the grill at the race track or at home. Steaks are my favorite with Bush’s Baked Beans of course. Bush’s will also have presence on the JTG Daugherty Racing car as well as Scotts Towels, Little Debbie and Clorox. We just want to fans to remember that racing season is grilling season and it’s time to pull out the grill and fire it up. I’m looking forward to doing that myself when I get to the track because I love to grill.” He likes grilling so much that he will be firing up his grill and hosting country music artist Craig Morgan at LVMS.(JTG Daugherty Racing) see images oif the scheme on my #47 Team Schemes page and looks for Ambrose to run Lance Snacks colors at Atlanta next week.(2-26-2010)

Drivers Test at New Smyrna: Tuesday Marcos Ambrose tested his #47 Kroger NASCAR at the half-mile high-banked New Smyrna Speedway. Preparing for his second full-time season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, the Australian driver shared the track today with #13-Max Papis, #00-David Reutimann and #5-Martin Truex Jr. It's the first time Ambrose has been in a car in over two months. "I just want to dust off the cobwebs," said Ambrose.(MarcosAmbrose.com)(1-27-2010)

Waltrip/Ambrose, not so lucky in the 24 Hours of Dubai: The French IMSA Performance MATMUT team has won the fifth anniversary edition of the Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai. After 24 hours of racing at the 5.390 kilometres long Dubai Autodrome circuit, its driver pairing of Raymond Narac, Patrick Pilet and Marco Holzer had racked up a total of 608 laps with the team’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. Marco Holzer drove the car across the finish line. Second place was taken by the Japanese Petronas Syntium Team with the BMW Z4 Coupé, driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi, Masataka Yanigada, Farique Hairuman, Johannes Stuck and Hiroki Yoshida. The Al Faisal Racing team with Abdulaziz Al Faisal, Claudia Hürtgen, Marko Hartung and Khaled Al Faisal took their BMW Z4 Coupé to third place overall.(More info at 24hdubai.com)
AND NASCAR fans found themselves with a small window of opportunity to follow Michael Waltrip and Marcos Ambrose in their Dubai debut. Ambrose, a veteran road racer and two-time Australian V8 Supercars champion prior to his switch to Sprint Cup, had the AF Corse Ferrari F430 in the thick of the battle for the lead during the opening stint. But when teammate Waltrip took over, he soon encountered a two-car crash on the front straight and the NASCAR veteran was forced to take avoiding action, resulting in a race-ending introduction to the pit wall. Waltrip reported via his Twitter account that he was uninjured. "Well that's disappointing. 2 guys crashed on the straight [and] I got knocked into it. But I didn't hurt so that's good. Hi mom!"(SPEEDtv.com)(1-18-2010)

Kroger floral scheme for Ambrose at Daytona: JTG Daugherty Racing announced that Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer and world’s largest florist, will be the primary sponsor for Marcos Ambrose and the #47 Toyota team during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14. This year, NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race happens to fall on Valentine’s Day, February 14. To recognize the traditional day of love, Kroger is running a special floral paint scheme of red roses on Ambrose’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) entry as a reminder that they offer floral arrangements and gifts for every occasion. You can order flowers with ease by calling 1-800-900-6575 or visiting www.Kroger.com. “Kroger and our family of stores are excited to bring the Daytona 500 closer to our customers and race fans this year,” said Don Becker, Executive Vice President of Kroger. “Sponsoring Marcos in the race on Valentine’s Day is particularly thrilling since Kroger sells more roses that day than any other florist in the world.” Because Kroger delivers flowers internationally in addition to domestically, they are top of mind for Ambrose to send flowers to his family and friends in Australia. Just like Ambrose is passionate about racing and delivering results, Kroger’s family of stores are passionate about flowers and deliver the freshest flowers from growers around the world. This year, Kroger will come in handy for the Aussie while his wife Sonja and two daughters remain in their homeland during the Daytona 500 on Valentine’s Day. In addition to Kroger’s presence on the hood, they are extending the sponsorship to their family of grocery and multi-department stores by including Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Food 4 Less, Gerbes, King Soopers Ralphs, QFC and Smith’s. Kroger will also have one of their jewelry stores on the quarter panels to remind people to visit Fred Meyer Jewelers, which carries a large selection of watches, engagement rings, wedding rings, gemstones, diamonds and more.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(1-16-2010)

Bush's Baked Bean returns to sponsor Ambrose: JTG Daugherty Racing team officials announced Bush Brothers and Company’s Bush’s Baked Beans brand will be a primary sponsor of Marcos Ambrose and the #47 Toyota team for five primary races and will also serve as an associate sponsor during the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. “We are proud to enter our ninth season as partners with JTG Daugherty Racing and thrilled to have Marcos as our driver,” said Ray Kielarowski, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Bush Brothers and Company. “We look forward to kicking off the new season at the track and sharing the Winner’s Circle with him in 2010.” Bush’s Baked Beans will be positioned on Ambrose’s #47 Toyota’s hood for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Talladega on April 25, Richmond on May 1, Bristol on August 21, New Hampshire on September 19 and Dover on September 26. Tad Geschickter, co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing, has been partners with Bush Brothers and Company for nearly a decade.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(1-13-2010)

2009 Races [18] that Little Debbie's is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Daytona - 2/15
California - 2/22
Bristol - 3/22
Martinsville - 3/29
Talladega - 4/26
Pocono - 6/7
Infineon Raceway - 6/21
New Hampshire - 6/28
Indianapolis - 7/26
Watkins Glen - 8/9
Michigan - 8/16
Dover - 9/27
Kansas - 10/4
California - 10/11
Martinsville - 10/25
Texas - 11/8, Chocolate Cupcakes
Phoenix - 11/15, Chocolate Cupcakes
Homestead - 11/22, Chocolate Cupcakes

2009 Races [2] that Bush’s Baked Beans was the primary sponsor:
Richmond - 5/2
Darlington - 5/9

2009 Races [5] that Kingsford Charcoal was the primary sponsor:
Las Vegas - 3/1
Atlanta - 3/8
All-Star Race - 5/16
Charlotte - 5/24
Talladega - 11/1

2009 Races [4] that Clorox was the primary sponsor:
Texas - 4/5
Phoenix - 4/18
Bristol - 8/22
Atlanta - 9/6

2009 Races [2] that Racesavers.com was the primary sponsor:
Dover - 5/31
Michigan - 6/14

2009 Races [1] that iRacing.com was the primary sponsor:
Pocono - 8/2

Ambrose to race at Dubai 24 Hour sportscar race: Marcos Ambrose will race in the Dubai 24 Hour sportscar race at the Dubai Autodrome on January 14-16, 2010. Ambrose will drive the #148 Ferrari F430 GT2 of the AF Corse team, partnered by Rob Kaufman, Michael Waltrip, Rui Aguas and Niki Cadei. AF Corse team owner Kaufman is also a co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, with which Ambrose’s team JTG Daugherty Racing has a close technical alliance. Ambrose has previous experience in GT and sportscar racing, entering the Grand-Am Rolex Sportscar Series event at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada earlier this year with fellow Sprint Cup Series driver Carl Edwards. The Australian driver competed in the GT class at the 2005 Daytona 24 Hour in a Porsche GT3 Cup car with fellow Australians Paul Morris, Craig Baird and John Teulen.(BAM Media)(12-8-2009)

Ambrose honored with Sir Jack Brabham Award: Australian NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose has been honored with the prestigious Sir Jack Brabham Award by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), the governing body of motorsport in Australia. Ambrose was presented with the award by CAMS President Andrew Papadopoulos while at the Sydney Telstra 500 in Sydney, New South Wales over the weekend, the final event of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series. The Sir Jack Brabham Award is presented by CAMS in recognition of the remarkable achievements of Sir Jack Brabham OBE, the outstanding Australian engineer and driver who rose to the pinnacle of world motorsport. The Sir Jack Brabham Award recognises outstanding achievement and success by an Australian motor sport competitor at the international level. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding talent, determination and a significant level of success in international competition. Sir Jack Brabham is a three-time Formula One World Champion and remains the only man in history to win the F1 title in a car of his own make. “The award is unexpected and I feel privileged to be given the nod for it,” said Ambrose. “Sir Jack is obviously a hero of mine, as all the Brabhams are to be honest. It’s a real racing dynasty. So I take that honour with pride. Jack and the whole Brabham family are pioneers in Australian racing and it's a privilege to be given the honour of this award and I hold it in high regard and I am very thankful that I've been given the nod for it.”(BAM Media)(12-7-2009)

Michael Waltrip Racing extends with Toyota: Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) announced the extension of its partnership with Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The new agreement will keep the emerging organization with the manufacturer through the end of 2012. In 2010, MWR will field the #00 Aaron’s/Tums/Best Western Toyota full-time with driver David Reutimann, the #55 Toyota with Michael Waltrip on a limited basis and the #56 NAPA Auto Part Toyota full-time with Martin Truex Jr. Additionally, MWR signed a two-year technical alliance extension with JTG-Daugherty Racing to field the #47 Toyota with driver Marcos Ambrose. MWR receives engines from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) out of Costa Mesa, California, along with Red Bull Racing. TRD’s Salisbury, N.C., facility supports MWR’s vehicle dynamics and development, aerodynamics, tire data analysis and race strategy programs. This announcement comes on the heels of MWR announcing 100% renewal with its existing sponsors, a new relationship with TUMS as a primary and associate sponsor on the #00, a two-year extension with JTG-Daugherty Racing and a new partnership with its NASCAR Nationwide Series team with Gary and Blake Bechtel forming Diamond-Waltrip Racing to field Camrys for 18-year-old phenom Trevor Bayne.(MWR)(11-14-2009)

Mobil 1 and Toyota UPDATE: not quite sure what this is all about, have heard nor seen anything but......Mobil 1 Racing and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) U.S.A to make announcement about 2010 NASCAR season Friday at Phoenix International Raceway, scheduled to be attending the announcement are Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota; Michael Waltrip, owner of Michael Waltrip Racing and driver of the #55 NAPA Toyota; Lee White, President and General Manager, TRD; Harold Shablom, Global Motorsport Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties.(PR)(11-13-2009)
UPDATE: ExxonMobil and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) unveiled a new technological partnership in which ExxonMobil will provide its Mobil 1 racing oil technology and products to TRD- supported NASCAR teams. Kicking off at the start of the 2010 NASCAR season, TRD-supplied NASCAR engines will be filled with specially modified motor oil based on the same technology available to consumers in Mobil 1 Racing oils, which were unveiled in April. The TRD-specific motor oils will deliver outstanding power via unique low-friction synthetic lubricant technology combined with boosted levels of anti-wear additives to protect and extend the life of engine hardware. Formally announced before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, the collaboration will pair Mobil 1, the “Official Motor Oil of NASCAR,” with one of NASCAR’s top engine manufacturers. With this new partnership, ExxonMobil’s racing oil technology will now provide performance and protection for the TRD-supported Red Bull Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing NASCAR teams.(Toyota PR)(11-14-2009)

Little Debbie re-ups with Ambrose: McKee Foods, a family bakery best known for their Little Debbie brand, announced that they will once again sponsor ‘Awesome Aussie’ Marcos Ambrose and the #47 JTG-Daugherty Racing Toyota Camry in 2010 [Little Debbie sponsored the #47 for 18 races in 2009]. Chris McKee, EVP of Marketing & Sales, says the sponsorship of Ambrose has paid dividends in 2009. “Marcos is a tremendous driver and a great spokesperson for our Little Debbie brand. Little Debbie is all about adding simple fun and enjoyment to life and Marcos’ ever-present smile and upbeat attitude really illustrates our brand message. We are impressed with his performance in his first full season in NASCAR Sprint Cup racing and we are excited about the possibilities for next year. 2010 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Little Debbie Brand –so it’s a big year for Little Debbie and I think it is going to be a big year for Marcos and JTG-Daugherty Racing.” 2010 will mark the fifth consecutive season that Little Debbie has been a business partner with JTG-Daugherty Racing. Team co-owner Tad Geschickter is proud of the partnership. “Little Debbie is a great, family-oriented brand and we are proud to help promote their products. In a year when many sponsors are leaving the sport, I’m thankful for their continued support of our team. We look forward to rewarding them with an even bigger return next season on the track and in the stores.”(JTG-Daugherty Racing), see images of the #47 Little Debbie Chocolate Cupcake scheme that is scheduled to run at Texas, Phoenix and Homestead on my #47 Team Schemes page.(11-6-2009)

Special 'Cup Cake' scheme for Ambrose at Texas: Little Debbie Racing's Marcos Ambrose will be driving the #47 Little Debbie Chocolate Cupcake Toyota in the final three races of the 2009 Sprint Cup season: Texas, Phoenix and Homestead (Little Debbie Flickr page), the scheme was designed by NASCAR artist Sam Bass. See images of the car on my #47 Team Schemes page.(11-6-2009)

JTG-MWR to continue alliance: UPDATE: JTG Daugherty Racing has extended its technical alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing for another season, JTG Daugherty co-owner Tad Geschickter confirmed Saturday at Martinsville Speedway. The two organizations began a technical alliance this year with the JTG Daugherty crew working out of the MWR shop. MWR builds the cars, and then the JTG Daugherty team works on them there. Officials from both teams have been saying for weeks that they wanted the alliance to continue. JTG Daugherty driver #47-Marcos Ambrose, in his first full season, is 17th in the Sprint Cup standings.(SceneDaily)(10-25-2009)
UPDATE: Marcos Ambrose and JTG Daugherty Racing will continue to run out of the Michael Waltrip Racing stable for the next two seasons after JTGD and MWR confirmed this week that the two teams will continue to operate under a technical alliance for 2010 and 2011. Ambrose, who is under contract for JTG Daugherty Racing for 2010 and 2011, is excited by the continuity that this deal brings to his racing program, having benefitted from the relationship greatly as part of an impressive first season in the top-flight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-30-2009)

Ambrose heading back to Tasmania in off season: Like many drivers, #47-Marcos Ambrose spends days or weeks at a time away from home, working away from the track. As the season winds down, the Aussie knows a trip to the homeland is just what he needs to recharge from the hustle and bustle. Following the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Ambrose will go to Tasmania for two months. “The idea of going back to Australia is for my kids to see family and friends,” Ambrose said. “For me, I will also use the time to get my body in shape and get my head back in the game. I will think about what I need during the year and how I am going to be better. It’s all about reinvigorating myself and doing a good soul search about who I am, what I am all about and what I need to do to be better.”(MWR)(10-22-2009)

Lance Snacks joins Ambrose for 2010 UPDATE 2: Team owner Tad Geschickter has signed up another sponsor for the #47 team and Marcos Ambrose in 2010 - Lance Crackers. This is the second former Nationwide Series team sponsor bargaining for more bang for the buck in the Sprint Cup Series with JTG Daugherty Racing. The company announced Saturday that Kleenex would support their Cup efforts in five races next year.(Fox Sports)(8-26-2009)
UPDATE JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway Thursday that Lance Snacks will appear on the hood of Marcos Ambrose's #47 Toyota in three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next season, with dates to be announced. Geschickter said he has the bulk of next season's schedule sold, and will enter the 2010 season with more sponsorship than he did in 2009 [mentioned needing a sponsor for Pocono].(9-11-2009)
. UPDATE 2: Lance, Inc. formally announced a multi-year agreement to promote their popular Lance Sandwich Crackers and Tom’s Salty Snacks lines through sponsorship of Marcos Ambrose and the JTG/Daugherty Sprint Cup entry. Tom’s executed a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series Sponsorship with the team in 2009 and the results prompted the move to Cup Series Sponsorship. Lance Brand Director, Tommy Ingram said, “JTG/Daugherty Racing is a great organization and has a proven track record of helping brands win with consumers and retailers. We were impressed with the business results from our 2009 partnership and are pleased to take the relationship to the next level with America’s #1 Brand of Sandwich Crackers.”
The Lance and Tom’s Brands will be primary Sponsors for the Ambrose #47 Sprint Cup car in three races and will be associate sponsors in 12 others. Tad Geschickter, Co-owner of JTG/Daugherty said, “After 15 years in the Nationwide Series we are excited about our first year in the Sprint Cup Series with Marcos. We are pleased that Lance will partner with us as we gear up for our second year. Lance Sandwich Crackers and Tom’s Snacks are a great compliment to our other sponsors as we create promotions for race fans and retailers.”
Ambrose, the former Australian driving champion, continues to impress with great on-track performance and a genuine appreciation for the opportunity that NASCAR and his Sponsors are providing. “I’ve raced all over the world and NASCAR is the best form of racing anywhere. I am so thankful to our long-term partners like Kingsford, Clorox and Bush’s Baked Beans. I am equally excited about new partners like Lance and Kleenex joining our family for 2010,” stated Ambrose. “JTG/Daugherty is growing and I’m honored that so many great American Brands are taking notice of our efforts.”(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-11-2009)

Edwards wrecks in Grand Am race: Carl Edwards’ first foray into the Grand-Am Rolex Series ranks ended before it could hardly begin. Edwards was circling Canada’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve road course on the warmup lap for Saturday’s Montreal 200 sports-car race when a combination of rain and cold, slick tires caused his #77 Doran Racing Dallara to lose grip and slide off the track. The incident ended the day early for Edwards and fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Marcos Ambrose, who had teamed up for the event and qualified eighth.(SceneDaily)(8-29-2009)

Kimberly-Clark to Partner with JTG Daugherty Racing in 2010: Kimberly-Clark [Kleenex] announced a partnership with JTG Daugherty Racing for the 2010 season, making it a sponsor of the #47 Toyota NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car driven by Marcos Ambrose. The partnership will commence with the Daytona 500 in February and mark the 16th season Kimberly-Clark has been active in NASCAR. As sponsor, Kimberly-Clark brands will be present on the #47 for the entire 2010 season, serving as the primary sponsor on paint schemes for five races, including Daytona. The move to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series brings to end one of the longest-standing team/sponsor relationships in the Nationwide Series. “Kimberly-Clark has partnered with Baker Curb Racing and that organization for a long time,” Kimberly-Clark's Don Quigley said. “We certainly wish that team the best of luck and expect it to continue finding success. We also hope nothing but the best for Jason Keller in his endeavors both on and off the track. As we graduate up, we will certainly remain fans of the Nationwide Series.”(Kimberly-Clark)(8-22-2009)

Edwards & Ambrose testing sports cars: UPDATE: #99-Carl Edwards and #47-Marcos Ambrose will make their Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask #16 Daytona Prototype testing debut Tuesday, driving the Doran Racing #77 McDonald's Ford Dallara on the North Course at Virginia International Raceway. The next action for the Grand-Am Rolex Series will be the Aug. 29 Montreal 200 in Canada (SPEED Live, 2 p.m. ET), sharing Circuit Gilles Villeneuve with the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.(VIR)(8-18-2009)
UPDATE: NASCAR stars Carl Edwards and Marcos Ambrose will team up in Montreal for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal on August 29. Edwards and Ambrose will co-drive the #77 Ford DP car owned by Doran Enterprises, Inc. in the two-hour race. Aflac is the primary sponsor with Subway as a secondary sponsor for Edwards and iRacing.com and Aussie wines as secondary sponsors for Ambrose. The Montreal 200 at Circuit Gille Villeneuve will precede the Nationwide race next week and marks the duo's debut in the series.(Roush Fenway PR)(8-20-2009)

Ambrose running double duty at Watkins Glen: Last year, Marcos Ambrose became a first-time NASCAR race winner taking the checkered flag in the Nationwide Series Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International, driving for JTG-Daugherty Racing owned by Tad and Jodi Geschickter and Brad Daugherty. For his first Sprint Cup race at The Glen, he started 43rd and finished third in only his third start. Ambrose’s impressive run with Wood Brothers [#21 Ford] landed him his career-best finish by crossing the finish line in third-place. Now, Ambrose is pulling double duty again at the 2.45-mile road course. On Saturday, he climbs behind the wheel of the #47 STP Octane Booster Toyota fielded by JTG-Daugherty Racing and looks to repeat with support from his Sprint Cup Series crew chief Frank Kerr and his #47 Little Debbie Toyota Racing pit crew. Then on Sunday, Ambrose aims to supersede his career-best finish [3rd] matched at Sonoma (Infineon Raceway) this season. Following Pocono on Monday, Ambrose left Monday afternoon straight to Dover International Speedway for a two-day Goodyear tire test. In addition to Ambrose running the Nationwide and Cup Series events, he will be kicking up some dirt at Black Rock Speedway in Dundee, NY on Friday night.(MWR)(8-6-2009)

JTG Daugherty Racing to re-new with Waltrip: Tad Geschickter, owner of the #47 JTG Daugherty Racing Toyota that Marcos Ambrose drives in the Sprint Cup Series, has agreed in principle to extend his partnership with Michael Waltrip Racing into 2010. An announcement is expected next week along with additional sponsorship for the car. Ambrose originally signed a five-year deal with Geschickter which runs until 2011, but given the driver's accelerated learning curve, don't be surprised if that contract isn't extended as well.(FoxSports)(8-3-2009)

New sponsor for Ambrose at Pocono: The JTG Daugherty Racing #47 Toyota Camry, driven by Australia’s Marcos Ambrose, will race under iRacing.com colors in this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono International Raceway. The announcement of the single-event tie-up between the race team and the motorsport simulation company, which had been widely rumored, was made today by Steve Myers, iRacing’s executive producer, and Tad Geschickter, co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing. In recognition of this sponsorship, from July 31 through August 4, 2009 iRacing is offering new members a half-price three-month subscription to the service. Included are all of the cars and tracks necessary to complete the rookie and advanced rookie series in both oval and road-racing categories, plus an additional $15.00 value, the Chevrolet Impala SS as raced in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Go to www.iracing.com and hit the “Special Offer” button at the bottom of the page.(JTG-Daugherty Racing), see images of the car on my #47 Team Schemes page.(7-28-2009)

Testing at Road Atlanta: Hearing that drivers testing at Road Atlanta today include #99-Carl Edwards, #6-David Ragan, #16-Colin Braun (subbing for Greg Biffle), #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, #47-Marcos Ambrose, #2-Kurt Busch, #77-Sam Hornish Jr., #12-David Stremme, #13-Max Papis and Boris Said (in John Wes Townley's #09 Nationwide Series Ford which he will run at Watkins Glen).(7-21-2009)
AND: told #7-Robby Gordon was also at the track.(7-21-2009)

JTG/Daugherty not shopping: JTG/Daugherty Racing team owner Tad Geschickter categorically denied that the organization is shopping for a new arrangement for Marcos Ambrose. Ambrose's #47 JTG/Daugherty Toyota team currently operates out of Michael Waltrip Racing. Geschickter said Saturday at NHMS that the arrangement with Waltrip is a one-year deal with an option but emphasized that he isn't looking to move his operation. Rumors had linked JTG/Daugherty with both a possible fourth car at Joe Gibbs Racing or a third car at Stewart-Haas Racing. "We're not shopping," Geschickter said. About reports that sponsor Little Debbie Snacks recently had increased its financial commitment to the team, Geschickter said, "I'm not allowed to talk about the terms of the contract, but they're very happy with our program."(Sporting News)
AND: JTG Daugherty Racing doesn’t have enough sponsorship to continue running Michael McDowell beyond next week’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway, team co-owner Tad Geschickter said Saturday. The team has sponsorship for Marcos Ambrose for the two Nationwide road-course events later this season but beyond that, Geschickter is not sure how many races the #47 car will run over the second half of the season. Tom’s snack company has sponsored the car for much of the first half of the season. Geschickter said the organization is concentrating on its Sprint Cup effort with driver Ambrose. The team is imbedded with Michael Waltrip Racing as part of a technical alliance. Whether that MWR relationship continues remains to be seen. “As far as what we’re doing next year, we haven’t started discussions with them yet,” Geschickter said. “We’ll have to renegotiate for the next year. … They’ve done a really good job. The secret’s been that we have integrated our people into their shop.”(SceneDaily)(6-28-2009)

Ambrose Sports Special Bucket Hat for Aussie Army: This week #47-Marcos Ambrose received a letter and a camouflage Army bucket that he is wearing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway that came from the Australian Embeds Task Force 633 International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since arriving in Afghanistan, the Task Force has been following the success of the JTG-Daugherty Racing team and Ambrose. The letter expressed thanks to JTG-Daugherty Racing for their support of the Australian troops and of an Australian driver. They also thanked the team for reminding them of the ‘enjoyable things in life’ and ‘making a difference in their lives.’
“Some Aussie troops from Afghanistan sent the bucket hat to me as a good luck charm for this weekend at New Hampshire,” said Ambrose, who wore the hat yesterday on his flight to Manchester and today in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage. “I’m wearing it to support them and they’ve been wearing my Little Debbie hat to support us. They wished us the best of luck this season and told us that they have our backs.”(MWR)(6-28-2009)

MWR Owner to broadcast from England: Even though Rob Kauffman [co-owner of MWR] will be in London, England, he will be watching closely as he makes his color commentator debut in the UK during the Sprint Cup Series Lenox Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway live on Sky Sports alongside presenter Keith Huewen and British Racing driver John Mickel, who has previously raced in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. “Michael Waltrip gave me some pointers being that it is my first time as a color analyst,” Kauffman said. “He said, ‘First, don’t make anything up and second try not to be boring.” Sky Sports broadcasts NASCAR Sprint Cup races across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Sky Sports takes the feed via a satellite from the U.S. and supplements the coverage with their studio presentation. One night while watching the show, Kauffman emailed in to compliment Sky Sports’ coverage. The show's producer, Dawn White, then contacted Kauffman and invited him to be a part of Sunday’s show since he is co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing.(MWR)(6-27-2009)

Ambrose to be featured on Sixty Minutes (Australia): #47-Marcos Ambrose will featured on Sixty Minutes on the Nine Network at 7.30pm this Sunday. A Sixty Minutes crew, headed by reporter Peter Overton, was treated to a “fly on the wall” experience with Ambrose at a NASCAR event in the US. The crew began their experience at Ambrose’s home in Charlotte, North Carolina where they spent some time with his wife Sonja and two young daughters. Ambrose then treated them to an afternoon of gold panning at the site of North America’s first gold discovery at Reed Mine just outside of Charlotte – panning is one of Ambrose’s sources of relaxation in his otherwise hectic life. For those fans outside of Australia, the Sixty Minutes website hosts a collection of online segments each week, so keep an eye on www.MarcosAmbrose.com for links to video coverage.(JTG-Daugherty Racing)(6-12-2009)

New sponsor for Ambrose UPDATE: the entry list has RaceSavers.com listed as #47-Marcos Ambrose sponsor for the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway.(5-26-2009)
UPDATE: During the Autism Speaks 400 weekend at Dover International Speedway Marcos Ambrose’s #47 JTG-Daugherty Racing Toyota will have a new paint scheme and primary sponsor with RaceSavers.com. RaceSavers.com is a website that offers race fans coupons and discounts on their favorite brands of consumer packaged goods and services. It also has a sweepstakes page where fans can enter to win behind the scenes access to races throughout the season.(MWR), see an image of the scheme on my #47 Team Schemes Page.(5-28-2009)