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)