Innovative Motorsports fresh off its third place finish at Texas Motor Speedway, is still searching for a primary sponsor for the #48 driven by Shane Hmiel. Hmiel has finished in the top ten in two consecutive races (Texas and Bristol), and has finished in the top 13 in the last four races in a row. The team is currently seventh in points. Its a shame that we have not been able to land a primary sponsor for this car, said CEO George deBidart. Weve got a super group of guys at the race shop and on this team, and they are fully capable of running for the Busch Championship and winning races. But to give them that opportunity, we desperately need a sponsor. IMI currently has associate sponsorship from Goulds Pumps for 2003. Goulds Pumps has been with me for three years now, and I sincerely appreciate everything theyve done for us and everything they continue to do, said deBidart. The team also shares a relationship with Dark Dog, a premium energy drink. As it stands right now, our deal with Dark Dog is strictly tied to distribution, explained deBidart. Weve got an entire broker network working the streets and were negotiating with retailers to take in the product, so in turn, the car can become funded. We put Dark Dog on the car for the first five races in a primary position to build brand awareness for them in the United States, and moving forward, Dark Dog will remain on the car as an associate sponsor. More info at the Innovative Motorsports site.(4-2-2003)
