Office Depot, 9-race primary sponsor of the #99 with driver Carl Edwards, is launching a unique promotion offering customers the chance to become the “Official Small Business of NASCAR” courtesy of Office Depot. This new promotion, showcased in Office Depot’s first NASCAR television advertising campaign, breaks new ground by using NASCAR to reach small businesses — the core customer base for Office Depot. The “Official Small Business of NASCAR” promotion and accompanying ad campaign are central components in Office Depot’s multi-faceted Taking Care of Business marketing and brand positioning program. Last month, Office Depot introduced NASCAR as its new sports sponsorship platform, entering into a multi-year agreement with NASCAR to become the sport’s first-ever Official Office Products Partner. In addition, beginning with the Daytona 500 (Feb. 20, FOX, 1 p.m.). Office Depot’s new NASCAR-themed ad campaign debuts on February 12 with a television spot titled “Bumper.” The “Bumper” spot, created by BBDO New York, focuses on one of the most unique national promotions in the sports world: small business owners getting the chance to become the “Official Small Business of NASCAR” courtesy of Office Depot. As part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, the winning business will have its company name featured on the #99 Office Depot Ford Taurus that will be driven by Carl Edwards on May 7 at Darlington Raceway. Customers can enter the “Official Small Business of NASCAR” courtesy of Office Depot sweepstakes by filling out a form at computer workstations in any one of Office Depot’s more than 900 stores nationwide, or online at www.officedepot.com/racing. The promotion is open to small businesses with no more than 99 employees, and runs through April 10, 2005. No purchase is necessary. A complete set of rules and restrictions can be found at www.officedepot.com/racing.(Businesswire.com)(2-9-2005)
