After six seasons with the United States Marine Corps serving as the lead marketing partner for the #25 Team Rensi Motorsports Ford Fusion, the organization will begin a sponsorship search for the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series season. The longtime Busch Series team was notified of the Marine Corps decision this past week. The Marine Corps stated: The Marine Corps has decided to reduce it’s investment in motorsports and does not plan to return to the NASCAR Busch Series as the primary advertiser of the #25 car next season.”(Team Rensi PR)(8-7-2006)
UPDATE: [Rensi Co-owner Gary] Weisbaum didn’t know where the Marines would be headed but said the service had filed a request for proposal for either a part-time Nextel Cup program or a Busch program. Team Rensi Vice President Ronnie Russell said the team would market Ashton Lewis Jr. and the #25 as a package to potential sponsors but added that the team is open to other drivers and sponsor combinations if necessary. Russell said the team wants to field three cars next year if sponsorship can be found. One of those cars could be the #90 as part of the alliance with Robert Yates Racing. The contract of Regan Smith is set to be signed before the race at Watkins Glen, Russell said. McDonald’s has already re-signed to sponsor that team.(NASCAR Scene)(8-10-2006)
