Mike Wallace said Friday at Kentucky Speedway that sponsor GEICO has indicated what it wants to do after next season, and it appears it wont be sponsoring Wallace. GEICO, an insurance company, is not allowed in the Nationwide Series in 2010 as part of a non-competing sponsor agreement with the series sponsor. Nationwide began sponsoring NASCARs #2 series this year. “We have an indication of what theyre going to do,” Wallace said of NASCAR. “Who really knows? Ill just leave it at that.” GEICO has been one of the most visible sponsors in the series, with its popular commercials featuring fictional Wallace relative Lauren Wallace. NASCAR has told GEICO it could remain as a team sponsor in the Sprint Cup or Craftsman Truck series, but Wallace indicated that didnt seem likely. “In my case, for me to continue to race in years to come, Ive got to go find another sponsor,” Wallace said.(SceneDaily.com)(6-14-2008)
NOTE: GEICO is allowed to stay in the Nationwide Series in 2009 if they remain with Wallace and Germain Racing. GEICO does have the option to move to another series at any point if they choose. The story at SceneDaily.com has been updated accordingly.(6-14-2008)
UPDATE: During an interview on ESPN2 Friday during Nationwide qualifying #7-Mike Wallace stated that his team was looking for a sponsor for next year. No word on what GECIO has decided to do.(9-5-2008)
UPDATE 2: Sirius Speedway has learned that GEICO Insurance will team with Italian road course expert Max Papis to run as many as 18 Sprint Cup Series races next season, in Toyotas fielded by Germain Motorsports. GEICO currently sponsors veteran Mike Wallace on the Nationwide Series, but cannot remain in NASCARs number two series beyond 2009, due to language in the sanctioning bodys contract with major sponsor, Nationwide. They can, however, move to either the Sprint Cup or Truck ranks. Wallace said recently that he is already looking for a new backer, adding, We have an indication of what (GEICO is) going to do, (and) for me to continue to race in years to come, Ive got to go find another sponsor.” A spokesperson for Germain Motorsports declined to comment earlier today.(Motorsports Soapbox)(9-10-2008)
