It was 10 years ago this September that Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in the western world and founded by Gene Haas – made its first start as a primary sponsor in the Sprint Cup Series at Kansas Speedway. The company’s name and red ‘H’ logos adorned the hood and quarter panels for the #60 Haas-CNC Racing machine for driver Jack Sprague, also owned by Haas. Fast forward to April 2012 and there’s no doubt the sponsor (Haas Automation) and the race team (then Haas-CNC Racing) have come a long way since that first Kansas outing. Today, founder Haas shares ownership of what is now known as Stewart-Haas Racing with three-time and reigning Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart. The merger, which took effect in 2009, has resulted in 16 Sprint Cup points paying wins, a Sprint All-Star race win and a Sprint Cup championship. And Haas ‘ company, Haas Automation, serves as one of multiple primary sponsors for Ryan Newman and the #39 Chevrolet, including Sunday’s STP 400. Newman’s #39 Chevy will also carry the Web site address, ‘BeRyansBoss.com’ on its TV panel this weekend to encourage fans to enter the ‘Quicken Loans You ‘re the Boss Sweepstakes.’. Fans can enter until April 30.(SHR)(4-20-2012)
