Rick Ware Racing to run No. 54 at Bristol with sponsorship from Slayer; UPDATE Ware chose not to proceed with deal

UPDATE:  Rick Ware Racing says they did not move forward with the sponsorship due to concerns from the team’s other partners.

“Rick Ware Racing and Slayer announced a partnership for Bristol Motor Speedway several weeks ago. There were no contracts or monetary transactions between either parties. Unfortunately, Slayer’s brand image and beliefs, and Rick Ware Racing and our long-time partners’ image and beliefs do not align. As a team owner, we thought it would be best to forgo the partnership. RWR wishes nothing but the best to Slayer and their fans and wishes the band a successful Final World Tour.”

— Rick Ware Racing —

UPDATE: Looks like the “Slayer Chevrolet” will have to stay parked for now. Last week, the iconic thrash metal band announced they were partnering with Rick Ware Racing as the primary sponsor for the entry #54 in tomorrow’s race at the Bristol Motor Speedway, but in a statement this afternoon (Aug. 16) the band revealed they’ve been booted.

“Today, reportedly due to reactionary concerns from other long-time participating sponsors, Slayer has been pulled as the primary sponsor, and all Slayer signage has been removed from the car that was to be piloted by Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series veteran, JJ Yeley,” they wrote in a statement. “The incontrovertible PODS Moving & Storage will now sponsor that car. After nearly 40 years, Slayer apparently remains as terrifying to some as ever.”

Billboard

ORIGINAL POST – 8-19-2019: The iconic Thrash/Punk/Metal band, and Nuclear Blast Records recording artist, Slayer, will join Rick Ware Racing as the primary sponsor on the No. 54 entry at Bristol Motor Speedway, promoting the bands Final World Tour. Piloting the Slayer Chevrolet is Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series veteran, JJ Yeley.

Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California. After nearly 40 years together, the band is conducting one final world tour, The Final Campaign, The Last Leg, which takes place in several major US cities from November 2 – 30, 2019.54 Slayer

“It’s exciting and awesome that Rick and the boys are wearing the Slayer banner making us a part of NASCAR history!” commented Tom Araya from Slayer.

“NASCAR racing and Slayer have a lot in common”, said King. Both are extremely fast, intense and aggressive.  I can think of nothing more rad than seeing the Slayer logo on Rick’s car with JJ behind the wheel. I’m sure Disciples of everyone involved will be completely stoked on the bond between these two fierce entities!” commented Kerry King from Slayer

“I am super pumped to have the legendary metal band, Slayer, on my Rick Ware Racing No. 54 Chevrolet for one of the greatest races of the year, The Bristol night race! Being able to showcase the legacy that Slayer has created over the past 40 years is a true honor,” commented JJ Yeley.

For more information on Slayers final world tour, The Last Campaign, The Last Leg, visit their website at www.slayer.net.  For up-to-date information on Rick Ware Racing and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.WareRacing.com or follow along on social media; Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

— Rick Ware Racing —