Sunoco Signs 10-Year Deal to Supply Fuel to NASCAR
BROOKLYN, Mich. (Aug. 15) -- Sunoco, the world's largest manufacturer of premium racing gasoline, will replace Union 76 as NASCAR's official fuel supplier, beginning in 2004.
NASCAR made the announcement Friday morning at Michigan International Speedway, the site of this week's Winston Cup Marketplace 400 and Busch Series Cabela's 250.
Under the 10-year agreement, Sunoco will provide fuel for NASCAR's three leagues -- the Nextel Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck series. Nextel replaces Winston Cup as the series title sponsor next year.
"Because our sport literally runs on gasoline, this partnership is one of the most important relationships for NASCAR," NASCAR president Mike Helton said. "Sunoco has a well-earned reputation for producing the highest-quality racing gasoline and for reliably distributing it to race tracks.
"In our NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series association with Sunoco, we have been impressed with Sunoco's people, products and passion for our sport. We are proud to welcome them as the official fuel of NASCAR."
Sunoco distributes gasoline to more than 400 race tracks in the United States and already has a relationship with NASCAR as the gasoline supplier to approximately 80 percent of the Dodge Weekly Series that competes at 75 tracks.
"Union 76 has been a trusted and valued partner for more than 40 years," Helton said. "We've enjoyed our long successful relationship and would like to thank 76 for their support and partnership in helping grow NASCAR through the years."
Due to a shift in the company's marketing strategy, Conoco Phillips decided not to renew the 76 fuel supplier contract, which expires at the end of this year.
08-15-03 10:38 ET