NASCAR joins up with minority-owned vendors

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announced Thursday an expanded relationship with Atlanta International Consulting Group (AICG) as a promotional licensee.

NASCAR also announced a new vendor relationship with Padraic Major Photography. Both companies are minority-owned.

NASCAR promotional licensees are employed industry-wide to provide promotional products and services. NASCAR will also expand its current vendor relationship with AICG.

NASCAR will utilize AICG as the primary source for corporate holiday gifts and corporate gift packages. Padraic Major will provide photo support for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series.

"Today's announcements are the result of NASCAR's strong commitment to the diversity initiative on and off the track," said NASCAR CEO George Pyne, who serves with Earvin "Magic" Johnson as co-chair of NASCAR's Executive Steering Committee for Diversity.

NASCAR is a member of the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council and the National Supplier Development Council and is committed to actively identifying and providing opportunities in its industry to minority-owned businesses.

"We are excited to expand our vendor relationship with AICG because they offer a quality product," said Tish Sheets, NASCAR's director of diversity. "We are also excited to bring Padraic Major into the NASCAR vendor family; he will provide photo support for many of NASCAR's needs.

"NASCAR is committed to bringing minority-owned companies into the motorsports industry. We look forward to helping these businesses grow within the entire industry."

Atlanta International Consulting Group (AICG) is a certified African American-owned, fully integrated marketing and promotions agency whose roots are firmly planted in direct and promotional marketing. For nearly 20 years, they have provided clients with custom-branded merchandise to help businesses make their mark.

"Working with NASCAR has been very beneficial to our bottom line and in growing our business and I am excited about the opportunity our NASCAR licensee status will give us to partner with NASCAR, race teams and sponsors," said Clay Croom, managing director of AICG.

Major has been covering races at Talladega Superspeedway as a stringer for The Associated Press the past 10 years. His work also has been published in Street and Smith's Sports Annuals, NASCAR Scene and major sporting Web sites.

"I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience to NASCAR," Major said. "I have enjoyed watching as NASCAR expanded to new heights over the past 10 years and I look forward to being a part of the growth to come."