Holiday Inn to sponsor Burton in Busch Series

ATLANTA -- Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts announced its Busch Series debut on Friday as the primary sponsor of the No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet and driver Jeff Burton. Their schedule will include 10 races this season, beginning May 5 at the Richmond International Raceway.

Jeff Burton will drive 10 Busch races in the Holiday Inn Chevy. Credit: Courtesy

"The Holiday Inn-Richard Childress Racing partnership brings together two dynamic, all-American brands that have each achieved iconic status within their industries," said Mark Snyder, senior vice president of brand management for Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts in the Americas. "Many Holiday Inn guests are already NASCAR fans who appreciate the sense of community NASCAR provides. We are thrilled to be working with Richard Childress Racing and Jeff Burton to bring the No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet to the starting line of an exciting NASCAR season."

Burton has been with Richard Childress Racing since 2004 and won his first Busch Series race in 1990 at the Martinsville Speedway. This year mark's Burton's 17th season in the Busch Series with 20 victories, 65 top-five and 109 top-10 finishes in 245 starts.

"Growing up, my brothers and I competed in the go-kart circuit in Virginia and we used to stay at Holiday Inn whenever we traveled," Burton said. "Now, as an adult 30 years later driving for Holiday Inn, it feels like I have come full circle."

RCR has earned more than 130 victories and nine NASCAR championships, including six in the Nextel Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. It was the first organization to win championships in the Cup Series, Busch Series and Truck Series.

"We are all looking forward to this season and can't wait for Richmond," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. "RCR has had very strong runs with Burton in the Busch Series so far this season, so we're looking for that to continue with the Holiday Inn Chevrolet. Hopefully we'll get a chance to wave one of those famous green-striped towels in victory lane."

The partnership with Holiday Inn and RCR extends well beyond the track. Fans will have numerous opportunities to "get behind the wheel" with Burton and the No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet and should visit www.holiday-inn.com regularly for the latest Holiday Inn Racing news. The site will include Burton's race schedule, racing recaps, a listing of Holiday Inn's show car appearances and information about Holiday Inn Racing promotions.