NASCAR unveils new logo for Nationwide Series

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR and Nationwide Insurance on Thursday unveiled the logo for the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

The introduction of the new logo is the latest step for the series' transition to Nationwide as its title sponsor, after 26 years of sponsorship by Anheuser-Busch's Busch brand. NASCAR and Nationwide announced a seven-year partnership agreement on Oct. 3, which also made the insurance company the official auto, home and life insurance provider of NASCAR (read more).

The logo was designed by St. Louis, Mo.-based Jump Co., following collaboration between NASCAR and Nationwide (watch video).

"The logo is simple yet extremely effective in delivering a completely new look to the branding of the series," said Steve Phelps, NASCAR's chief marketing officer. "It's good to be able to place a 'face' to a name now."

"Nationwide is pleased to be able share the new NASCAR Nationwide Series logo today," said James Lyski, chief marketing officer for Nationwide. "Over the next several years, Nationwide intends to make this series the finest entertainment experience in racing."

The quest for the inaugural NASCAR Nationwide Series championship will begin on Feb. 16, 2008, at Daytona International Speedway. The series, which features 35 races at 26 tracks located in 20 states and two countries -- Canada and Mexico -- is exclusively broadcast on ESPN2 and ABC.