Holiday Inn signs multi-year extension with RCR

WELCOME, N.C. -- Holiday Inn has exercised the option in its current contract with Richard Childress Racing by signing a multi-year contract extension as the Official Hotel of RCR and the primary sponsor of RCR's No. 29 Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series with co-drivers Scott Wimmer and Jeff Burton.

At the same time, Wimmer has reached agreement with RCR on a contract extension with the 10-time NASCAR championship-winning organization.

The 2008 season will once again feature Wimmer and Burton as co-pilots of the No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet, with Wimmer behind the wheel for 23 races and Burton the remainder of the 35-race schedule. Wimmer will also run a limited schedule of NASCAR Cup Series events next season.

"It's great to be continuing our relationship with Holiday Inn and, at the same time, keeping Scott and Jeff together behind the wheel," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "Holiday Inn has done a tremendous job with its entire program and we hope we can cap off all their efforts by winning the owners' championship."

In 2008, sponsorship of the No. 29 Chevrolet expands to include Holiday Inn Express. The move provides the opportunity to engage guests of both hotel brands who, according to research, are equally passionate about racing.

In Holiday Inn's first full season as primary sponsor of RCR's No. 29 Chevy, Burton and Wimmer have combined for one pole, four wins, 15 top-five and 23 top-10 finishes. On the strength of the potent duo's collective efforts, the team currently leads the 2007 Busch Series owner's points standings.

"It is exciting to have Holiday Inn extend their involvement with RCR," Wimmer said. "It's an honor to drive for such a great sponsor and have its continued support. I decided to renew my contract with Richard [Childress] because of the quality equipment, great sponsors and the talent of the drivers within RCR's organization. I am honored to continue driving for him and building on the success we had this year."

This year marks Burton's 18th season in the Busch Series with 26 victories, 11 pole positions, 83 top-five and 134 top-10 finishes in 278 starts.

"It means a great deal to have Holiday Inn back on board with us and to be sharing the season with Scott again," Burton said. "Holiday Inn is a tremendous sponsor and I am thrilled to represent their brand. I have a lot of respect for Scott Wimmer. We have very similar driving characteristics and have worked really well together this year. I am looking forward to sharing the seat again next year."

In addition to the No. 29 Holiday Inn program, RCR announced Oct. 23 that BB&T has agreed to a multi-year contract extension for the No. 2 team and Clint Bowyer's full-season assault on the series championship. The search continues for sponsorship of its two-time championship-winning No. 21 team with current sponsor AutoZone's departure at the end of the season.