Shell-Pennzoil's large logos on 29 irk Sunoco

FONTANA, Calif. -- Kevin Harvick walked through the garage area at California Speedway on Friday with a huge Shell logo atop his head, and he made it clear that he intended to stay out of a minor flap involving his sponsor.

After Harvick won the Daytona 500 last Sunday, Sunoco complained to NASCAR that the Shell-Pennzoil logo on Harvick's helmet and firesuit were too large. NASCAR said that the sanctioning body has had discussions with Richard Childress Racing to ensure that the No. 29 team's helmet and uniform are compliant with NASCAR's policy as it pertains to the promotion of fuel other than the official supplier.

"As it pertains to its official fuel supplier, NASCAR has had a long-standing policy of only allowing lubricant sponsorships for its race teams," NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. "With that in mind, in regards to the No. 29 team, NASCAR was just ensuring that policy was being complied with and we're confident that those steps are being taken."

Harvick's No. 29 Chevrolet arrived at California Speedway with a similar paint scheme as it did in Daytona, with Pennzoil -- a Shell brand -- playing a prominent role on the hood. His helmet at Daytona featured a large Shell-Pennzoil logo above his visor.

"I don't know anything about any of that," Harvick said. "I think it is problem blown out of proportion more than anything else. I don't really know anything about it, so that is all I can say."

Sunoco is the exclusive fuel supplier of NASCAR and provides fuel for all three national series at no cost to the teams. Sunoco signed on as NASCAR's official fuel before the start of the 2004 season and because of Sunoco's position in that capacity, teams are forbidden to sign new contracts with related fuel companies as primary sponsors. However, new fuel-related sponsors can sign if they pledge to promote related products, like lubricants.

"Every team in the garage has long known NASCAR's guidelines regarding the promotion of fuel other than that of the official supplier," said Ramsey Poston, NASCAR's managing director of corporate communications. "NASCAR is confident RCR is making adjustments to comply with our policy related to the official fuel supplier."

Shell-Pennzoil was allowed to adorn the hood of the No. 29 because it is focusing on the company's non-gasoline brands. RCR signed Shell-Pennzoil to replace longtime primary sponsor GM Goodwrench, which scaled back its funding after 2006.

"NASCAR fully supports Sunoco and its right to exclusively promote fuel in association with NASCAR," Poston said. "NASCAR applauds Sunoco for it's all around professionalism in this matter and the contributions it has made to the sport including its efforts to help the industry convert to unleaded fuel one year ahead of schedule."