Camping World named developmental sponsor

DAYTONA, Fla. -- Camping World, the country's largest RV and outdoor retailer, will become the title sponsor for NASCAR's top developmental series -- the long-standing Grand National Division, East and West Series. (2008 Series Schedules)

As the new title sponsor, Camping World looks to continue the tradition of developing talented young drivers that aspire to go on and excel in the highest levels of NASCAR racing. Recent enhancements to the series included a schedule with an expanded geographic reach, new competition and cost-containment initiatives such as the new "spec engine" and composite body, and a lowered age-limit to 16 for drivers.

Through the years the series has helped launch the careers of Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr. and David Gilliland, along with two-time championship crew chief Greg Zipadelli.

"NASCAR's developmental series are critical to the future of the sport and Camping World's participation and commitment is a key to the success of every short track competitor and operator," said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. "Camping World is the right sponsor at the right time, providing a national banner over our important developmental tours and the NASCAR stars of tomorrow."

The Camping World Series features cars similar in design and appearance to those cars competing in the Nationwide Series. The East Series races in in the northeast, along the Atlantic seaboard, and as far west as Iowa. The West Series features events along the Pacific coast, and several western states, reaching as far east as Iowa, where the two separate series meet for a combined event in May. Both series run at a combination of short tracks, intermediates, road courses and speedways, with a number of races held in combination with Sprint Cup Series events.

"NASCAR's developmental series has a rich history of drivers, race tracks and fans and we are pleased with our new role as the series sponsor during its re-launch," said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World. "We intend to use our resources to promote and support these type of family activities in which our products are used. We were attracted to this opportunity in order to help establish an affordable venue for both the spectator family and the competitor."

Camping World currently has a primary sponsorship relationship with Kevin Harvick Inc. in the Nationwide Series, as well as 19 races as primary sponsor for the 2007 Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr., a former West Series runner-up.

"Camping World has done a great job raising the level of awareness of their brand through their involvement with their NASCAR sponsorships," Harvick said. "Fans in RVs travel hundreds of thousands of miles each year to attend races all over the country and they are certainly passionate about the sport of racing. I think it's a natural fit."

In addition, Camping World has a primary Nationwide Series sponsorship relationship with Richard Childress Racing, and race sponsorship with three series events (Daytona, New Hampshire and California).