Camping World Becomes New NASCAR Development Series Sponsor

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Camping World, America’s largest retailer of outdoor and RV accessories, today announced that it has become the title sponsor for NASCAR’s Development Series beginning in 2008. Title sponsorship of NASCAR’s long-standing Grand National Division, East and West Series, marks another major milestone in Camping World’s growing importance as a NASCAR sponsor.

“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”

Camping World’s brand presence has grown rapidly with extensive NASCAR Busch Series involvement including title sponsorship of three NASCAR Busch Series events in Daytona, New Hampshire and California. The company also has sponsorship relationships with Richard Childress Racing and Kevin Harvick, Inc. which includes primary sponsorship for NASCAR Busch Series entries as well as 19 races as primary sponsor for the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck champion Ron Hornaday Jr.

The newly named Camping World Series is the top level of NASCAR’s Developmental Series, featuring cars similar in design and appearance to those cars competing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the NASCAR Busch Series. The East Series features events in key markets 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 a far east as Iowa; where the two separate championships meet for a combined event in May. Both run at a challenging combination of short tracks, intermediates, road courses, and speedways, with a number of races held in combination with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events.

“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.”

“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, 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 has done a great job raising the level of awareness of their brand through their involvement with their NASCAR sponsorships,” Harvick said. “RVers 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."

“I think it’s great that Camping World is getting more involved in the sport,” Hornaday said. “For them to partner with NASCAR to form the Camping World Series is exciting news. Since I raced in the West series earlier in my career and have sponsorship from Camping World now at KHI, I think they will do great things for our sport. This is a great series that has produced some really good drivers over the years.”

About FreedomRoads & Camping World

FreedomRoads & Camping World is America’s largest RV and outdoor retailer serving a brisk and growing demand for the RV lifestyle. After having successfully co-located for several years at selected locations, FreedomRoads, a dynamic national network of well-established local and regional RV dealerships and Camping World, America’s largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of RV and outdoor camping accessories, service and RV sales, joined together to provide consumers with greater choice, convenience and value. Today, with revenues exceeding $1.7 billion, the company serves RV enthusiasts with more than 130 retail locations.

In addition to the sale, finance and service of recreational vehicles and specialty retail, FreedomRoads & Camping World also provides expanded products and services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle. This includes: the President's Club customer loyalty program; in-store Performance Centers featuring RV and Car Insurance and Roadside Assistance Service; Camping World RV Institute technical certification/training program; Goodwill Ambassador Program; and the new campground discount program, Camp Club USA.

For more information, visit us online at www.FreedomRoads.com or www.campingworld.com.