HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Dollar General announce today an expanded partnership with a multi-year agreement for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and beyond. In addition, JGR announces the contract extension of driver Matt Kenseth that will keep him behind the wheel of the No. 20 Dollar General Toyota.
Dollar General, based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, will increase its sponsorship to 30 races with Matt Kenseth and the No. 20 team, up from 27 in 2014 and 17 in 2013. One of the top contenders within the Sprint Cup Series, Kenseth is currently fourth the 2014 point standings with five top-five, 10 top-10 finishes and one pole award through the first 16 races. In 2013, his first year driving for JGR and Dollar General, Kenseth celebrated seven wins, marking both a Series and career-best season.
“I’m incredibly fortunate to drive for Dollar General. They have great enthusiasm for our sport, and as a driver, it’s great to have such a supportive sponsor behind you,” said Matt Kenseth. “When you meet the people behind the organization, it is easy to see why they have had so much success in recent years. I’m looking forward to continuing our partnership together for many years to come.”
With this agreement adding additional races in which Matt Kenseth will drive the No. 20 Dollar General Toyota Camry in 2015 and beyond, the major discount retailer looks to continue its consumer activation by driving sales and customer loyalty.
“Dollar General is excited to build on its successful partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing and sponsor more races with Matt Kenseth and the No. 20 team,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “NASCAR has the most brand-loyal fans in sports and many of our customers are passionate about NASCAR. Our racing sponsorship has proven to be a very effective way to connect with our customers and build our brand.
“Having the talent and passion in a driver like Matt, and the way he represents our brand, is a dream come true for a sponsor,” Dreiling continued. “The excitement and professionalism that Matt brings to the sport is exceptional and he has proven to be one of the sport's most consistent performers.”
Dollar General’s increased sponsorship will also give the major retailer the opportunity to showcase its brand for the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. Kenseth is a two-time Daytona 500 Champion and one of only 10 drivers who have won the prestigious event more than once.
“Extending my deal with JGR is exciting and I’m still hoping we can match our win total from last year, but it’s really been a special year-and-a-half together,” Kenseth added. “Joe and J.D. have been fantastic and show a commitment to providing all of us with the resources needed for a winning organization and I’ve been blessed with a great team led by Jason (Ratcliff). The support we get from TRD has been tremendous and I’m excited for the future here with the No. 20 Dollar General team.”
“This is a big day for everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing, “Matt has obviously had a big impact across our entire organization and our partnership with Dollar General has been fantastic. It’s exciting to be able to announce both extensions that will keep this team together for years to come.”
