WELCOME, N.C. (June 26, 2014) - Richard Childress Racing and Caterpillar Inc. announced today the renewal of their overall partnership and sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series No. 31 Chevrolet team.
"I am very pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with Caterpillar and the No. 31 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series," said Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "I am very fortunate to have met and interacted with so many Cat dealers, customers and equipment operators through the past six years. I am proud to be associated with Caterpillar. As much as they love racing and our passion for it, I also share their love of Cat equipment by using it at my property.
"I am also thrilled to have Ryan Newman behind the wheel of the Caterpillar Chevy, knowing we have a chance to win just about any race in which he competes. Ryan has proven himself to be a world-class driver who can also relate to Caterpillar's dealers and customers with his Indiana roots and down-home demeanor."
The partnership between RCR and Caterpillar began in 2009 and has become a model for the activation with Caterpillar's dealers and customers throughout the NASCAR schedule. For the 2014 season, Newman took over driving duties of the Caterpillar Chevrolet SS. The Indiana native and Purdue University graduate has 456 career starts in the Sprint Cup Series with 17 wins, 93 top-five and 189 top-10 finishes. Nicknamed the "Rocket Man," Newman also has earned a staggering 51 pole awards and qualified for the "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup" five times during his career.
"Cat dealers have been building relationships with customers at NASCAR events for more than 20 years.This contract renewal reaffirms our confidence in Richard Childress Racing and their commitment to excellence," said Pablo Koziner, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Americas Distribution Services Division. "We are also excited to have Ryan Newman piloting the No. 31 car. Caterpillar is proud to have both Richard and Ryan representing the Caterpillar brand in the sport of NASCAR."
The world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives began as a sponsor in NASCAR in 1993. Caterpillar was a team sponsor in the NASCAR Nationwide Series from 1995 to 1996 before moving to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 1997. Its relationship with RCR began in 2009, where it remains as one of the most prominent brands competing in the elite division.
