Related Links
Nationwide Insurance gears up for 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series
New sponsor aims to take series to the next level with fan-friendly initiatives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nationwide Contact:
Eric Hardgrove
614-677-8516
hardgre@nationwide.com
Charlotte, NC —Nationwide Insurance today unveiled key new initiatives that will be launched to enhance the experience of the NASCAR Nationwide Series for fans, drivers and teams.
“We know NASCAR fans are the most passionate and loyal in sports and we’re committed to taking the NASCAR Nationwide Series experience to the next level for them,” said John Aman, strategic sponsorship officer for Nationwide Insurance. “The NASCAR Nationwide Series gives fans an opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds – today's stars and the next generation of great NASCAR drivers.”
New initiatives include:
-
The Up to Speed Challenge, an exciting new “fantasy league” experience
in partnership with ESPN, not previously available for the
series.
- Nationwide Insurance will provide the largest sponsor contribution to the NASCAR Nationwide Series points fund in series history.
The Up to Speed Challenge
Nationwide Insurance will partner with ESPN to bring fans ‘Up to
Speed’ on the latest racing action. The Nationwide/ESPN Up to Speed
Challenge, is an exciting new online fantasy challenge that will keep
fans in the driver’s seat for all the latest NASCAR Nationwide Series
action.
In this season-long interactive contest, fans will be asked to pick the winning driver in a series of speed categories. The fan with the most points at the end of the season will win a $100,000 grand prize. Weekly winners may get some of the best seats at the track or autographed merchandise.
If fans think they have the smarts and the speed, they will be able to log onto ESPN.com to put their skills to test. If fans are really confident, then they’ll place a higher “insurance value” on a pick for a chance to earn additional points.
“This is the first time an interactive fantasy experience of this kind will be available for fans of this series,” said John Aman. “We hope this will bring the series to life in a whole new way as fans pit their racing knowledge against others across the country.”
Look for more information on how you can get ‘Up To Speed’ as we approach the NASCAR Nationwide Series Season. Additional details and complete official rules will be available at ESPN.com soon.
Points Fund Increase
Nationwide Insurance will provide the largest sponsor contribution
to the NASCAR Nationwide Series points fund in series history.
“We hope that this increased financial incentive will create a win-win for drivers and fans,” said Aman. “Drivers will have more to drive for and as the competition increases, so will the excitement for fans.”
This information was shared this morning at a breakfast hosted by Nationwide Insurance as part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Media Tour sponsored by Lowes Motor Speedway.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR),
which began in 1948, is the sanctioning body for one of America's premier
sports. NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport – holding 17 of the top 20
attended sporting events in the U.S. and the No. 2 rated regular-season
sport on television with broadcasts in more than 100 countries. NASCAR
fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more
Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport.
NASCAR consists of three major national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. NASCAR sanctions 1,300 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach (Fla.), NASCAR has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Charlotte (N.C.), Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Bentonville (Ark.), Mexico City, and Toronto.
About Nationwide Insurance
Nationwide Insurance, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest
diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world,
with more than $158 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks 104 on the
Fortune 100 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and
financial services, including auto, homeowners, life, farm, commercial
insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and
long-term savings plans. For more information, www.nationwide.com.
Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, On Your Side and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
