Rheem to sponsor Harvick for 3 Sprint Cup races

Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

Will serve as associate sponsor for balance of season with No. 29 team

WELCOME, N.C. (March 16, 2011) -- Richard Childress Racing and Rheem have reached an agreement for Rheem to become part of the partnership marketing program for RCR's No. 29 Chevrolet Impala NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team and driver Kevin Harvick.

Rheem will serve as the primary sponsor for at least three races during the 2011 season: June 26 at Infineon Raceway; September 4 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and November 6 at Texas Motor Speedway. Rheem will be an associate sponsor on the lower rear-quarter of the No. 29 Chevrolet Impala for the remaining races. The paint scheme and uniform will mimic the existing KHI No. 33 Rheem Tankless water heater scheme.

The relationship is an expansion of the existing program between Rheem and Kevin Harvick, Incorporated, which was established in 2008. Rheem was a major associate sponsor of RCR and the No. 29 team from 2007 to 2009.

"Our new partnership with RCR shows just how confident we are in our relationship with Richard, Kevin and the sport of NASCAR to help us effectively promote our innovative Rheem Tankless Water Heater product line. This partnership rests on an existing foundation of integrity and a history of performance that we share with the RCR organization and Kevin, so Rheem is pleased to once again have our brand on the No. 29 car, especially as a primary sponsor," said Rheem president and CEO, JR Jones. "In practical terms, this partnership gives Rheem a valuable opportunity to develop new business relationships as well as bring the messages of unequaled comfort, operating efficiencies, and energy saving benefits associated with Rheem Tankless water heaters to millions of fans. Our Tankless water heaters represent the best and most advanced that Rheem has to offer, so they're a natural fit for aligning with RCR and Kevin - among the most respected and progressive racing teams in the world."

The 2011 season marks Harvick's 11th year of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. The 2007 Daytona 500 champion has 14 wins and 156 top-10 finishes in 361 starts.

"RCR and Rheem first established a relationship five years ago, so it's great to have them back on the No. 29 Chevrolet in 2011 with this new partnership," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "Rheem's commitment to NASCAR and motorsports, as well as their customers and distributors, is second to none. We look forward to building on our successful relationship, both at the track and with Rheem's customers."

- Richard Childress Racing