Crown Royal to end Roush, NASCAR sponsorships while Affliction expands 2011 sponsorship

Matt Kenseth and team owner Jack Roush in victory lane following Kenseth's win
at Dover in May. Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for Texas Motor Speedway

Concord, N.C. (June 28, 2011) -- Roush Fenway Racing has been informed that Crown Royal will not return as the primary sponsor of Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup team for the 2012 season.

“We are obviously disappointed with the news, but first we would like to thank Diageo and Crown Royal for a terrific partnership that has spanned almost a decade,” said Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark. “They have been a first-class partner all the way around. We look forward to finishing out the season with them on the No. 17 as Matt and the Crown Royal team continue to contend for another championship.

“It’s unfortunate that they will not be able to continue to be a part of our organization. Fortunately, our race programs are operating at a higher level than ever. The No. 17 is an attractive, championship-winning program with a storied history and Matt Kenseth an elite driver. We have already opened the door for discussions and are currently in the process of speaking with companies interested in taking over the program for next season and beyond.”

Meanwhile, Affliction Clothing, who debuted as a primary sponsor for Kenseth and the No. 17 team earlier this season, added two more races of primary sponsorship to the 2011 Sprint Cup Series schedule. Affliction will serve as the sponsor for the No. 17 for the Sprint Cup Series race weekends in July at Daytona International Speedway as well as the July 17th race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“It’s always great to bring a new sponsor to our team, but it’s even more thrilling to have them add more races to their sponsorship,” said Kenseth, driver of the No. 17 Affliction Clothing Live Fast Ford.  “We’re proud to have Affliction Clothing as part of our Roush Fenway organization and are looking forward to another pair of great races representing their brand.”

“We enjoyed Matt and the Roush Fenway team’s performance at both of our sponsored races and are looking forward to watching Matt race the No.17 Affliction Ford at Daytona” said Tom Atencio, Vice President of Entertainment and Sports Marketing for Affliction Clothing.

Kenseth has achieved two wins, five top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes this season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series within the first 16 races of the year, and is currently sixth in the driver point standings.

- Courtesy of Roush Fenway press releases
Crown Royal to end Roush, NASCAR sponsorships while Affliction expands 2011 sponsorship Crown Royal to end Roush, NASCAR sponsorships while Affliction expands 2011 sponsorship Reviewed by Admin on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 Rating: 5