NASCAR is receiving high interest in the entitlement sponsorship of its Nationwide Series including several familiar companies already involved in the sport.
Nationwide Insurance Co., which is in its sixth season sponsoring NASCAR's No. 2 series, announced in September that next season will be its last in that role. The company is expanding its presence in NASCAR and will sponsor a car in the premier Sprint Cup Series.
Subway, KFC and Dunkin' Donuts were all companies involved the last time the series sponsorship became open, several sources confirmed to The Observer.
In addition to companies that previously expressed interest, others involved include existing NASCAR sponsorship "partners;" as well new brands in specific categories that cater to NASCAR's target demographics, such as an auto parts chains, quality service restaurants and technology and innovation companies, sources said.
"The NASCAR Nationwide Series is one of the smartest and most effective spends in all of sports,” NASCAR chief sales officer's Jim O'Connell, said in a statement provided to The Observer.
"We expect there to be very strong interest in this entitlement position and are highly confident a great replacement will be found."
NASCAR officials hope to have an announcement made of the new series sponsor sometime next year.
