DeWalt will not renew sponsorship with Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth

By Jared Turner - SceneDaily Staff Writer
Thursday, July 23, 2009
DeWalt will not return as the primary sponsor next season for Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth. (David Griffin / NASCAR Scene)

DeWalt will not return as the primary sponsor for Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth in 2010.

David Griffin
NASCAR Scene

DeWalt announced Thursday that it will not renew its agreement with Roush Fenway Racing to sponsor driver Matt Kenseth next season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

The manufacturer of industrial power tools, which has been with Kenseth since his rookie year of 2000, cites an unprecedented decline in the construction industry as its reason for not renewing the sponsorship. During a conference call Thursday, officials said that the company would not have ties to any NASCAR team or track next season.

“We would like to thank DeWalt for serving as a great partner for the past 10 years," Roush Fenway President Geoff Smith said in statement. "During that time we have seen great success for both their company and marketing program, as well as with Matt on the race track. They will always be remembered and honored as the sponsor of [team co-owner] Jack Roush's first Sprint Cup championship team.

"Despite this success - in the face of the significant world-wide economic decline in the construction industry - DeWalt's decision to not return is not a great surprise to us. Fortunately, we have several great companies interested in taking over, and we expect to begin finalizing those sponsorship arrangements in the very near future.

DeWalt has been a sponsor on Kenseth’s car for each of his 18 Cup wins, including this year’s Daytona 500.

"We have been proud to have Matt Kenseth, [Roush Fenway general manager] Robbie Reiser, Jack Roush and the entire No. 17 DeWalt Racing team at Roush Fenway Racing represent DeWalt in front of millions of NASCAR faithful,” Les Ireland, president of the North American Power Tools and Accessories Group for DeWalt, said in a news release.

“During our sponsorship, Matt and the crew won the 2000 rookie-of-the-year award, two world pit crew championships, the 2003 series championship and have qualified for the Chase For The [Sprint] Cup for every year since its inception. ... Matt's style, personality and success have been an outstanding fit with our brand. Having a presence at the track has provided a great experience for power tool users, our distribution partners, our employees and NASCAR fans."

Kenseth is currently 12th in the Cup standings, with two wins this season.

"Our decision to discontinue the sponsorship, while a difficult one, will help us to continue delivering value to our customers and end users, while managing our financial results,” Ireland said in the statement. “We remain committed to the team for the 2009 season, and will have an ongoing presence in the sport as DeWalt tools will continue to be used to build and maintain racecars and equipment.

“We would like to thank DeWalt racing fans for their loyal support over the years and we also thank Matt, and the entire Roush Fenway Racing organization for their efforts and outstanding results, and wish them continued success."
 

Comments

72 responses to "DeWalt will not renew sponsorship with Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    songerofthesouth said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 12:56 PM

    Unfortunate, but I guess not completely a surprise given the economic situation right now. I certainly hope that they can get that sponsoehip thing squared away soon as it can be a distraction for the team.

  2. 2
    jms1868 said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 2:45 PM

    I hate it for Matt, but those Jerks over at Roush deserve it. They are the most arrogant bunch of people I have ever been around. Because of their attitudes there, I would not buy a single item from any of their sponsors. I guess I can Buy Dewalt tools now.

  3. 3
    DickHURTZ said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 3:21 PM

    Matt Kensent - DeWalt Tools - TWO CLASS ACTS!

  4. 4
    SheilaLovesNASCAR said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 3:28 PM

    Wow! Dewalt has been with Matt since his Busch days. It'll be strange not to see them on Matt's car.

  5. 5
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 3:30 PM

    Jack is going to miss that 20 plus million a year.

  6. 6
    lilmofishin said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 3:33 PM

    Dewalt doesnt make the best tools anyway.

  7. 7
    ktgrosch said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    Ouch, that's gonna leave a mark...about $20 mil.

  8. 8
    aaamt2003 said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 4:07 PM

    Hey #5, do you ever have anything nice to say?

  9. 9
    blazer190596 said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 4:12 PM

    Dewalt has been a faithful & loyal sponsor for Matt and NASCAR. I began using Dewalt tools because of their spsonsorship.
    Thank you Dewalt.
    I hope your sales make a swift recovery!

  10. 10
    Andi said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 4:34 PM

    Man...seeing Matty in anything other then the Dewalt Ford is gonna be weird and gonna take time to get used to. Hope they are able to find a sponsor or sponsors soon.

  11. 11
    jbbigrod said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 4:37 PM

    The 20 million won't make any difference at all as long as someone else jumps in and sponsors him. Other than putting new decals and maybe colors on existing cars, that is.

  12. 12
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 5:08 PM

    And if you think its only decals, you don't have a clue. Team Uniforms, Fire suits, 53' haulers, 2 of them. Merchandise. letterhead. You name it. It cost hundreds of thousands when a sponsor leaves.

  13. 13
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 5:13 PM

    By the way 20 million is a lot. When greedy Jack tried to get an extra 2 million out of Office Depot they walked and went to SHR.

  14. 14
    bud724 said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 5:23 PM

    you loose some and you win some looks like mat is a winner to me.

  15. 15
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 5:28 PM

    Tell that to Jack when he tried to get an extra 2 million out of Office Depot and they walked down the street to SHR.

  16. 16
    GM3Amp88 said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 5:31 PM

    Maybe he will use UPS when he boots Ragen

  17. 17
    ctjeepinguy said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 5:45 PM

    Well I have several of Matts cars and will get the new ones next year!

  18. 18
    old1950man said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 6:22 PM

    Matt without Dewalt,Going to take getting used to.imo

  19. 19
    Kadach said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 7:14 PM

    Sorry to see Matt and DeWalt part ways, it is surprising that with the bad state of the economy currently, that we haven't seen more sponsors bailing out... The teams better keep their fingers crossed, both Lowes and Home Depot are having a tough time now too.

  20. 20
    keith308 said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 7:30 PM

    motorsportsphotography
    You are full of it!

  21. 21
    nascarnutsheeler said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 7:44 PM

    Not all of us feel the way you do motorsports. Jack, in my books is an OK guy. I'm waiting to buy a Roush pick up.Thats how much I respect Jack Roush.

  22. 22
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:00 PM

    #16, You are full of it. You are just a loser.

  23. 23
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    Jack is a cry baby. He is so upset that his Fords arent winning and Toyota is in the sport. He is nothing but a whiner.

  24. 24
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:02 PM

    #17, Its shows you know nothing because the only thing you can comment on is me all the time.

  25. 25
    Phoenix987 said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:19 PM

    Can we go just one article without people fighting about nonsense? The topic is DeWalt, a major sponsor in NASCAR, cutting its ties to a driver it's been with for their entire career. If you want to bicker like a bunch of teenage girls, please go somewhere else.

    DeWalt leaving is a blow to RFR no matter how you look at it. They now have to fill a void that's many times harder than it was just 2 years ago, much less the 10+ years ago that deal was originally inked. I would like to think that Roush has a plan to replace DeWalt already, so that he doesn't have to shove Matt off later this year to Yates because there's no sponsorship. Plus, if Ragan is the one dropped from RFR (which I don't see happening, as he is 'the future' of that team) I don't see UPS re-signing to sponsor Matt Kenseth. One, it will likely cost more, and two, Kenseth isn't exactly the "UPS" type of person.

  26. 26
    jerryswiatek said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:21 PM

    Motorsportsphotography, Paleese, there are some newcomers to Nascar that will think you know what the h*#l you are talkin about.

  27. 27
    dale88fan said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    MSP make good points most of the time. These other people on here like to fight with him because they are jerks. They need to go away.

  28. 28
    dale88fan said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:40 PM

    Who cares. Kenseth stinks.

  29. 29
    racinghcr said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:47 PM

    Isn't' it ironic an idiot like this motorsportsphoto nerd is making untrue claims and stupid name -calling against real class acts like Matt Kenesth and Jack Roush?? Open mouth insert foot again motophoto nerd. Everyone on this site laughs at your whinning,stupid BS !! Give all a break and crawl back in your hole! Good luck Matt and the whole Roush/Fenway # 17 FORD FUSION TEAM--a new sponsor will be along soon,and you guys will continue your winning ways in an AMERICAN OWNED CAR and TEAM!!

  30. 30
    dale88fan said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:49 PM

    MSP is at least right in everything he says

  31. 31
    racinghcr said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    Jack Roush put himself through College and earned several Engineering Degrees. His love for racing and his strong work ethic made him a huge success in EVERY form of Motorsports he competed in-from NHRA Pro-stock Championships,to numerous TRANS-AM,IMSA,SCCA,Nascar Nationwide,Truck,and Sprint Cup Titles this self-made AMERICAN is a TRUE AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY ,and more Importantly a REAL AMERICAN--what has your sorry,whining ass accomplished motophoto nerd????

  32. 32
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 8:59 PM

    #25, Your another idiot who thinks he knows something. I have never made any untrue claims. Go back and crawl in bed with your mommy.

  33. 33
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 9:00 PM

    #25, To bad Fusions are American Made you idiot

  34. 34
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    #25, To bad Fusions are American Made you idiot

  35. 35
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    #25, To bad Fusions are American Made you idiot

  36. 36
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    #25 Didnt your idiot mommy make you dinner tonight. poor baby.

  37. 37
    motorsportsphotography said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 9:03 PM

    #25, All Toyota teams are American owned and Toyota's are American made.

  38. 38
    jarautoracing said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Set them straight MSP. All they do is talk garbage on here. Toyotas are American Made racinghcr. Keep putting you foot in your mouth.

  39. 39
    zebsdad said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    Hey there MSP. You have way too much time to spend at your computer. Make a bunch of people happy and shut your yap. By the way, Ford is an American name. Some if not all Fusions are assembled in Mexico. At least the profits don't go to JAPAN.

  40. 40
    Official_DEWALT_Racing said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 11:45 PM

    Hey everyone,

    As many of you have heard by now, we will not be renewing our NASCAR sponsorship with Matt Kenseth at the end of this year. It was difficult for us, and especially difficult for me as manager of the DEWALT racing program, to end our 12-year partnership. We’ve been extremely proud to have Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing represent DEWALT in front of millions of NASCAR faithful.

    We are honoring the remainder of our sponsorship commitment through the end of 2009 and will continue to cheer passionately for Matt throughout the remainder of his Hall of Fame career. He’s a great champion and will always be a part of the DEWALT family. I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank DEWALT racing fans for their loyal support.

    Jon Howland

  41. 41
    Official_DEWALT_Racing said:
    Jul 23, 2009 at 11:45 PM

    Hey everyone,

    As many of you have heard by now, we will not be renewing our NASCAR sponsorship with Matt Kenseth at the end of this year. It was difficult for us, and especially difficult for me as manager of the DEWALT racing program, to end our 12-year partnership. We’ve been extremely proud to have Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing represent DEWALT in front of millions of NASCAR faithful.

    We are honoring the remainder of our sponsorship commitment through the end of 2009 and will continue to cheer passionately for Matt throughout the remainder of his Hall of Fame career. He’s a great champion and will always be a part of the DEWALT family. I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank DEWALT racing fans for their loyal support.

    Jon Howland

  42. 42
    GeorgeThompson said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 12:47 AM

    I would have to agree with MSP on this One. Jack is not very well liked in the NASCAR community. They actually changed the point system when Matt won it in 2003. Jack is a whiner and a greedy individual. NASCAR never did like him and they don't want him to win Championships. Ill be very surprised to see how much longer Matt will stay with him.

  43. 43
    GeorgeThompson said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 12:49 AM

    I would have to agree with MSP on this One. Jack is not very well liked in the NASCAR community. They actually changed the point system when Matt won it in 2003. Jack is a whiner and a greedy individual. NASCAR never did like him and they don't want him to win Championships. Ill be very surprised to see how much longer Matt will stay with him.

  44. 44
    GeorgeThompson said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 12:52 AM

    Plus you have to wonder why Jack only has 2 championships in 20 years. Mark could have won a championship but NASCAR took points away from him which cost him.

  45. 45
    ipopakeg43293388 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 5:25 AM

    I know one thing,you can never count him out of a race! If he's in it,you have to keep an eye on him! He can and doe's come out of nowhere when you least expect it! I think he's a class act!

  46. 46
    ipopakeg43293388 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 5:31 AM

    If Mark Martin has a great car sunday,then you can watch a master at work! No one will be able to stop him! With a great car and his savy and racing experince,he'll run of front,then win it all! I myself would love to see it!

  47. 47
    bluejay1flying said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 6:36 AM

    Matt know matter who sponsors you I will still
    whatch you. You are always my ## one driver
    behind the wheel. You try every race the best as anyone else remember no one is perfect. From
    start to finish is the race who wins at the end. GOOD LUCK at the BRICK YARD!!!!!!

  48. 48
    SS396Chevelle said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 7:58 AM

    Toyota is as American as apple pie. During the gas crunch when gas sold for over $4.00 a gallon Toyota allowed it's dealers to sell the Prius for up to $10,000 higher then the sticker price. Nothing like taking advantage of a situation.

  49. 49
    SS396Chevelle said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 8:11 AM

    I am well aware that American car companies allowed cars to be sold for more then the sticker price, but those cars were sport cars not fuel mileage cars. What Toyota allowed is no worse then the what the oil companies did. Don't tell me they are independent dealers as Toyota can shut down any dealer the same way GM, Chrysler, and Ford can.

  50. 50
    lilmofishin said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    Chevy sells its junk for 10,000. more than they are worth everyday. Thats why Camry has been the #1 car for 9 years in a row. Chevy is one of the worst built cars says Car and Driver.

  51. 51
    lilmofishin said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 9:11 AM

    Chevy sells it junk for ten thousand over cost everyday of the week. Camry, Best selling Car, 9 Years and still going.

  52. 52
    knchevy41 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    Shut up 39! Chevy is better than Toyota which is a little better than Dodge, which trumps Ford by a landslide! What now!!!!!!!

  53. 53
    knchevy41 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 9:47 AM

    #41 Chevy Whooooooooo! No there aint one yet, but there will be when Stewart gets that # from Mayfield for his 3rd SHR team!

  54. 54
    gwen_susie388 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    Maybe Matt will get a good sponsor. It takes all these different types of cars to make the race interesting. If they were all Chevy's or all just Toyota's or whatever, what would the fun in that be? No fun, that's what it would be!

  55. 55
    hallen said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 11:36 AM

    When we first started watching racing and knew nothing about it, we chose Matt as our driver because we used and loved Dewalt tools- while we'll continue to love and use our DeWalt tools, our faith and love of Matt as our driver will continue to make him #1 in our books no matter who his sponsor is! Keep up the good work Matt!

  56. 56
    jbbigrod said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 12:27 PM

    I agree with number 33. As far as MSP goes, that is just his style. He likes to make waves regardless. Most of the time it has nothing to do with what the article is really about. Just wants to rile people up. - - - Jack is one of the best racers/builders/ owners ever to come to NASCAR. Nascar hated him because he didn't have Chevies and they were worried that Ford just might keep winning, so kept changing the rules so he couldn't, or at least hoped he couldn't. - - - But Jack will prevail in the end. WHO won the MOST Cup races last year? Watch next year. - - - IF Ford wasn't racing in NASCAR I wouldn't watch NASCAR, period. Look how bad truck racing has become. Used to be good, and exciting. Not anymore.

  57. 57
    KenL88 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 1:17 PM

    Well I see the usual nasties are going on in here. Good luck to Matt. He's in a Ford as long as Roush don't switch to Toy cars he will be ok.

  58. 58
    Meg said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 2:12 PM

    Maybe Roush could get AIG to sponsor the #17 ! Lots of posters here are sure jealous of MSP.. I just don't get it.

  59. 59
    lilmofishin said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 2:43 PM

    peeweejbbigrod. Edwards only had 9 wins and Busch had 8. But Edwards was caught cheating on 2 of them Just like Roush. Leaving the oil cooler lid off so the car would get more downforce.

  60. 60
    ipopakeg43293388 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 3:59 PM

    # 45 nut meg,You don't get anything! Stop kissing up! I can't remember the last time you had a idea of your own! Hey,how's that yard sale coming along? lol! Sold that condo yet?

  61. 61
    ipopakeg43293388 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 4:00 PM

    I told you this is Nascar,not a yard sale! LOl!

  62. 62
    ipopakeg43293388 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 4:01 PM

    # 47 that was for meg!

  63. 63
    ipopakeg43293388 said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 4:11 PM

    # 45 stop kissing up and stand on you own two feet!

  64. 64
    Anonymous said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 6:09 PM

    Damn board !

  65. 65
    Anonymous said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 6:13 PM

    Kegboy …I don’t know what your problem is, but unless you have something intelligent to say, then why don’t you shut that pie hole?

  66. 66
    Anonymous said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 6:17 PM

    MYOB Kegboy !!

  67. 67
    SS396Chevelle said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 7:52 PM

    #46 Only won 9 races??? What world are you living in? Carl had a great year, while the car which one 8 races fell apart as usual.

  68. 68
    SS396Chevelle said:
    Jul 24, 2009 at 7:55 PM

    Meg is MSP's sister

  69. 69
    ipopakeg43293388 said:
    Jul 25, 2009 at 7:34 AM

    NOW IT ALL FALL'S INTO PLACE! SHEILSLOVESNASCAR IS HIS COUSIN!

  70. 70
    Anonymous said:
    Jul 25, 2009 at 9:28 AM

    And your relatives are Beavis & Butthead ! * G *

  71. 71
    Anonymous said:
    Jul 25, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    SS396 Chevelle's relatives are Beavis & Butthead !

  72. 72
    Werner said:
    Jul 25, 2009 at 12:24 PM

    well no wonder many items were on sale at Matt's Museum in Cambridge..

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