Texaco/Havoline to vacate Montoya's No. 42 at season's end
Chip Ganassi Racing will need to replace Texaco/Havoline as a partial primary sponsor of its No. 42 car driven by Juan Pablo Montoya as Texaco parent company Chevron announced today that it would no longer be involved in NASCAR after more than 20 years in the sport.
The No. 42 sponsorship has been split evenly this past year between Texaco and Wrigley’s.
"We are pleased to have represented Texaco and Havoline over the past five years," team owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement. "Despite the success of our partnership, we understand that priorities change and wish Chevron the best in implementing its new marketing initiatives."
Texaco was a sponsor of Yates Racing from 1987 to 2002 before going to Chip Ganassi Racing in 2003. Among the drivers for the company have been Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan, Kenny Irwin Jr., Ricky Rudd, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears and Montoya.
Chevron will pursue new marketing strategies in support of the Texaco and Havoline brands with a focus on increased awareness through local and regional marketing programs, according to a news release.
"We're proud of our 20-year history with NASCAR," said Shariq Yosufzai, president of Chevron Global Marketing. "It has served our Texaco and Havoline brands well. We value the partnership and professionalism of our NASCAR teams and the support that our loyal NASCAR fans have provided over the years.
"NASCAR has been a first-class experience for us, due in large part to Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.”
