UPS: We have not entered formal negotiations with any team

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Tuesday, May 06, 2008

UPS officials released a statement Monday saying the company is not currently in negotiations with any specific Sprint Cup team or driver.
 
UPS currently sponsors Michael Waltrip Racing and the No. 44 Toyota driven by David Reutimann. MWR Vice President Cal Wells has said that UPS has had preliminary discussions with six teams about what cars and drivers they would have open for 2009 and "UPS is doing exactly what they should be doing. We either earn the business back or we won’t."

But to say that UPS has started negotiations with any team is not accurate, according to a company official.

“As of this date, UPS is not engaged in formal active sponsorship negotiations with any NASCAR Sprint Cup driver or race team,” read the statement, attributed to UPS Director of Sponsorship & Events Ron Rogowski.
 
“As a proactive and responsible corporation, we have an obligation to maintain an ongoing process of measurement and evaluation of all sponsorships. We have an ongoing interest in understanding available opportunities, but that itself does not imply any change in current commitments.”

With Dale Jarrett's retirement this year, UPS is looking for another face for a long-term campaign. One of the drivers often mentioned is Carl Edwards, who right now is sponsored by Office Depot. Roush Fenway Racing and Office Depot currently are in an exclusive negotiating period for Edwards.

"UPS went to six or eight race teams, visited them, to get all the inventory that they all had," Roush Fenway President Geoff Smith said Saturday. "And from that, they told us they would cut it down amongst the teams. … There's been no negotiating.

"I have never seen a term sheet from UPS, none of the things that would go into an agreement have been discussed at all. They are a great sponsor, certainly, and we sure would be interested in talking to them if they’re interested after, and if this doesn’t work out with Office Depot. But I have no idea that it’s not going to work out with Office Depot either. I’m hoping it does. The easiest sponsor you have is the one you already know."
 

Mentioned Drivers: David Reutimann

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Nov 20, 2009 at 8:15 PM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings

Driver Standings after the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500

1 Jimmie Johnson 6492
2 Mark Martin -108
3 Jeff Gordon -169
4 Kurt Busch -211
5 Tony Stewart -285
6 Juan Pablo Montoya -289
7 Greg Biffle -321
8 Denny Hamlin -352
9 Ryan Newman -411
10 Kasey Kahne -476
11 Carl Edwards -520
12 Brian Vickers -666

NASCAR Schedules

abc

Ford 400

Homestead-Miami Speedway
03:30 PM, 11/22/2009

Poll PositionView All

Which has been most detrimental to NASCAR television ratings and attendance this season?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

  • Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.

NASCAR Community Join the Community

In the Forums View All

Presented by

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account