Team News - Kraft Extends Relationship With Stewart-Haas And NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Oct. 25, 2011: NASCAR, Stewart-Haas Racing and Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods today jointly announced an extended agreement for Kraft Foods to continue as the Official Cookie (Oreo, Nilla and Nutter Butter) and Cracker (Ritz and Wheat Thins) of NASCAR, and that the iconic Oreo and Ritz brands would continue to serve as Associate Sponsors of Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman, respectively, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Kraft Foods, an Official NASCAR Partner since 2000, will continue its long tradition of creating NASCAR-themed, specially-marked packages of Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers for a national consumer sweepstakes. For the first time in 2012, Ritz will host a national digital and social media sweepstakes on its Facebook page where a fan will have the chance to win a prize package to go to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.

As part of its NASCAR partnership, Kraft Foods will participate in upcoming NASCAR-themed retail programs. In 2011, Kraft Foods was a supporter of NASCAR’s partnership with Dollar General and the Dollar General “Race in to Win” sweepstakes.

“Kraft Foods has been a valued NASCAR partner for more than a decade, and thanks to powerful marketing programs from brands recognized by millions of NASCAR fans – such as Nilla and Ritz – they’ve helped our sport grow,” said Jim O’Connell, chief sales officer, NASCAR. “Kraft Foods understands how to effectively engage our fans through creative activation programs, at both the sanctioning body and team levels, and we’re excited to have them renew their commitment to our sport.”

“NASCAR has been one of our strongest strategic partnerships, and we are very pleased to continue our relationship with both the sanctioning body and with Stewart-Haas Racing,” said Michael Tilley, associate director of Kraft Foods consumer engagement. “NASCAR has been a much respected partner, aiding us in connecting with its many ardent fans across the nation. We look forward to a great year in 2012 with exciting activation plans.”

“We’re obviously very proud to have Oreo and Ritz on our race cars and grateful for Kraft Foods’ support of Stewart-Haas Racing,” said Tony Stewart, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. “Kraft Foods’ partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing goes beyond the race track, as their activation has helped raise the profile of our race team and NASCAR. Our success on the track is made possible by all of our partners, and Kraft Foods is no exception.”