USAR: Robertson goes 'Hot 'n Spicy' for Johnsonville

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

July 10, 2001

HICKORY, N.C. - Wisconsin based Johnsonville Sausage, the world's leading producer of fine bratwurst, has announced a three race sponsorship deal with driver Toby Robertson and TWR Motorsports in the USAR Hooters ProCup Series South Division. The agreement will feature Johnsonville's new line of "Hot 'n Spicy" Bratwurst on the side of Robertson's Chevrolet Monte Carlo beginning with the Kroger 250 at New River Valley Speedway on July 21, and will extend through the next two USAR South events in Hickory, N.C. and South Boston, Va. The move provides an added dimension for Team Johnsonville Racing, as driver Shane Huffman will continue to run the familiar mustard and maroon Johnsonville colors on his XTRA Motorsports Ford Taurus.

"We've been watching Toby's progression both as a driver and a person, and have been duly impressed," said Randy Wilhoit, Business Manager (Carolinas) for Johnsonville Sausage. "We are pleased to partner with a professional organization such as TWR, and even more so with a driver like Toby. From the time this idea evolved, he and his team were our first choice and we are confident of the manner in which they will represent Johnsonville."

"Shane and I go back a long way and both of our shops are located in Hickory," said Robertson. "We've always been tough competitors, but have maintained a positive relationship, so when the Johnsonville guys came to us with this idea it wan an automatic. We're happy to be partnered with a sponsor who is so deeply involved in the USAR Series, and look forward to being a part of Team Johnsonville Racing."

After a somewhat rocky start to their 2001 Miller Lite "Rookie of the Year" campaign, Robertson and TWR have been on a steady climb up the USAR South Division point standings and are currently tied for 14th, coming off of a career best fourth place finish at Montgomery Motor Speedway Saturday night.

"We've been close to signing a couple of deals this year, and we're still seeking a primary sponsor," said Robertson. "I feel like this Johnsonville program will give us some experience in that type of a relationship and hopefully gain us some added exposure as well. It's a win-win situation for both parties."

Text provided by Patrick Rogers

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