Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports Featured in 2010 Nationwide Insurance Ads

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Nationwide Insurance announced today that NASCAR racing superstar, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his company JR Motorsports (JRM) will be featured in a national marketing campaign that will launch in early 2010.

Nationwide’s partnership with Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports, the company he owns that fields NASCAR Nationwide Series teams, will include TV, radio, and online advertising. The ads will build off of last year’s campaign, where Earnhardt Jr. talked about his family’s 30-year history with Nationwide. Earnhardt Jr. is a current Nationwide Insurance customer – as are many other members of his family.

“We’re excited to continue our relationship with Nationwide,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “My family has a long and positive history with Nationwide Insurance as customers for over 30 years. I look forward to driving in the 2010 racing season and believe Nationwide has done an outstanding job elevating the NASCAR Nationwide Series as the series sponsor. I am pleased to kick off another year with Nationwide.”

Nationwide’s Series Insider website, www.nationwide.com/series, will feature behind the scenes videos and photos from the ad shoot in early December. The final ads will be available on the Insider site in early 2010.

“The story of the Earnhardts’ experience with Nationwide helps bring authenticity to our brand and we believe played an important role in the success of last year’s campaign,” said John Aman, associate vice president, Nationwide Insurance. “The way Dale Jr. and his family connect with NASCAR fans and general consumers adds to our decision to continue this partnership. We see this as a great opportunity for both Nationwide and JR Motorsports.”

About JR Motorsports:
JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s most popular driver and winner of more than 40 NASCAR-sanctioned races. JR Motorsports competes in multiple racing divisions, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In 2008, JRM enjoyed a breakout season with four Nationwide Series victories between its two teams. The JR Motorsports facilities are based out of Mooresville, N.C., and include the JR Nation retail store, Dale Jr. Fan Experience, Hammerhead Entertainment, and DEJ Realty. For more information on JR Motorsports, visit www.dalejr.com.

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series logo and word mark are used under license by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NASCAR ® and the NASCAR logo are registered trademarks of the National Association for Stock Auto Racing, Inc. Nationwide, On Your Side, and the Nationwide Framemark are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.