The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NASCAR BGN: Bob Evans Restaurants Steps Up Sponsorship for Lajoie and Robinson

20 February 1999

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Bob Evans Restaurants was impressed when its drivers were cooking on the track over the past two weeks, finishing first and second at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. So impressed, in fact, that the restaurant chain has decided to increase its sponsorship level for both Randy LaJoie and Shawna Robinson.

Bob Evans Restaurants will become primary sponsor of LaJoie's Phoenix Racing Chevrolet for the balance of the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division season, starting with this weekend's ALLTEL 200 at North Carolina Speedway. LaJoie, a two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion with 11 wins, won last Saturday's season-opening NAPA Auto Parts 300.

Additionally, Bob Evans will back Robinson in the Winn Dixie 300 Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Oct. 16. Robinson drove the Bob Evans Restaurants Chevrolet to a second-place finish in the FirstPlus Financial 200 ARCA race at Daytona two weeks ago. The finish is the best-ever for a woman in a Daytona race. She also holds the honors of being the first woman to win a NASCAR touring series race and the first woman to win a Busch Series pole position.

"We tested the water in Daytona and found it was to our liking," said Roy Getz, vice president of marketing. "We couldn't pass up this chance to hook up with these two outstanding individuals."

"James Finch (Phoenix Racing team owner) has proven he prepares quality race cars, so the entire Bob Evans organization is anticipating a winning season," Getz added.

Bob Evans Restaurants is a publicly traded company that operates more than 400 family restaurants in 20 states, including one across the street from Daytona International Speedway and another next to the Dover (Del.) Downs International Speedway entrance. The company also is a leading producer of pork sausage under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names. Other operations include Mrs. Giles Country Kitchens, a producer of fresh deli salads, and Hickory Specialties, which manufactures charcoal and smoke-flavoring products.

"I'm totally ecstatic," said LaJoie. "I'm glad I was able to bring my new sponsors to victory lane last weekend. Actually, I've made a deal with them -- that I can bring my crew to the nearest Bob Evans Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner every time I win a race.

"That's all the motivation they need."