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

NASCAR BGN: Visine Eye Care to Sponsor Matt Kenseth, Reiser BGN Team

11 October 1999

Aritcle Provided By Keystone Marketing

Visine Eye Care products, made by the Consumer Health Care Group of Pfizer Inc., will be the primary sponsor of the NASCAR Busch Series team fielded by Reiser Enterprises through the 2001 season, announced Tom Booth, senior vice president of the Consumer Health Care Group.

Matt Kenseth, currently second in the NASCAR Busch Series standings, will pilot the No. 17 Visine Chevrolet in approximately 20 events. Since Kenseth will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, he will only compete in NASCAR Busch Series events when there is a NASCAR Winston Cup Series event at the same venue on the same weekend.

Jason Schuler, who currently competes in the NASCAR RE/MAX Challenge Series, will get behind the wheel for the balance of the NASCAR Busch Series schedule.

The Consumer Health Care Group of Pfizer Inc. joined the NASCAR family as a primary sponsor to market Barbasol shaving cream in 1996. Currently, Barbasol is the primary sponsor on the No. 38 NASCAR Busch Series team owned by Akins Motorsports. Pfizer Inc. and Barbasol shaving cream will not be associated with Akins Motorsports in 2000, Booth said.

"The Pfizer Consumer Health Care Group was able to leverage its sponsorship of a NASCAR Busch Series team with our consumers, retailers and employees, and we want to build on that success by shifting the focus of the sponsorship to the Visine brand." Booth said. "We are extremely pleased to be joining Reiser Enterprises and drivers Matt Kenseth and Jason Schuler. The team is a proven winner in the NASCAR Busch Series, and we feel fortunate to be a part of their program through 2001."

Team owner Robbie Reiser, who is the crew chief on Kenseth's NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, will oversee the NASCAR Busch Series operation with the help of Darrell Terry and Russ Strupp.

"Pfizer has been a dedicated supporter of the Busch Series for many years, and that was important to our team when looking for a sponsor," Reiser said. "We have Matt as our veteran driver, who we know is a proven winner and he will be a great mentor for Jason as he gets his start." Kenseth, who is currently second in NASCAR Busch Series point standings, finished second in the run for the championship in 1998 in only his first full season on the circuit.

Schuler, also from Kenseth's hometown of Cambridge, WI, currently competes in the NASCAR RE/MAX Challenge Series and is third in the point standings with one win under his belt. Schuler comes from a long background of Midwest racing experience including Street Stock, Sportsman, Late Model, ARTGO and the NASCAR Challenge Series. Schuler has never competed in a NASCAR Busch Series event.

Pfizer Inc. is a research-based pharmaceutical company with global operations. The company reported revenues of over $13.5 billion for 1998 and expects to spend about $2.8 billion on research and development this year. In 1999, Pfizer celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.