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NASCAR BGN: Albertson's announces multi-team NASCAR sponsorship

3 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

BOISE, IDAHO --- Albertson's Inc., one of the largest food-drug chains in the United States, announced today they will join Andy Petree Racing as the primary sponsor of driver Jack Sprague and the No. 15 Chevrolet for a limited NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division schedule. In addition, Albertson's will serve as an associate sponsor on Andy Petree Racing's Winston Cup teams including the No. 55 Chevrolet with driver Kenny Wallace and the No. 33 Chevrolet with driver Joe Nemechek for the 2000 season.

"Albertson's is proud to be a multi-team NASCAR sponsor," said Gary G. Michael, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Albertson's, Inc. "The popularity of NASCAR in our market areas has increased significantly in the last few years and a growing number of our customers and employees are NASCAR fans. This sponsorship allows us to show our support of NASCAR fans and customers across the country and we believe that Andy Petree Racing and Jack Sprague are a winning combination."

The No. 15 Albertson's Chevrolet is scheduled to compete at 10 events on the 2000 Busch Series schedule, with the debut taking place at the NAPA Auto Parts 300 on February 19 at Daytona International Speedway. Sprague will also compete in nine other events in the Albertson's Chevrolet including, Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 4, Texas Motor Speedway on April 1, Talladega Superspeedway on April 15, California Speedway on April 29, The Milwaukee Mile on July 2, Nazareth Speedway on July 16, Dover Downs International Speedway on July 16, Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 7 and Phoenix International Raceway on November 4.

Sprague will still run the full NASCAR Craftsman truck schedule, but looks forward to the opportunity with Albertson's and the No. 15 Andy Petree Racing Chevrolet.

"I have spoken with Andy Petree in the past about running a few races with him," said Sprague. "I only run 24 races a year in the truck series and this gives me the opportunity to run at some new tracks. I like the Andy Petree Racing program and feel together we have a chance at winning some races, otherwise I wouldn't have joined the team.

"The Busch Grand National Series is a tough series, and I know it isn't going to be easy, but I'm going to work hard to win races for Albertson's and Andy Petree Racing."

The respect between Sprague and Petree is mutual.

"Everyone at Andy Petree Racing is really excited about working with Jack Sprague, because he is a current champion. We have a sponsor in Albertson's and a driver in Sprague that want to run limited Busch schedules, so it was a perfect marriage for everyone," said Petree. "We need to get some wins with the No. 15 Albertson's Chevrolet and I really feel Jack is the guy that is going to get that done for us. He is focused on winning and has proven that in the truck series."

While Albertson's sponsorship in the NASCAR Busch Series is limited to 10 races in 2000, their associate sponsorship of the No. 33 and No. 55 Winston Cup teams is scheduled for the entire 2000 season.

Albertson's will also be an associate sponsor of the No. 43 Petty Enterprises Pontiac for select Winston Cup events in 2000.

Albertson's opened its first grocery store in 1939 in Boise, Idaho. Founder Joe Albertson changed the rules in the grocery business by introducing unheard of services like a scratch bakery, magazine racks, homemade ice cream, popcorn, nuts, and an automatic donut machine. He based his store on high quality, good value, and excellent service. Today, Albertson's, Inc. is one of the largest retail food-drug chains in the United States. Based in Boise, Idaho, the Company currently employs over 220,000 individuals and operates almost 2,500 retail stores in 37 states across the United States.

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