Drivers reveal new sponsors, paint schemes

During practice and qualifying days, NASCAR drivers use the down time they have while teams are working on the cars to fulfill their sponsorship commitments.

Jimmie Johnson and Bobby Labonte unveiled new paint schemes and sponsors Friday at Texas Motor Speedway.

Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, which is sponsored by Lowe’s announced his car will sport a Sea World themed paint scheme for the Aaron’s 499 race at Talladega, AL. The car will feature the killer whale Shamu on the hood.

Johnson, who grew up in the San Diego area where one of the Sea World parks is located said he has a personal connection to the park going back to his childhood.

“Growing up, I did spend a lot of time at Sea World, and now having Shamu on the car, its kind of a blast from the past,” Johnson said.

Richard Petty and STP motor oil have the longest running sponsorship agreement in NASCAR. This partnership was furthered when Petty Enterprises and STP announced a two-race primary sponsorship of Bobby Labonte’s No. 43 Dodge. The car will sport a retro paint scheme reminiscent when Richard Petty was behind the wheel of the No. 43.

The car was unveiled to the media in victory lane at TMS, and a crowd gathered around the stage roared with approval when the car was presented to the public.

“To see the famous No. 43 with red and blue colors would be really great,” said Labonte.

STP will sponsor the car for the Aaron’s 499 as well as the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway.

Drivers reveal new sponsors, paint schemes