RCR announced Monday that Jack Daniels whiskey will not return to sponsor its No. 07 cars in the Cup Series next season, ending a relationship that began with the 2005 season.
A spokesman for Jack Daniel’s said in a release that the company is discontinuing the program because of a change in “spending priorities.” Jack Daniel’s will continue to sponsor the team through the end of this year.
“Jack Daniel’s has enjoyed a good five-year run with Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR, and we are pleased with the overall performance of our sponsorship program,” said Tim Rutledge, vice president and brand director for Jack Daniel’s. “We have enjoyed building strong relationships with the people in Richard’s organization and throughout NASCAR. While it is difficult for us to end our formal relationship with RCR, the current economic environment has compelled us to reevaluate our spending and we’ve concluded that other areas in the marketing mix require additional investment.”
Casey Mears this season became the fourth driver in the No. 07. Dave Blaney was the first in 2005. Clint Bowyer replaced Blaney in 2006 and remained in the car until he was moved over to new Childress entry this season, opening room for Mears.
Bowyer had the most success of the three, winning the two races scored by the teams and qualifying for the Chase for the Championship in 2007 and 2008.
“We understand the shift in their spending priorities during these tough economic times,” Childress said.
The loss of sponsorship raises doubt about the future of the No. 07. Sponsorship is in place for Childress’ three other teams for next season. Shell-Pennzoil announced it will continue to back the No. 29 driven by Kevin Harvick; and this season was the first in multi-year agreements in Caterpillar sponsorship of the No. 31 driven by Jeff Burton and General Mills sponsorship of the No. 33 driven by Bowyer.
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