It is no secret that UPS is the Official Delivery Company of NASCAR. It is a distinction UPS has maintained since the 2000 season. In 2006, UPS also became the Official Delivery Company of the NTRA (National Thoroughbred Racing Association). UPS created a marriage of sorts between its NASCAR and NTRA sponsorship programs in 2007 with the "Off to the Races" program and sweepstakes. That program returns for the 2008 NASCAR season and the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2008.
UPS announced plans for the 2008 edition of the "Off to the Races" sweepstakes and paint scheme program during the morning of February 29 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett, driver of the #44 UPS Toyota, participated in the announcement along with David Reutimann, the soon-to-be driver of the #44 UPS Toyota. Laura Kouns, motorsports marketing manager for UPS, announced the outline of the program which is very similar to what took place in 2007.
"We entered into the relationship with the NTRA in 2006 and created the 'Off to the Races' program last year to create a unique event that allowed us to cross-promote our NASCAR and NTRA sponsorships," Kouns explained. "We had such a tremendous response to the program in 2007 that it made perfect sense to bring the program back for 2008."
The 2008 Kentucky Derby marks the 134th running of the prestigious event. Speaking on behalf of the staff at Churchill Downs was Bill Mudd, CEO of Churchill Downs.
"We are obviously thrilled to have this association with UPS and to be able to have an association with NASCAR," Mudd said. "Our fans enjoyed the program that took place at Churchill Downs last year and we couldn't be more excited to continue the association."
Jarrett, who drove the #44 UPS/Kentucky Derby Toyota in 2007, talked to the media about the opportunity to visit a place of such history like Churchill Downs, while also poking a little fun at his successor, Reutimann.
"That was a special opportunity for me," Jarrett said. "For someone who had never been to Churchill Downs, it was a thrill, especially as we went through and met the people associated with that sport. We obviously race very different things but at the end of the day it's all about competition and that's something we all understand."
"You know, I don't want to put any pressure on David or anything," Jarrett said, kidding with Reutimann. "But when I was there last year and as I started talking to people, I picked out the horse I considered to be my favorite and it was Street Sense who ended up winning the Kentucky Derby. So, I'll let him do what he will with that information."
The humble Reutimann, who will drive the #44 UPS/Kentucky Derby Toyota in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway in April, took the jesting in stride and spoke of his eagerness to visit the historic Churchill Downs.
"Thanks Dale and yeah, there's no pressure there," Reutimann joked back. "I have never had the opportunity to visit Churchill Downs and I know very little about horse racing. But I am a horse owner now, or I should probably say a pony owner. My daughter takes riding lessons so we bought her a horse and when she found out I was going to be going to the place where the Kentucky Derby takes place, I think I became a little cooler in her eyes."
"Obviously this is one of the biggest events and the only event in our sport to compare it to would be the Daytona 500," Reutimann continued. "It's hard to believe that race has been taking place for 134 years so I'm looking forward to the trip and the opportunity to race the car."
The #44 UPS/Kentucky Derby paint scheme will appear at Talladega Superspeedway for the Aaron's 499 on 27. Fans have the opportunity to enter the sweepstakes at racing.ups.com. The sweepstakes is currently running and ends April 10.
