Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 7, 1991 TAG: 9102070231
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB ZELLER SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. LENGTH: Medium
Three other cars - those of Greg Sacks, Mickey Gibbs and Dave Marcis - will represent the other branches of the military.
Although the official announcement was not expected until today, sources close to the deal said R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. is sponsoring the five cars for the Daytona 500 in exchange for their cooperation in carrying the military colors.
Baker's Marine car, a Pontiac, will be painted red, blue and gold. Sacks' U.S. Navy Chevy will be blue and white with gold numbers. Gibbs' Pontiac will carry the silver, blue and red colors of the U.S. Air Force. And Marcis' U.S. Coast Guard Chevy will be blue with international orange and white stripes.
The Army and Navy cars will get their first opportunity to duel on the track Sunday when Kulwicki and Sacks compete in the 20-lap Busch Clash.
Between the taillight areas of all five cars will be the slogan: "We Support Our Troops." And all NASCAR race cars will carry decals offering support for the troops during Speedweeks.
In addition, Daytona International Speedway plans to hand out flags to the first 100,000 spectators arriving on race day Feb. 17.
R.J. Reynolds sponsors the Winston Cup stock car series and has been involved in big-time stock car racing for the past 20 years, but this is the first time it has sponsored individual race cars. It is a one-race deal.
Although Marcis is normally sponsored by Big Apple Markets, the company reportedly has agreed to step back and allow the car to carry the Coast Guard colors and name for the Daytona 500. The other four racers are still without sponsorship for the season.
The CBS telecast of the Daytona 500 and the MRN radio broadcast will reach the troops in Saudi Arabia via the Armed Forces Network.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB