Primary sponsor for minimum of three races, associate for balance of season with Harvick
WELCOME, N.C. (March 16, 2011) — Richard Childress Racing and Rheem have reached an agreement for Rheem to become part of the partnership marketing program for RCR’s No. 29 Chevrolet Impala NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team and driver Kevin Harvick.
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[/media-credit]Rheem will serve as the primary sponsor for at least three races during the 2011 season: June 26 at Infineon Raceway; September 4 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and November 6 at Texas Motor Speedway. Rheem will be an associate sponsor on the lower rear-quarter of the No. 29 Chevrolet Impala for the remaining races. The paint scheme and uniform will mimic the existing KHI No. 33 Rheem Tankless water heater scheme.
The relationship is an expansion of the existing program between Rheem and Kevin Harvick, Incorporated, which was established in 2008. Rheem was a major associate sponsor of RCR and the No. 29 team from 2007 to 2009.
“Our new partnership with RCR shows just how confident we are in our relationship with Richard, Kevin and the sport of NASCAR to help us effectively promote our innovative Rheem Tankless Water Heater product line. This partnership rests on an existing foundation of integrity and a history of performance that we share with the RCR organization and Kevin, so Rheem is pleased to once again have our brand on the No. 29 car, especially as a primary sponsor,” said Rheem president and CEO, JR Jones. “In practical terms, this partnership gives Rheem a valuable opportunity to develop new business relationships as well as bring the messages of unequaled comfort, operating efficiencies, and energy saving benefits associated with Rheem Tankless water heaters to millions of fans. Our Tankless water heaters represent the best and most advanced that Rheem has to offer, so they’re a natural fit for aligning with RCR and Kevin – among the most respected and progressive racing teams in the world.”
The 2011 season marks Harvick’s 11th year of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. The 2007 Daytona 500 champion has 14 wins and 156 top-10 finishes in 361 starts.
“RCR and Rheem first established a relationship five years ago, so it’s great to have them back on the No. 29 Chevrolet in 2011 with this new partnership,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Rheem’s commitment to NASCAR and motorsports, as well as their customers and distributors, is second to none. We look forward to building on our successful relationship, both at the track and with Rheem’s customers.”
About Rheem Manufacturing Company
Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta. In its 86th year of operation, the company manufactures a full-line of eco-friendly, technologically advanced residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank, tankless, solar and hybrid heat pump water heaters; whole-home standby generators, controls, swimming pool and spa heaters; indoor air-purification products; and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets. The company’s premium brands, including Raypak, Ruud and Rheem, have been recognized with countless industry and consumer awards for reliability, innovative design and high quality. Rheem is the official heating, cooling and water-heating supplier to Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Kevin Harvick, Inc. (KHI) and is a primary sponsor of RCR’s No. 29 Sprint Cup Series car and KHI’s No. 33 Nationwide Series car and Camping World Truck Series No. 2 truck. Harvick was named Nationwide Series “Driver of the Decade” in 2010.
About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing has earned more than 190 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2011 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menard’s Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet). Its Camping World Truck Series program includes 2010 Rookie of the Year Austin Dillon (No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) and Joey Coulter, Jr. (No. 22 RCR Development Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. (No 31 RCR Development Chevrolet) and Ty Dillon (No. 41 Chevrolet) will compete in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. For more information, visit www.rcrracing.com.
