ATLANTA (April 9, 2014)–Florida State University’s trophy case holds lots of hardware, but none for motorsports.
Aaron’s and Brian Vickers plan to change that.
Vickers’ No. 55 Aaron’s Toyota will carry a special paint scheme honoring FSU’s 2013 BCS National Championship football team when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Daytona International Speedway on July 5.
The garnet and gold paint scheme on the Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota will include the FSU BCS National Championship logo on the hood.
Vickers will also wear a special FSU driver uniform for the race.
“Everyone in America knows about Florida State’s tradition of success especially in athletics,” said Vickers. “Aaron’s and I really want to continue that tradition at Daytona in July and give Seminole fans a chance to see their car and colors celebrate in victory lane. I’m excited to be representing my home state on the car for Daytona. We’re hoping it will give us a ‘home field’ advantage we need.”
Fans at FSU’s April 12 Spring Game will see the car unveiling and watch a special video message from Vickers on the videoboard. FSU will collect hoods from the race car for display at block parties, road trips and The Jimbo Fisher Call-In Show throughout the 2014 football season.
Aaron’s said it was natural to honor Florida State at the Daytona race.
“Aaron’s is proud to feature the Florida State football championship paint scheme on the No. 55 Dream Machine at Daytona International Speedway,” said Rich Lamprey, Aaron’s Director of Sports and Event Marketing.
“We have a history of showcasing collegiate championships on our racecars to highlight our brand’s involvement in collegiate sports. We hope that NASCAR fans and college sports fans alike will appreciate the FSU paint scheme, and we look forward to Brian bringing the Seminoles to the checkered flag in Daytona,” said Lamprey.
Vickers drove a special paint scheme honoring the University of Louisville’s national championship basketball team at Kentucky Speedway last year. Aaron’s and MWR have honored Alabama and Auburn national football championships at Talladega Superspeedway four times since 2009.
IMG College, which represents the multimedia rights and official licensed merchandise program of Florida State University, brought together MWR, Aaron’s, and the school for this innovative marketing program. IMG will utilize its assets, including relationships within FSU Athletics, to help promote an exciting race weekend as well as the full collaboration of college sports and stock car racing.
ABOUT AARON’S SPORTS SPONSORSHIPS
Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 2,120 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Aaron’s sponsors motorsports teams and event broadcasts at various levels along with select professional and collegiate sports, such as NFL and NBA teams, SEC and ACC college athletic programs, and an IMG collegiate sports national sponsorship package of 37 schools. Aaron’s also begin our 15th year as a NASCAR team sponsor of Michael Waltrip Racing in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. Aaron’s has committed to a full-time sponsorship of the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 with driver Brian Vickers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series which began in the 2014 race season. Our premier title sponsorship continues to be the Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway consisting of the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race and the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race. For more information, visit www.aarons.com. Aaron’s, Inc. includes the Aarons.com and ShopHomeSmart.com brands. For the latest sports updates from Aaron’s, follow us on Twitter @AaronsSports.
