DAY 3: Roush, RPM Make Sponsor News

By Ron Lemasters Jr.

CHARLOTTE -- It was Ford day at the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday. 

First up was Roush Fenway Racing, sans its namesake, who was on a family vacation to Walt Disney World. Really.

The big announcement from the Roush meeting was that Nationwide Insurance has finalized its 2014 sponsorship of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning with season opening events at Daytona International Speedway. 

Nationwides primary sponsorship of Stenhouse in the No. 17 Nationwide Insurance Ford Fusion includes seven races, while maintaining its associate sponsor status for the balance of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. 

"Our partnership with Ricky was an easy decision and race fans can expect to see more of him when we introduce our new season kick-off campaigns in a few weeks," said Matt Jauchius, chief marketing officer for Nationwide Insurance. "Our company has been an active NASCAR sponsor for 15 years, but fielding our first car in The Great American Race will make the 2014 season even more special for our members, agents and associates."

Stenhouse will drive the Nationwide Insurance Ford Fusion in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races on Feb. 15 in the Sprint Unlimited, Feb. 20 in The Budweiser Duel and on Feb. 23 in the Daytona 500. Other races include March 16 at Bristol, April 12 at Darlington, April 26 at Richmond and June 1 at Dover. 

"To be with Nationwide Insurance and reunited with my two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series championship crew chief, Mike Kelley, for seven races, will be pretty special for us," said Stenhouse. "I am thrilled Nationwide is partnering with me this year and look forward to creating something magical together again."

THe folks from Richard Petty Motorsports, including The King, had more sponsorship news to impart, as the United States Air Force will once again join Richard Petty Motorsports and the iconic No. 43 Ford as a vehicle to connect with America's best young adults for the sixth consecutive season. 

Aric Almirola will pilot the Air Force Racing Ford for the two most patriotic race weekends of the year: Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Fourth of July weekend race at Daytona International Speedway. In addition, Almirola will continue to support at-track swear-ins for the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) and entertain active duty military guests. As part of the partnership, the U.S. Air Force will remain an associate partner on the historic machine for the entirety of the 2014 season. 

The Air Force will continue their experiential marketing at NASCAR races, bringing the No. 43 U.S. Air Force Ford show car and "Hangar 43" interactive display to environments where recruiters can connect with young adults. It will also continue to hold swear-in ceremonies of Airmen in the Delayed Entry Program at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, giving fans an up-close, in-person look at the moment when groups of young Americans commit themselves to serving their country.