On Wednesday, Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports announced that they have teamed up with AARP and 'Drive to End Hunger' foundation in 2011.
The new deal will fill the void left by DuPont, which has been on Gordon’s car since 1992. The company plans to scale back in 2011.
Pepsi which has also been a long time sponsor will also be back on the car in 2011. They usually only sponsor Gordon for two races a year.
The deal with AARP and the Drive to End Hunger foundation is for 22 races for the next three years ending in 2013.
This includes the next three season openers at Daytona.
Gordon spoke about the new partnership with the AARP, "This is a truly unique opportunity to help people, and it's a completely new, cause-driven approach to sponsorship," said Gordon "Every single day, millions of older Americans are forced to make a choice between food, medicine and utilities. It's going to be a team effort, and it's not going to be easy, but we can solve this problem."
The sponsorship is an effort to spread awareness of the 51 million Americans who go to bed hungry. Six million of them that are seniors over the age of 60.
Jo Ann Jenkins, President of AARP Foundation believes the NASCAR community and the fans are a perfect platform. "NASCAR fans are among the most charitable, community-minded sports fans in the country, and they have a track record of commitment. With the help of Jeff and the Hendrick team, we will make the most of this unprecedented opportunity to end the struggle that so many older Americans have with hunger."
The partnership is a first for NASCAR. Never before has a non-profit been a primary sponsor in the sport.
Owner Rick Hendrick said that all four of his teams are now fully sponsored on 2011.
NASCAR has struggled bringing in new sponsors with the poor economy. With recent signings of Budweiser, Mobil One and now AARP foundation, positive sign the sport is moving in right direction.
To learn more about AARP and the Drive to End Hunger foundation visit www.DriveToEndHunger.org.
If you want to know more about why Gordon is so excited about this new partnership read here.
Update:
On Thursday morning Dupont announced that it was extending its partnership with Gordon and HMS.
The new deal is the next three years and at least 14 races a year.
"I can't remember what it was like to race without DuPont on board," said Gordon. We've had such an incredible ride together, and I've learned so much about how DuPont applies science and innovation to make a positive difference in the world. It means a lot to me to keep it going for at least another three seasons."
The move would extend the sports longest driver and sponsor partnership to at least 21 years.
Dupont was one of the first to sponsor Gordon back in 1992, an unknown in the world of stock car racing.
Pepsi is expected to keep their two races that they sponsor every year.
Gordon's car is now fully funded tthrough 2013.
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