For the second consecutive year Churchill Downs and UPS will team up to bring the horsepower of the Kentucky Derby to NASCAR, as the two companies unveiled a special Kentucky Derby 134 paint scheme Feb. 29 that will be featured on the #44 UPS Toyota Camry during the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway April 27.
The unveiling also launched the “Off to the Races Delivered by UPS” sweepstakes, which debuted in 2007. The online contest will provide one lucky fan with two tickets to the Aaron’s 499, as well as a special behind-the-scenes meeting with NASCAR driver David Reutimann, who will take over the #44 UPS Toyota Camry from the retiring Dale Jarrett next month.
The prize package will also include two tickets to the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) at Churchill Downs May 3.
In addition, Thoroughbred racing and NASCAR will combine during Kentucky Derby week, as Churchill Downs hosts a special appearance and autograph session by Reutimann, and fellow NASCAR teammates Dale Jarrett and Michael Waltrip April 30. The Kentucky Derby-themed #44 UPS Toyota Camry will be on display, remaining at Churchill Downs’ Gate 10 through May 3. Jarrett will also participate in the ESPN broadcast of the annual Kentucky Derby post position draw April 30.
“Churchill Downs is delighted to continue our partnership with UPS in 2008, and we look forward to seeing the logo for the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby featured on the #44 UPS Toyota Camry at Talladega,” Churchill Downs President Steve Sexton said. “Combining the thrills of NASCAR racing with the Kentucky Derby has been an exciting step forward for us, and we hope the ‘Off to the Races’ sweepstakes will serve as a unique way for our customers to enjoy both sports.”
“UPS is honored to have associations with Churchill Downs and a prestigious event like the Kentucky Derby,” director of sponsorships for UPS Ron Rogowski said. “It’s exciting for us to be able to create a link between our NASCAR racing and horse sponsorships. With more than 12,000 entries for the sweepstakes last year, the success of the 2007 ‘Off to the Races’ program made it an easy decision to continue the program in 2008.”
Fans can register for the “Off to the Races Delivered by UPS” sweepstakes at www.racing.ups.com between Feb. 29 and April 10. Contestants must be 21 years of age or older and residents of the United States.