NC-based Diamond Ridge Motorsports "will part company"
with its major sponsor, the Cartoon Network, at the end of
the '97 season, according to an AP report in the Baltimore
SUN. The Cartoon Network had sponsored the car since the
start of the '96 Winston Cup season. Diamond Ridge Owner
Gary Bechtel: "We would like a sponsor that is looking for
success both on and off the track; someone that will be a
partner in our racing efforts." Neither Bechtel nor Cartoon
Network execs gave a reason for the split (AP, 8/11).
AROUND THE TRACK: Anheuser-Busch is "likely to reduce"
its sponsorship role for CART's Newman-Haas Racing team in
'98. But team Owner Carl Haas said he expects A-B to
"remain active in CART racing" (AP/HARTFORD COURANT, 8/9).
...Procter & Gamble spokesperson Linda Ulrey, on Ricky Rudd
winning the Brickyard 400 with his "Tide-emblazoned car":
"We have had the Tide race car as part of the Tide Marketing
program for a number of years, so obviously, we think it is
a good way to reach consumers" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 8/10).
