Wheels & Deals: Sunoco Ready With Two New Ads Around Chase

BRANDWEEK’s Barry Janoff reports Sunoco is set to break two national 30-second TV spots, via SFGT, Philadelphia, around its NASCAR sponsorship. While the ads “do not address economics [of rising gasoline prices], they do seek to put Sunoco in a consumer-friendly position.” The first, “Take Jimmie Johnson to Work,” breaks this week on TNT and in October on NBC, while “Take Kevin Harvick on Vacation” breaks next month (BRANDWEEK, 9/12 issue).

VOTE KILGORE: The Virginia gubernatorial campaign of Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore is sponsoring team Owner Hermie Sadler’s No. 92 Chevrolet at the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Subway 500 on October 23 at Martinsville Speedway. While the campaign logo has appeared on two other Nextel Cup cars this season, this marks the first time it will serve as primary sponsor (Kilgore for Governor). Kilgore’s campaign officials said that “about half of the approximate cost of the $200,000 of running the car would be picked up by the campaign,” while Sadler would pay the rest as an “in-kind contribution” to Kilgore (WASHINGTON TIMES, 9/12).

Dollar General Drops Primary Sponsorship Of Randy LaJoie Car

SPONSOR WANTED: Frank Cicci Racing is seeking new sponsorship for Randy LaJoie’s No. 34 Chevrolet for the ’06 NASCAR Busch Series season after primary sponsor Dollar General Corp. did not renew its deal. Pro Football HOFer and Frank Cicci Racing partner Jim Kelly will continue his role with the team next season (Frank Cicci Racing).

NOT HARD TO FIND: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith said that the team has secured a full-time sponsor to replace Viagra next season on the No. 6 Ford of Mark Martin (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 9/12). Martin previously announced he would retire at the end of the season, but said last week that he will drive for Roush for another year (THE DAILY).