Dale Earnhardt Jr. Leaving Gillette Young Guns In ’07

By Michael Smith, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

Earnhardt Jr. Opts Not To Renew His Membership In Gillette Young Guns In ‘07

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has decided not to renew his membership in the Gillette Young Guns in ’07 as he seeks to refine his endorsement strategy. Other Young Gun drivers in ’06 were Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray and Carl Edwards. Gillette is in the process of formulating plans for ’07 and is not expected to make an announcement on changes until February ’07 at Daytona.

TIDE SHIFT: Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble spokesperson Bev Larkin confirmed that longtime NASCAR sponsor Tide is leaving the sport. Tide most recently was the primary sponsor of the No. 32 PPI Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Travis Kvapil. Tide enjoyed a longtime association with NASCAR, dating back to sponsorships of Darrell Waltrip and Ricky Rudd during almost 20 years in the sport, but has had little success at the track in recent years. Larkin said via e-mail that P&G brands Gillette, Prilosec OTC and Old Spice are committed to NASCAR sponsorships in ’07.