Empty Tank: Texaco/Havoline To Exit NASCAR After '08 Season

Texaco/Havoline Pulling Out Of NASCAR Following End Of '08 Season

Texaco/Havoline will exit NASCAR at the end of the '08 season to focus on more regional and local marketing activities. Texaco/Havoline, which had a sponsorship presence in NASCAR for the past 21 years, shared the primary sponsorship spot with Wrigley's this season for Chip Ganassi Racing's (CGR) No. 42 Sprint Cup Dodge driven by Juan Pablo Montoya. Havoline was best known as the sponsor for Davey Allison's No. 28 car from '87-93, when he won 19 races. Ganassi Racing is searching for Texaco/Havoline's replacement (Michael Smith, SportsBusiness Journal). CGR Owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement, "Despite the success of our partnership, we understand that priorities change and wish Chevron the best in implementing its new marketing initiatives" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 8/19). ESPN.com's David Newton reported Wrigley's will continue to sponsor the No. 42 car for half of next season (ESPN.com, 8/19).