ADWEEK's Tim Nudd reported Nestle yesterday "sent out an April Fools' Day press release saying its Butterfinger Cups brand was betting a million" that boxer Manny Pacquiao will beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2. But the bet is actually for a "million buttercups." If Pacquiao emerges victorious, Butterfinger "will offer 1 million of its peanut butter cups in a nationwide payout at ButterfingerCups.com." The announcement "kicks off a month-long 'Get In Our Corner' campaign" (ADWEEK.com, 4/1).
SIMPLE AS ABC: Pocono Raceway yesterday announced that Wisconsin-based ABC Supply has agreed to become title sponsor of its Aug. 23 Verizon IndyCar Series race, which will now be called the ABC Supply 500. The deal further expands the company's presence in IndyCar. It also title sponsors the July 12 ABC Supply Wisconsin 250 at the Milwaukee Mile, in addition to backing A.J. Foyt Racing's No. 14 and No. 41 cars (Pocono Raceway).
STRANDED DRIVER? NBCSPORTS.com's Daniel McFadin notes NASCAR driver Darrell Wallace Jr. through his first five Xfinity races this year with Roush Fenway Racing is "racing with the decals of Ford EcoBoost or Roush Performance Parts on his No. 6 Ford Mustang." But even devoid of additional sponsorship, Wallace said that there is "no danger of him missing any races." Wallace added, “We also just have to keep performing on track to earn that sponsorship. ... The sponsorship is still a battle, and we’re still fighting that" (NBCSPORTS.com, 3/31).
INDEPENDENT BREW: USL club Charlotte Independence yesterday announced that The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and NoDa Brewing have signed on as official beer partners. Elements of the partnerships include signage, hospitality, promotions, events, print and social media, as well as vendor space in the beer garden and concession areas at the new Ramblewood Stadium (THE DAILY).
