Monster Energy "will step up as a primary and co-sponsor of Kurt Busch next season," when the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Chevy will carry the brand on the hood for 17 race, on the quarter panel for 18 races and one race as primary sponsor, according to Nick DeGroot of MOTORSPORT.com. Monster "will make its debut on the car" Nov. 1 at Martinsville Speedway. Monster this year "has fully backed Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 54 Xfinity program, a car run by Kurt's younger brother Kyle Busch for a majority of the season." Kurt "has also represented the brand for the past three years, winning an Xfinity race for the energy drink company" at Richmond Int'l Raceway in '12 (
MOTORSPORT.com, 10/21). USA TODAY's Jeff Gluck reports Monster "wanted the exposure that comes with being part of NASCAR’s top ranks, and Busch ... was the ideal fit." Monster VP/Sports Marketing Mitch Covington said that Busch "has impressed the company behind the scenes by being an ideal spokesman for the edgy brand, which is built on 'music, girls and racing.'" Covington: "He’s willing to work with us way over and above his contract. He’s made himself part of the family. One way to put it is Kurt has earned our business" (
USA TODAY, 10/22). YAHOO SPORTS' Nick Bromberg noted Haas CNC Machine Tools, which was founded by SHR co-Owner Gene Haas, "has been the primary sponsor of Busch's car" for his two seasons with SHR (
SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/21).
