NBCSPORTS.com's Jerry Bonkowski reported the U.S. Army "will end its relationship" with the NHRA and Don Schumacher Racing after this season. The announcement is "stunning," as the Army has "been one of the sport’s largest and most high-profile primary sponsors for nearly 20 years." The Army has been "primary sponsor for eight-time Top Fuel champ Tony Schumacher for nearly two decades, co-primary sponsor on Antron Brown’s Top Fuel dragster for nearly a decade, and became a part-time primary sponsor this season for Top Fuel driver Leah Pritchett" (NBCSPORTS.com, 7/8).
ROAD SUPPORT: In Detroit, Nolan Ryan notes Michigan residents will "soon be able to purchase specialized license plates featuring Detroit's professional sports teams, and some of the funds from the plates will go to charity." The plates "will feature designs" from the Tigers, Pistons, Lions and Red Wings, as well as Michigan Int'l Speedway. Drivers purchasing the license plates "will be charged an initial fee of $35" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/10).
SUIT & TIE: WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY's Jean Palmieri notes Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins has a "fondness for fashion," and last year opened made-to-measure business Damari Savile in Philadelphia with entrepreneur Jay Amin. Jenkins also has a "bow-tie business, Rock Avenue," that he established in '13 after being "unable to find ties that he liked." Jenkins "hopes he’ll also have a long career in fashion." He plans to "eventually expand Damari Savile beyond the one store in Philadelphia and launch a ready-to-wear collection" (WWD.com, 7/10).
