Camping World was the primary name used for the NASCAR Truck Series entitlement until '18GETTY IMAGES
Camping World is returning as the entitlement brand of the NASCAR Truck Series after a two-year stint under the Gander Outdoors moniker. Camping World Holdings, which operates both brands, has been with NASCAR for more than a decade dating back to '09 as part of a deal that reportedly costs around $5M annually, and it has promoted multiple brands, including Good Sam and Overton's. Camping World was the primary name used for the Truck Series entitlement until '18, when Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis decided that he wanted to change the name to the Gander Outdoors Truck Series for the next season. The Gander name was then used in '19 and then again this year, though the name was slightly changed this season to the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Now, Lemonis says that the mission of promoting the Gander brand has been accomplished and it is time to switch it back to the Camping World name. Lemonis said that Gander has become the second largest RV dealer in the U.S. after Camping World. He said that as part of bringing Camping World back as the lead brand, he and NASCAR are looking at adding financial incentives for drivers and other promotions for fans. Lemonis: "It definitely achieved its goal but as we move into 2021, now that Gander has been established, we wanted to move back to Camping World because that is what our future looks like from a marketing narrative."
SMOOTH SAILING: Lemonis said that NASCAR and President Steve Phelps have been accommodating in letting him switch the entitlement brand of the Truck Series back and forth over the years because Phelps understands that this is how Lemonis wants to grow awareness of his different brands. Lemonis: "When we first launched our relationship with NASCAR, they understood the importance of our entire ecosystem ... and we have really learned over the last 12-15 years that NASCAR is a great place to launch a brand, create awareness and effect change in the marketplace, and we wanted to use that platform to educate people that Gander sells RVs. ... It’s been an amazing experience with Gander."
