Matt Kenseth has a new backer for Saturday night’s All-Star Race at Charlotte (May 19). Fifth Third Bank announced a sponsorship deal with the No. 17 Ford on Monday, becoming the primary sponsor for NASCAR’s primary exhibition race and three additional Sprint Cup events this season: Kentucky, Indianapolis and the August Michigan race.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the new “numbers” sponsoring the car will not cause a number change as had been previously rumored.
The organization remains hopeful that with another part-time primary stepping up to the plate, one of these companies will step up and expand their support to the majority of Kenseth’s 36 races in 2013.
So far this season, the No. 17 has had a plethora of primaries since losing Crown Royal for good at the end of the 2011 season. Best Buy, Zest, Ford Ecoboost and even the Gary Sinise/Tunnel To Towers Project have all shared support on the car.
The inability to find a financial backer has been surprising, considering Kenseth is this year’s Daytona 500 winner and sits second in the standings, just two points behind teammate Greg Biffle.
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