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Camping World Truck Series Rebranded NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series For 2019

Frontstretch’s Truck Series content is presented by American Trucks

NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series will have a new name next season. An agreement announced Tuesday (May 8) has rebranded this division the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Series beginning in 2019.

Camping World, the title sponsor of NASCAR’s Truck Series division since 2009, is still the main driver behind this partnership. Their current agreement with NASCAR runs through the conclusion of the 2022 season. However, CEO Marcus Lemonis chose to renegotiate their deal in order for Gander Outdoors, a recent purchase to be the featured brand beginning next season.

“Nearly a decade ago, we felt strongly our entitlement sponsorship would dramatically increase Camping World’s customer base and it’s delivered,” said Lemonis in a press release. “We expect the passionate fans of NASCAR will embrace Gander Outdoors the same way they supported Camping World and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of the series.”

Gander Outdoors (formerly Gander Mountain) was bought by Lemonis in 2017. 69 Gander Outdoors retail locations are opening this year as the rebranded company offers products for fishermen, hunters, campers, shooting sports and more.

The sponsor switch is likely a move to grow that new brand as opposed to the stability and name recognition of Camping World. The end terms of the deal remain the same as NASCAR officials expect little to change with the partnership other than a new name.

“Gander Outdoors’ customer base has an affinity to the outdoor lifestyle and will transition seamlessly as the title sponsor of our national series in 2019,” Steve Phelps, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer said Tuesday. “The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series has a consistent and dedicated fan base that will embrace the Gander Outdoors brand. This expanded agreement demonstrates our partners’ confidence in the on-track product and the power of our brand loyal fan base.”

Overton’s and The House Outdoor Gear, also partner brands of Camping World have also achieved official NASCAR status as part of the restructured deal. Expect increased activation leading up to the official name switch in February 2019.

About the author

The author of Did You Notice? (Wednesdays) Tom spends his time overseeing Frontstretch’s 40+ staff members as its majority owner and Editor-in-Chief. Based outside Philadelphia, Bowles is a two-time Emmy winner in NASCAR television and has worked in racing production with FOX, TNT, and ESPN while appearing on-air for SIRIUS XM Radio and FOX Sports 1's former show, the Crowd Goes Wild. He most recently consulted with SRX Racing, helping manage cutting-edge technology and graphics that appeared on their CBS broadcasts during 2021 and 2022.

You can find Tom’s writing here, at CBSSports.com and Athlonsports.com, where he’s been an editorial consultant for the annual racing magazine for 15 years.

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Tony

Ooh, “increased activation.” My palms are getting all sweaty. Just what a struggling series needs. An awkward name. I guess this will make Hornaday a 4 time “NGOTS” champ. Are there trophies or plaques for brands that have “achieved official NASCAR status”?

Russ

This is what its come to isn’t it. The stories are no longer about racing, teams or drivers. Rather its about the money involved in sponsors, etc. No wonder its sinking like a rock.
If I was a millennial I’d be thinking about something else as well.

Matty

Why is it that everything Steve Phelps touches turns to rust? Was he just some failed marketing guy from Proctor & Gamble?

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