Tony Stewart has waved a sweat- and champagne-soaked towel in NASCAR victory lanes over 40 times since coming to NASCAR from the IRL IndyCar Series in 1999.
Old Spice, the No. 1 antiperspirant/deodorant stick and body wash choice for guys in the United States, saw early on in Stewart’s career the opportunity such frequent celebrations presented. The 2008 racing season marks Old Spice’s eight-year anniversary with Stewart, and the familiar Old Spice towel seen draped over the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion’s shoulder after many long, hot afternoons at the race track will continue to be a staple of Stewart’s post-race ritual.
When those post-race rituals end up being triumphant parties in victory lane, the actual Old Spice towel used and later autographed by Stewart is auctioned by Old Spice on eBay, with the proceeds going to the Tony Stewart Foundation.
Old Spice will give Stewart seven chances to visit victory lane in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as the iconic red and white colors of Old Spice will adorn Stewart’s signature No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing machine.
The No. 20 Old Spice Toyota Camry will debut March 1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and compete again April 5 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, April 26 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, May 9 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, June 28 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, July 11 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., and Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
“Old Spice has been with me for a long time, and together we’ve done a lot of winning – on and off the track,” said Stewart. “Their Victory Towel auction has raised an incredible amount of money for my foundation, and we’ve been able to turn that money around and make a real impact in the lives of many people. We plan to keep it up in 2008.”
The Tony Stewart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds primarily distributed to three specific groups – children, drivers and animals. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $2.1 million to assist charitable initiatives for more than 80 organizations throughout the United States. One of the prime beneficiaries of the Foundation is the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C., which serves as a year-round camp for children ages seven to 15 with an assortment of life-threatening illnesses.
“Tony Stewart is a true champion, whether he’s in or out of a race car,” said Carl Stealey, Old Spice associate marketing director. “He’s a hard-working guy who strives to win in everything he does, which makes him a perfect fit for the Old Spice brand. He’s a standout personality in racing and in his community, and we’re very pleased to continue our partnership with him.”
