Jan 19, 2007
OAK BROOK, IL, - Sharpie, a Newell Rubbermaid brand, today announced it
has inked an agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. to sponsor Dale
Earnhardt Jr. in 2007. The first time associate sponsorship will feature
Dale Jr. driving the No. 8 Sharpie car in the Sharpie MINI 300, the
NASCAR Busch series race at Bristol Motor Speedway in March. In
celebration of the partnership, a line of "No. 8" Sharpie markers also
will debut in stores nationwide in April.
"Sharpie is bold and Dale Jr.'s confidence, bold personality and drive
to win embody the Sharpie brand," said Jill Rahman, vice president of
marketing, Total U.S. Writing for Sanford, makers of Sharpie. "The new
relationship joins the leading permanent marker brand, NASCAR's most
popular driver and the passion of millions of fans. Together, we will
make a bold mark."
As Dale Jr. enters his eighth full season in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup
Series, he has quickly taken the lead as one of the most successful
drivers netting 17 trips to victory lane. He has also swept both Busch
and NEXTEL Cup Series wins in August 2004 at Bristol Motor Speedway,
including one of the most coveted tickets in NASCAR, the Sharpie 500.
His success on and off track has fueled him to the Most Popular Driver
Award the last four years and top five of "most-liked athletes in
America," according to a 2006 Harris Interactive poll.
Well-known as the autograph marker of choice, Sharpie has been a NASCAR
team sponsor since 2001 and is title sponsor of two races at Bristol
Motor Speedway (NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series - Sharpie 500, August 25 and
NASCAR Busch Series - Sharpie MINI 300, March 24).
I have used my share of Sharpie markers to sign autographs and in the
shop, so bringing Sharpie on as a sponsor was a natural," said Dale Jr.
"Sharpie has been part of racing for years and they continue to be
committed to the fans and the sport. I can't think of a better fit, not
to mention I can get all the Sharpie markers I need now."
Sharpie is planning a series of on and off track activities throughout
the year, including brand advertising and in-store merchandising support
for its new line of No. 8 Sharpie markers, a special No. 8 appearance at
Bristol Motor Speedway for the Sharpie MINI 300 March 24 and a
nationwide show car program. Dale Jr. will also lend a hand to Sharpie's
Autographs for Action program, a national campaign benefiting community
organizations, charities and schools with both funds and supplies.
For more information, visit www.sharpie.com.
About Sharpie
For more than 40 years, Sharpie has been the popular brand of permanent
markers long-associated with the autograph experience. Sanford, L.P.,
maker of Sharpie, is a Newell Rubbermaid company, a worldwide leader in
the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and
office organization, including such well-known brands as Paper Mate®,
Sharpie®, DYMO®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, Foohy®, uni-ball®, and
Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging
from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine
writing instruments and office organization products.
Visit www.sharpie.com for more information.