DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –DeWalt Tools, which has a lengthy history with driver Matt Kenseth, is increasing its presence on the Toyotas fielded by Joe Gibbs Racing, the team and tool maker announced on Thursday at Daytona.
DeWalt is doubling its presence as primary sponsor on Kenseth’s No. 20 Camry from four to eight races this season, adding events at Chicagoland, Dover, Kansas and Homestead. In addition, DeWalt will sponsor the NASCAR XFINITY Series cars of Erik Jones and Daniel Suarez for a total of six races.
Starting in 2017, DeWalt will serve as primary sponsor on Kenseth’s car for 15 races.
The announcement coincides with DeWalt’s launch of its new FLEXVOLT battery technology, which the tool maker expects to revolutionize the functionality of power tools by making possible cord-free work sites.
Team owner Joe Gibbs was more circumspect about Kenseth, who is in a contract year. Without saying specifically that Kenseth had re-signed for a specific term, Gibbs allowed, “We don’t talk about contracts and stuff for drivers, but I will say this—our plan is Matt’s going to retire here, so that’s what we’d say.”
When Kenseth drove for Roush Fenway Racing, DeWalt sponsored him from 1999 through 2009.
“For me, it’s a dream come true really for DeWalt to come back,” Kenseth said. “A couple years ago (in 1999 at Michigan), I made my first Cup start with DeWalt, and I hope to make my last Cup start with DeWalt – not today of course, but hopefully someday a few years down the road.
“They’ve been more than a great sponsor for me – they’ve been like family. I’ve made a lot of friends over there. They obviously make the best power tools in the world. I’ve always been proud to represent them, so really happy they signed on, took on a bigger role, and I’m looking forward to getting the DeWalt colors back to victory lane.”
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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