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UPS Announces Kentucky Derby Program

It is no secret that UPS is the Official Delivery Company of NASCAR. It is a distinction UPS has maintained since the 2000 season. In 2006, UPS also became the Official Delivery Company of the NTRA (National Thoroughbred Racing Association). UPS created a marriage of sorts between its NASCAR and NTRA sponsorship programs in 2007 with the "Off to the Races" program and sweepstakes. That program returns for the 2008 NASCAR season and the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2008.

UPS announced plans for the 2008 edition of the "Off to the Races" sweepstakes and paint scheme program during the morning of February 29 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett, driver of the #44 UPS Toyota, participated in the announcement along with David Reutimann, the soon-to-be driver of the #44 UPS Toyota. Laura Kouns, motorsports marketing manager for UPS, announced the outline of the program which is very similar to what took place in 2007.

"We entered into the relationship with the NTRA in 2006 and created the 'Off to the Races' program last year to create a unique event that allowed us to cross-promote our NASCAR and NTRA sponsorships," Kouns explained. "We had such a tremendous response to the program in 2007 that it made perfect sense to bring the program back for 2008."

The 2008 Kentucky Derby marks the 134th running of the prestigious event. Speaking on behalf of the staff at Churchill Downs was Bill Mudd, CEO of Churchill Downs.

"We are obviously thrilled to have this association with UPS and to be able to have an association with NASCAR," Mudd said. "Our fans enjoyed the program that took place at Churchill Downs last year and we couldn't be more excited to continue the association."

Jarrett, who drove the #44 UPS/Kentucky Derby Toyota in 2007, talked to the media about the opportunity to visit a place of such history like Churchill Downs, while also poking a little fun at his successor, Reutimann.

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