Joe Gibbs Racing will not only have a new driver in 2008, but they'll get a new sponsor.Kyle Busch will be taking over the reigns from a departing J.J. Yeley in the JGR No. 18, and it was initially expected that current sponsor Interstate Batteries would remain on board.
That might take a chocolate-y twist in a few weeks.
Mars U.S.-- more precisely their M&M's and Snickers brand -- is supposed to assume a primary sponsorship role on Busch's JGR Toyotas, according to the AP's Jenna Fryer.
M&M's would replace Interstate Batteries, which has sponsored Gibbs' flagship No. 18 since its 1992 inception.M'm chocolate.
J.D. Gibbs, president of the race team, didn't respond to a request for comment. But two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mars was working on a deal to sponsor Busch that will be officially announced next month at M&M's World in New York City. They requested anonymity because the deal was not yet complete.
Apparently, Interstate Batteries has only stayed on with Joe Gibbs Racing because JGR has allowed the organization to sponsor the No. 18 with less funding than the Home Depot and Fedex because of the close ties that date back to 1992.
That's not going to work with Busch coming to the team and expecting to compete for championships.
Mars hasn't officially opted out of the Robert Yates No. 38 & 88 they currently sponsor for 2008, but Yates has been searching for new primary sponsorship. It'd be highly unlikely for Mars to split their sponsorship between Gibbs and Yates.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-21-2007 @ 4:26PM
Mike said...
Do you mean Kyle Busch is going to just take the number they give him and shut up about it? I am outraged!!!!!!!!!!!!! What about his legacy? What about my tattoo?
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9-21-2007 @ 8:14PM
CJ said...
Well, that explains where M&M's is goin, however, i heard that wherever they went, they were goin to drop M&M's and use the Snicker's brand. Im not suprised by this move, i think it was a matter of time before Interstate would be outbid and knew they didnt have the money to pony up for Kyle Busch. And i dont know why it is, but i think it's a great fit for Mars and Gibbs and Kyle Busch. It proves my theory that Yeley wasnt the best choice for that ride, he only got it cause he was the cheapest option! Now, i wonder bout the other sponsors available. The one im interested in the most is where Coors Light is goin. I think that would be a great sponsor. I'd like to see them on the fourth RCR car with Biffle eventually, but i think all that could line up except at DEI, cause that's the only team ive heard Coors rumored for is at DEI, but i never saw the Mars at Gibbs either. There also is Burger King and Domino's and i know MWR has offered a deal to Reutimann, but they still dont have the sponsor details worked out, and David has also been rumored to be in talks with RCR, and i wouldnt be suprised if he ends up there, he takes Domino's and Burger King with him. Im fairly certain though if he goes to Waltrip and keeps both sponsors, you'll see them give up some primary sponsor races to Aaron's Rental and i think if he went to Childress, same would happen probably filled by Holiday Inn. Also, ive heard JC Penney's could be the new sponsor for DEI as well.
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9-22-2007 @ 1:16AM
Don Emerson said...
Geez, mixing a busch with candy yucchh, think I'll stick to pork skins.
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9-24-2007 @ 8:40AM
Peaches said...
Mike Baby all the Drivers are'nt Cry Babies, they can Man up,Take their Number given to them and go on.
And all you Folks Call My Baby Busch A Schrub.....
SHAME ON ALL OF YOU......MAYBE HE WILL COME BACK AND SWEEP THE WHOLE THING.........WOULD"NT THAT BE JUST WONDERFUL.......GO BABY BUSCH......MY LITTLE BROTHER....LOL
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