By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Advanced Auto Parts a leading automotive aftermarket parts company and Team Penske announced on Thursday a multi-year partnership that will begin with the 2020 NASCAR season. Advanced Auto Parts will be a primary sponsor on Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Ford Mustang for four races in the NASCAR Cup Series next season.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be sponsoring Ryan Blaney, one of NASCAR’s top drivers, and partnering with one of the most prestigious teams in racing,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s Chief Marketing Officer in a team press release. “For years Team Penske has been known for executing with excellence in everything they do on and off the track. We are proud to be joining this successful team and look forward to a winning and productive partnership with Ryan and Team Penske.”
The four races that Advanced Auto Parts will adorn Blaney’s No. 12 Ford Mustang are Atlanta Motor Speedway (March 15), Richmond Raceway (April 19), Watkins Glen International (August 16) and the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway (September 19).
In addition, Advanced Auto Parts will serve as an associate sponsor on the No. 12 Ford Mustang for the full 2020 NASCAR Cup season.
“We welcome one of the most established and innovative companies in the automotive aftermarket parts industry to Team Penske,” said Roger Penske in a team press release. “Advance focuses on executing with excellence in their business and we bring those same goals and principles to the race track every weekend. We are excited to have Advance on board with Ryan and the No. 12 Ford team next season and look forward to growing our partnership for the future.”
The 2020 NASCAR Cup season for Blaney kicks off with The Clash at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday February 9 at 3 p.m. ET on FS1.
Blaney wrapped up his 2019 NASCAR Cup Series campaign with one win (Talladega fall race), 11 top-five and 8 top-ten finishes.
In the 2019 season finale Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Blaney brought home his No. 12 Menards / Richmond Ford Mustang in the 11th position.
“Everyone at Team Penske is excited to have Advance Auto Parts join the team as a new partner in 2020,” said Blaney. “We’re honored to carry their brand on the No. 12 Ford Mustang next season and hopefully this is the start of a great partnership both on and off the track.”