MOLINE, Ill. – John Deere will end its sponsorship of a NASCAR Winston Cup race team at the end of the 2000 season, the company announced Sept. 15. John Deere sponsors the Roush Racing No. 97 team and has been a NASCAR sponsor for the past five years.
"Our NASCAR experience has been excellent. However, we are adjusting promotional spending to align with our business objectives," said Curt Linke, vice president of corporate communications for Deere & Company.
"John Deere racing has received tremendous support of fans who will continue to enjoy the excitement of NASCAR Winston Cup racing," Linke said. "As well, Roush Racing has served as a valuable advisor during our sponsorship."
The well-known John Deere green and yellow will remain on the No. 97 race car until the end of this Winston Cup season.
According to an article on John Deere’s Motorsports web site, Roush Racing has initiated an active search to find a replacement for John Deere, but no sponsor has been signed at this time. Team owner Jack Roush said, "While we are disappointed to see John Deere leave the sport, there is now an opportunity for a sponsor to be part of the next generation of NASCAR superstars not only on the track, but off the track as well." Roush Racing has nine teams in NASCAR's three major series.
For more information about John Deere’s soon-to-end corporate sponsorship of the Roush Racing No. 97 team click here: Green Industry NASCAR Sponsorships.
