GearWrench and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced, at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, they have agreed to a multi-year partnership. GearWrench will be a partner on the No. 1 Chevrolet SS piloted by former Daytona 500 Champion Jamie McMurray and serve as the primary sponsor on the No. 1 Chevy for multiple races during the 2017 NASCAR season.
"This is the biggest announcement in the history of the GearWrench brand, and a significant marketing investment that will deliver significant growth in sales and market share," said John Constantine, SVP and president, North American Hand Tools, Apex Tool Group. "We are thrilled to be taking GearWrench to the next level by partnering with Chip Ganassi Racing and their top mechanics in 2017. Industrial and automotive mechanics are very often racing enthusiasts, making NASCAR an ideal marketing initiative for GearWrench."
McMurrary was in attendance at the SEMA Show GearWrench booth, where he signed autographs and drew in fans and GearWrench customers.
"I’m excited to have our team be a part of this new partnership with GearWrench," said Jamie McMurray, driver No. 1 Chevrolet SS. "It is always nice to have new brands join our team that have a direct application to what our team is doing in the shop. I know the crew in the shop and at the track will appreciate the professional tools that they offer to help get the job done.”
Driving Success
McMurray, a two-time Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contender, will begin his 15th full-time season in NASCAR’s premier series in 2017. The Joplin, Mo. native won in just his second series start in 2002, setting the record for the fewest starts before a first victory. McMurray has more than 500 series starts and won some of the biggest races in the sport, including the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, and the Sprint All-Star Race.
“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to partner with GearWrench and be part of their commitment to our sport," Steve Lauletta, president, Chip Ganassi Racing Team said. "GearWrench is a brand that understands how our team strives to deliver value to our partners and find ways to grow the business together. They have been associated with the sport for several years, from local tracks to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are excited that we will be able to put their products to work in the hands of our mechanics in the shop and at the race track.”
