NASCAR Craftsman Truck Sears DieHard 200 -- #90, Lance Norick
1 July 1997
#90 Lance Norick, NHL Ford NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Sears DieHard 200 The Milwaukee Mile CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS TEAM UP WITH LANCE NORICK NASCAR CRAFTSMAN RACE TRUCK TO CARRY TEAM LOGO AT THE MILWAUKEE MILE WEST ALLIS, WI - Lance Norick will have a new team member for the Sears DieHard 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Norick's NASCAR Craftsman race truck will carry the Chicago Blackhawks logo when the National Hockey League sponsored L & R Motorsports team unloads for the July 4-5, 1997 event at the Milwaukee Mile. In March 1997, the NHL announced its sponsorship of Norick and the #90 L & R Motorsports NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team. Primary sponsorship of a race team by another major sport is unprecedented in the history of motorsports. "We are almost half-way through the season and fan response to the NHL truck continues to grow," said Norick, L & R Motorsports driver and team co-owner. "Every race, more and more fans are telling us how excited they are about the NHL involvement with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. One of the most exciting aspects of this program is the opportunity to represent the different teams when we race in their area. The race fans really get into seeing their local team logo on our truck. It is obvious that the program is increasing the fan awareness of both sports. "When television coverage of the new hockey season begins this fall," Norick continued, "many NASCAR fans have told us they will be set to watch their favorite hockey team when they aren't cheering for their favorite race team." The L & R Motorsports race truck sports the NHL's colors of black and orange prominently featuring the NHL shield and the "Coolest Game on earth" logo. The uniforms of Norick and the crew of the #90 race truck are similarly NHL-branded. During the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, the truck will feature the logo of the NHL team located nearest to the event. Norick, the truck and crew are also scheduled to make public appearances at NHL events throughout North America. Crew members will salute their newest team member by wearing apparel with the Chicago Blackhawks logo during Friday's activities at the track. The Sears DieHard 200 is scheduled for Saturday, July 5 at 12:30 p.m. CDT. Live television coverage of the event will be provided by CBS and the radio broadcast can be heard on the NASCAR Truck Network. Qualifying for the 34 truck field is slated for 2:30 p.m. CDT on Friday, July 4. By McNally Media