NASCAR: Big Daddy's BBQ To Sponsor Donlavey Racing In 1999
17 December 1998
Mike Harmon Named Driver Of #90Richmond, Va. - Big Daddy's BBQ Sauce, Spices and Meats Chief Executive Officer Dan Lloyd announced today that the company has signed a contract to be the primary sponsor of W.C. "Junie" Donlavey's NASCAR Winston Cup Series team.
Donlavey Racing is one of the most respected teams in the Winston Cup Series and will enter its 50th season of competition in 1999. More than 60 drivers have driven for the venerable Donlavey and 14 were among NASCAR's "50 Greatest Drivers" named in February. Donlavey ranks in the top-five all-time among car owners with 800 starts.
"We're so proud to be involved with Junie Donlavey in his 50th season of competition," Lloyd said. "The whole Big Daddy's family feels like a prayer has been answered. We just can't say enough about what an honor it is to have the opportunity to work with a man of Junie's caliber and with his racing experience. Big Daddy's is relatively new to NASCAR, but we've already felt the effects of its fan loyalty. Motorsports sponsorship has proved to be a great move, and we know our association with Donlavey Racing will bring even more positive experiences."
Mike Harmon will drive Donlavey's Ford Tauruses in 1999 and will compete for Rookie of the Year. A native of Birmingport, Ala., Harmon has accumulated more than 300 feature wins. Most recently, Harmon started 11 races in the NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series in 1998, earning one top-five finish and two top-10 finishes. In 1997 Harmon earned nine top-five finishes en route to a fifth-place finish in the points race.
"Mike Harmon has paid his dues in racing, and he has proved that he can win," Donlavey said. "We're giving him the opportunity to compete on the toughest circuit in the world and we think he is going to succeed in this business. He will be in the running for the Rookie of the Year."
Big Daddy's BBQ Sauces, Spices and Meats, based in Yukon, Okla., has experienced exponential growth in just six months with the help of its motorsports sponsorships. Recent contracts with major distributors will enable consumers to find Big Daddy's products in 13,000 stores nationwide, according to Lloyd. Big Daddy's food product line includes pre-cooked ribs and briskets, beef jerky, and microwavable chopped pork, chicken and beef in addition to sauces and spices.
"We are now a major player in the BBQ cooking products market, and believe me, the best is yet to come," Lloyd said.
Big Daddy's sponsors cars in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Slim Jim All Pro Series and IHRA. In addition, Big Daddy's is a sponsor of the Pro SuperTruck Series.
