WELCOME, N.C. (November 6, 2009) -- Richard Childress Racing has partnered with Zaxby’s, a southeast favorite for Buffalo wings and chicken fingers, to be the primary sponsor for a NASCAR Nationwide Series team in 2010 with John Wes Townley as their driver.
Zaxby’s success is rooted in a simple operating philosophy developed by its founders that has matured into the company’s mission statement: “Consistently create encore experiences that enrich lives one person at a time.” The fast-casual chain built its business, which now includes more than 410 restaurants throughout the Southeast, by providing the freshest chicken fingers, Buffalo wings, sandwiches and more in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Zaxby’s restaurants are currently in 10 states throughout the Southeast -- Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
"Zaxby's has experienced significant growth over the past several years and we attribute part of that to greater brand awareness from our association with NASCAR," said Molly Huff, Zaxby's Director of Marketing. "This sponsorship has given us invaluable exposure with new and existing audiences, and we are thrilled it will continue in 2010. Richard Childress Racing has a great reputation for success, and we're happy to be working with them for Zaxby's fourth season in NASCAR."
Townley, 19, is completing his first full season of NASCAR Nationwide Series competition. The Watkinsville, Ga., native is currently 24th in the point standings despite competing in just 23 of the 32 events. He finished seventh in the 2008 ARCA Re/Max Series point standings on the strength of eight top-10 finishes in his rookie season.
"I look forward to the opportunity to drive for Richard Childress Racing next year," Townley said. "It's a thrill to be part of their organization. They have such a well-respected history and have produced solid results over the years. I'm confident we'll run well next season."
The number to be used by RCR for the Zaxby’s Chevrolet Impala has yet to be determined.
“We are proud to welcome Zaxby’s to the RCR family of partners, and John Wes Townley to our driver lineup for 2010,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Zaxby’s was started with little more than a dream and desire, much like RCR was in 1969, and has become a great success story throughout the Southeast. John Wes is just getting started in his NASCAR career, and will benefit from the on-the-job training he’ll receive from RCR’s veteran lineup of drivers.”
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About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com), celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009, has earned more than 180 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2009 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Casey Mears (No. 07 Jack Daniel’s), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper). Its 2009 Nationwide Series lineup includes Bowyer, Burton and Stephen Leicht (No. 29 Holiday Inn) and Austin Dillon and Sean Caisse (No. 2 RCR Chevrolet). Austin Dillon, Ty Dillon and Ryan Gifford are RCR developmental drivers in both asphalt and dirt track racing.
