Courtesy Carson-Newman Communications
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team Front Row Motorsports and Carson-Newman University (C-N) have forged a one-race partnership featuring the University on Front Row's No. 35 Ford Fusion. The Carson-Newman car will be driven by Josh Wise during the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 24.
"We are very excited about this unique opportunity that specific University donors and Front Row Motorsports have afforded us," said Carson-Newman President Randall O'Brien.
O'Brien says he is impressed with both the integrity and humbleness in which Front Row owner and Dandridge, Tenn., resident Bob Jenkins operates his team.
"To be able to partner with Mr. Jenkins and his organization in showcasing Christian higher education on a national stage – well, it just doesn't get much better than that," O'Brien said.
"One of the most gratifying parts of running a Sprint Cup team is bringing new partners into the sport," said Jenkins. "And when it's an organization as respected as Carson-Newman, it's even better. Throw in that it's one of the biggest races of the year and that's going to make it a pretty special weekend."
The Front Row car will also highlight several area C-N supporters including Knoxville's Ted Russell Automotive Group and Premier Building Maintenance Corporation, as well as Oak Ridge's Denton Financial Group.
Planning is also under way for a Carson-Newman/Front Row VIP event that will take place on C-N's campus during the week leading up to the race. Proceeds from the event will go to the local Boys & Girls Clubs of Dumplin Valley. Details will be announced at a later date.
The IRWIN Tools Night Race will air live in primetime on ABC.
About Carson-Newman University:
Carson-Newman University is a private, Christian liberal arts university in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Founded in 1851 among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the University has approximately 2,000 students and offers 48 academic programs and seven graduate degrees. The institution's website is www.cn.edu.
About Front Row Motorsports:
Front Row Motorsports fields the No. 34 of David Ragan, the No. 38 of David Gilliland and the No. 35 of Josh Wise in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The team is owned by Bob Jenkins and is headquartered just outside of Charlotte, N.C. In 2012, FRM was named to INC Magazine's "INC 5000" list, recognizing the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., earning a rank of 800. Its partnership base is representative of more than $200 billion of the U.S. economy and includes organizations such as Ford Motor Company, CSX Transportation, Love's Travel Stops, McCall Farms, Taco Bell, and Long John Silver's. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Robin Johnson atrjohnson@frontrowmotorsports.com or Mike Laheta at mlaheta@frontrowmotorsports.com.
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