TC Daily Pit Stop: Andy's Frozen Custard Expands Support of Dillon and Alfredo, Benning Driving for G2G at Daytona, and Stewart Returns to Full-Time Competition (in NHRA)

TC Daily Pit Stop: Wednesday, February 15th, 2023

Feb 15, 2023

PHOTO CREDIT: RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING

On Tuesday, Richard Childress Racing announced an expansion of its partnership with Andy’s Frozen Custard, which will include primary sponsorship of Austin Dillon and the No. 3 RCR NASCAR Cup Series team.

While a full primary sponsorship schedule wasn’t provided for Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the company will adorn the infamous NASCAR Cup Series entry for the first-time on March 19 at Atlanta.

Additionally, the company will serve as a primary sponsor of Anthony Alfredo’s No. 78 Chevrolet Camaro for BJ McLeod Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte (May 27) and Texas (September 23).

“We have had a relationship with RCR, Austin Dillon, and Anthony Alfredo that began several years ago. We are excited to have them back for the 2023 season while we create more opportunities for our fans to enjoy the NASCAR experience with their family, friends and favorite frozen treats,” said Andy Kuntz, CEO and owner of Andy’s Frozen Custard in a team release. “Our motorsports alliance has allowed us to reach more fans and it has been very productive for our brand and our stores. The NASCAR/Andy’s relationship has contributed to an increase in our national brand awareness and is also helping us grow almost as fast as the racecars we sponsor. We are on target to open nearly 28 new stores this year and have more than 100 in development.”

Norm Benning to Replace Johnny Sauter in No. 46 G2G Racing Entry at Daytona

PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan McCoy, TobyChristie.com

According to an update to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry list for the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, Norm Benning will pilot the No. 46 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for G2G Racing.

Benning replaces Johnny Sauter, who was originally scheduled to pilot an entry for the organization in the season-opening event at Daytona, as per a report from TobyChristie.com on February 2.

The 71-year-old has made a total of 244 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, but failed to qualify in all four of his attempts in 2022, piloting his self-owned No. 6 Chevrolet Silverado.

Road Ranger Continues Partnership with Ty Majeski, ThorSport Racing for 2023

PHOTO CREDIT: ThorSport Racing

After a successful first season as a primary sponsor of Ty Majeski in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Road Ranger is continuing its relationship with the ThorSport Racing driver.

The company, which stands as the fourth-largest travel center chain in the United States, will adorn the No. 98 Ford F-150 in multiple NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events, starting at Daytona.

“Kicking off our partnership with Road Ranger in 2022 was a huge success,” said Majeski. “We won our first race together and raced for a Championship in Phoenix. I couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our relationship into 2023 and beyond. We have our goals set high on and off the track this season and we are ready to get to work at Daytona.”

According to Road Ranger’s website, the company will return as the primary partner of Majeski’s entry in nine NASCAR Truck Series events in 2023.

Tony Stewart Returns to Full-Time Competition in Top Alcohol Dragster with McPhillips Racing

PHOTO CREDIT: Nigel Kinrade, NKP, Courtesy of Ford Performance

After spending the better part of two decades as a driver at NASCAR’s top-level, Tony Stewart’s retirement has consisted of several motorsports-centric activities and endeavors, the latest of which will bring him back to full-time competition in 2023.

Stewart will contest the entirety of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series schedule, piloting a Top Alcohol Dragster entry for McPhillips Racing.

“I am super excited about the season. It’s been a long winter, and I think what’s made it feel even longer is the fact that we’ve been working on putting this package together with the McPhillips family to expand on what we did at Las Vegas last year and get back in the seat,” Stewart said. “I want to keep learning about the sport and have the opportunity to go compete more this year with a team I really enjoy.”

Last season, in his Top Alcohol Dragster debut at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the 51-year-old advanced to the finals, coming up just two-ten-thousandths of a second behind the event’s eventual winner Madison Payne for the overall victory.