Last year M&M’s announced that they were ending a relationship with NASCAR that has lasted for over 30 years.
In its last year of sponsorship for the Joe Gibbs Racing number 18 car driven by Kyle Busch, M&M’s has announced that they will be the primary sponsor for the Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway on July 24.
As a part of the celebration, M&M’s will be launching a search around the country to find the most passionate M&M’s Racing fans. These fans will be honoured as VIP guests at the race, ambassadors for the weekend, have the opportunity to meet the drivers, and receive signed merchandise. One fan will also be selected to be named Grand Marshall for the race.
President of Mars Wrigley North America Anton Vincent spoke on the upcoming celebration saying, “for more than 30 years, Mars has inspired moments of happiness through the colorful fun of the M&M’S brand for NASCAR fans all over the country. During our final year and, in our backyard race, Mars wants to celebrate one of the best fan bases in the world with a Mars-sized ‘thank you.’ The M&M’S brand has celebrated many NASCAR successes and we are grateful for the NASCAR fans.”
VP of Sponsorships and Sports Marketing at Mars William Clements added, “Mars is committed to using our 2022 season, our final year in the sport, to celebrate those that have made our last 32 years so memorable. That is why we have partnered with Pocono Raceway to be the title sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series race on July 24, which has been named the ‘M&M’S Fan Appreciation 400.’ The race weekend will be designed to thank the incredible Mars Associates and NASCAR fan base for making our journey in NASCAR so special. Fans can expect tons of activities in the lead up to and throughout the race weekend, featuring M&M’S Racing legends, past and present. We’re so excited and can’t wait to celebrate with you all.”
Fans who attend the race will also be able to attend a special discussion where M&M’s drivers past and present – David Gilliland, Ken Schrader, and Kyle Busch – will “cruise down memory lane” by sharing stories from their time with M&M’s.
Current driver of the M&M’s car Kyle Busch spoke on the event saying, “the entire Mars organization is incredibly special to me, and we want to commemorate all of our history together with the fan celebrations during the M&M’S Fan Appreciation 400. From the M&M’S Pocono Raceway festivities to the fans and Mars Associates we’ll be bringing to the track, we couldn’t be more excited to honor those that have made this partnership so fun. I can’t wait to see everyone there!”
Pocono Raceway president Ben May said, “we are honored to celebrate alongside M&M’S after 32 years of supporting NASCAR, by partnering together to show our appreciation for the greatest fan base in sport. Creating lifelong memories and exciting experiences for Pocono Raceway and NASCAR fans is a passion for our team and to do it alongside one of the worlds iconic brands is a tremendous joy.”
feature photo credit: M&M’s spokescandies 2022.jpg