NASCAR drivers Ryan Newman, left, and Danica Patrick pose for photos during a news conference at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, May 10, 2012, in Concord, N.C.(Photo by The Associated Press)
As if her growing list of sponsors wasn’t already ridiculous, Danica Patrick has added another deal to the list. On Thursday, Patrick announced that she would be a sponsored driver for Coke Zero and has already been cross promoting the brand on her Twitter account (@DanicaPatrick). While other drivers in the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series who have fair more talent than Mrs. Patrick continue to struggle with their search for sponsorship, this hasn’t been a problem for the driver of the No. 17.
Danica Patrick joins a growing list of drivers sponsored in the Coca-Cola Racing Family, including Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, Bobby Labonte, Joey Logano, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, and 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart. Coca-Cola has been in the NASCAR family for 14 years.
Patrick is the first female involved in the Coca-Cola Racing family, but you probably knew that already.
“To be with Coca-Cola is one of those things you only dream about as a driver,” Patrick told ESPN.com. “A lot of legendary drivers have been a part of the Coke family, so I feel very fortunate.”
Patrick will be promoting Coke Zero for the running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Also, one of her first promotional appearances with Coke Zero besides the race will be with the movie “Battleship” starting Brookyln Decker. The Coca-Cola 600 is Patrick’s third of 10 Cup series races on her schedule.
And although Patrick is not competing in the Coke Zero 400 on Saturday, July 7th at Daytona International Speedway, expect to see a lot of her at the track. She will be a special correspondent on race day and interact with the fans through social media.
Patrick also mentioned that Coca-Cola was planning some commercials with her creative input and the brand will also donate to her charities every time she drinks their brand on TV. Something tells me we may see a lot more of Danicamania on ESPN they the fans can handle.
“It’s going to be really cool to walk into a grocery store and see those very iconic cardboard stand-ups, and I’ll be the one holding a Coke Zero,” says Danica Patrick.
