Cargill to Return to No. 17 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Roush Fenway Racing has announced that long-standing partner Cargill Beef will return to the No. 17 team with NASCAR Champion driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2015. Cargill will serve as a primary partner for multiple races on the No. 17 beginning with the famed Southern 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway on Sept 6.

As part of the Darlington ‘Throwback” initiative the paint scheme for the race will feature a ‘special’ retro look, which is sure to be a fan favorite. Details on the paint scheme will be released at a later date. 

“I’m thrilled to have Cargill back this season with the No. 17 team,” said Stenhouse. “They have been an outstanding partner with Roush Fenway for the past five seasons and with our team in both the XFINITY and Sprint Cup Series. I can’t think of a better way to welcome them back this season, than going for the trophy in one of my favorite all-time races, the Southern 500 at Darlington.”

“We are pleased to announce the continuation of our successful partnership with Roush Fenway Racing and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.,” said John Keating, president of Cargill Beef.  “Beef is a perfect choice for NASCAR racing fans everywhere. NASCAR fans have proven to be brand loyal, and this partnership provides us the avenue to make Cargill Beef products their top choice.”

Cargill first teamed with Roush Fenway in 2010, joining Stenhouse during his rookie of the year season in the NASCAR XFINITY SERIES and continued to serve as a primary partner during Stenhouse’s back-to-back NXS Championships in 2011 and 2012. Last season they made the move to Sprint Cup racing with Stenhouse and the No. 17 team.

“Cargill has been an outstanding partner for the past five seasons,” said team co-owner Jack Roush. “In 2010 they took a chance on a young and unproven driver in Ricky, and they went on to play a pivotal role in his XFINITY Series Championship seasons. They made the move up to Sprint Cup last season and they continue to play a major role with the No. 17 and Ricky.”

In addition to serving as a primary partner with Stenhouse in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014, Cargill teamed with Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne in 2013 in the XFINITY Season, before moving up to the Sprint Cup Series with Stenhouse last year. 

“The enthusiasm we have experienced from our customers, employees and race fans during our time with Roush Fenway Racing has confirmed that high quality beef products and NASCAR racing fit perfectly together,” said Tammy Shaw, Cargill Beef vice president of marketing.  “And we are extremely excited to once again extend our relationship and to make our 2015 debut with Ricky and the team at Darlington.

“We look forward to another terrific season with Roush Fenway and Ricky, as we continue to find unique ways to market our products and support our customers through NASCAR.”

RFR PR