Pillow Pets and Dirt Track Racing

IT’S A PILLOW, IT’S A PET, IT’S A SPONSOR: NASCAR might have a stronghold on the under-12 market after this weekend, based on its newest team sponsor announcement. Pillow Pets announced a multi-race sponsorship of Trevor Bayne’s No. 6 NASCAR Nationwide Series car fielded by Roush Fenway Racing Thursday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“I know the kids love it, and it’s neat for me because we have a lot of young fans in NASCAR, and sometimes it’s hard for them to connect to what the sponsor is,” Bayne said. “Now with Pillow Pets on our car, they’re excited. I’ve had so many kids today like at the Roush Fenway fan day come up and want a Pillow Pet, and we were able to give them one.”

Prior to the announcement, Bayne handed out special red-white-and-blue patriotic bear Pillow Pets to media members, many of whom were thrilled to have such a coveted gift to take home to the little ones. Even team owner Jack Roush admitted to hoarding the little stuffed pillows.

“I’m really excited, because I’m going to be a big hit when I go home,” Roush said. “I have five grandkids 10 years old down to six months, and they’re gonna think that their granddad is the coolest guy.”

Bayne’s bright pink car will make its debut Saturday in the HISTORY 300 race at Charlotte. It will also race in Indianapolis and Dover.

“I was excited about (being here) last week,” said Caleb Barber, public relations and marketing coordinator for Pillow Pets. “But I had a chance to go to fan day at Roush Fenway Racing, and now I’m blown away. Just seeing the fans up there interacting with the drivers, and how much they love these guys. We’re excited to reach into this new audience. Thanks for giving us such a warm welcome.”

The company will also provide patriotic Pillow Pets to nearly 2,000 military members recently returning home as part of the speedway’s “Welcome Home Our Troops” program.

GREATEST SHOW ON DIRT: The stars of the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series and the NDRA Crate Late Model Series will battle it out in the heart of NASCAR country in two action-packed feature races at the Circle K NOS Energy Outlaw Showdown Friday.

Fans can get up close to their favorite drivers and get autographs during a free autograph session located on the concourse at 4:45 p.m., prior to on-track action Friday night. Tony Stewart Racing’s Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz along with Kasey Kahne Racing’s Cody Darrah and Daryn Pittman areamong those expected to participate. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a commemorative event poster to use.

The Circle K NOS Energy Outlaw Showdown will feature daring, never-before-attempted stunts by Dr. Danger and Mr. Dizzy. At 5:30 p.m., Dr. Danger and his crew will attempt a six-in-one stunt by jumping two cars off ramps into a pyramid of cars.

Before the A-Mains, Mr. Dizzy will attempt to spiral a 29-foot limousine over cars across the frontstretch, getting the crowd amped up for the racing action.

Both stunts will be filmed by the HISTORY Channel and featured in an upcoming series set to debut later this year.

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