Rheem partners with JGR to sponsor Bell and Preece in 2018
Joe Gibbs Racing announced a new partnership with Rheem for Christopher Bell and Ryan Preece for the NASCAR Xfinity Series 2018.
Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and Ty Dillon, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Russell LaBounty / NKP / Motorsport Images
For more than a decade, Rheem has supported racing efforts in NASCAR. Next year, the Atlanta-based heating and cooling manufacturer will underwrite the efforts of Bell and Preece for 33 races.
“We are delighted to partner with Joe Gibbs Racing. Joe Gibbs’ life, business accomplishments and his company’s values fit well with Rheem’s culture of innovation, integrity and philanthropy,” Chris Peel, Rheem President and COO, said in a release.
“We are also pleased to join JGR’s partner family comprised of some of the world’s most successful, innovative companies that are also committed to leading and winning. We look forward to working and winning with Coach Gibbs and his team.”
Bell, who turns 23 next week, won the Camping World Truck Series title last month at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Rheem will sponsor his No. 20 Camry for 23 races as he competes for the NXS championship. Bell scored his first Xfinity win in just his fifth-career start at Kansas Speedway on October 21.
“I’m incredibly fortunate to have a partner like Rheem come on board and support me as we run for the Championship as well as Rookie of the Year honors in the XFINITY Series in 2018,” Bell said. “Rheem is at the top of their business and they know racing having supported the sport for so long. I’m proud to have the opportunity to represent them.”
Preece’s NASCAR career blossomed with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2017. He finished second with JGR in the No. 20 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway—his home track in July. In his second start with the team, Preece won from the pole at Iowa Speedway two weeks later. He’ll run his first of 10 Rheem sponsored-races at Auto Club Speedway on March 17.
“My family has worked in the HVAC business, so we know first-hand that Rheem is the leader in this industry,” said Preece. “I’m thrilled to have them on board with me for 10 races next year and hope to keep them at the front of the field where they belong.”
The Rheem livery debuts on the No. 20 Toyota with Bell at Daytona on February 17. He’ll carry the Ruud sponsorship the following at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Rheem,” said team owner Joe Gibbs. “They have built a winning company in their industry with many of the same attributes we hold valuable at our race team. Rheem has a long history in our sport and they understand what it takes to be successful. We think Christopher and Ryan will represent them well both on and off the track.”
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