Becomes primary sponsor of the No. 30 TMG Chevrolet for two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2015
Sandy Hook, Conn. (February 3, 2015) – Smokey Mountain Chew Inc., the world’s largest tobacco-free smokeless company, announced today they have reunited with four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) Champion Ron Hornaday Jr. for the 57th annual Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Hornaday, who recently signed with The Motorsports Group for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) season, will pilot the No. 30 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s biggest race of the season.
“Once we learned that Ron (Hornaday, Jr.) was signed by The Motorsports Group to drive in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, we jumped on the opportunity to support him again,” said Dave Savoca, president of Smokey Mountain Chew, Inc. “Smokey Mountain has sponsored Ron in the past, and he did a great job being an ambassador for our brand. The opportunity to partner with him for the most prestigious race of the season is just an added bonus. Ron is a champion, both on and off the track, and it’s an honor for us to have him back behind the wheel of the green Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevrolet again.”
Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, who partnered with Hornaday for two seasons in the NCWTS in 2012 and 2013, will adorn the No. 30 Chevrolet SS as the Palmdale, Calif. native attempts to make his 46th Sprint Cup start, and only his second at Daytona.
“It’s an honor to have Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff back onboard with me in 2015,” said Ron Hornaday, Jr., driver of the No. 30 NSCS entry. “Dave (Savoca) and everyone at Smokey Mountain have always been huge supporters of mine and even after our partnership ended in 2013, we continued to stay in touch. To be able to represent their brand as I attempt to make the Daytona 500 is a dream come true for not only Smokey Mountain as a brand, but for me as a driver.”
“When Smokey Mountain signed on to sponsor my Chevrolet Silverado in the Truck Series in 2012, they were just getting their feet wet in NASCAR,” continued Hornaday. “Through this sport they have been able to grow their brand and expand their partnerships in NASCAR, and I look forward to being the driver that represents them for their first Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona in February.”
Hornaday, who has an impressive 55 combined National Series wins in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NCWTS, made his first Daytona 500 start in 2001 when he finished 17th, but hasn’t made a NSCS start since 2003. Although the veteran will be required to qualify into the 200-lap/500-mile event on time through pole qualifying and the Budweiser Duel 150 race, the four-time champion feels confident he will make the 43-car field.
“Everyone at TMG has been working so hard during the offseason to get ready for 2015,” said Hornaday. “I know it’s a long shot, but I feel confident in what Curtis (Key, owner) has put together. I honestly feel like we have a solid shot at making this race. It takes partners like Smokey Mountain to make this work and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
In addition to the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff and Pouches will also adorn Hornaday’s No. 30 Chevrolet SS in the NSCS at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Sunday, May 3.
All the action from Daytona will kick-off with two practice sessions on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 and 1:30 p.m. ET, respectively. NSCS pole qualifying, which will determine the front row for the Daytona 500 and starting lineup of both Budweiser Duel 150 races, will be televised live on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Three additional NSCS practices are scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 2 and 3:15 p.m. ET and Thursday, Feb. 19 at 12 p.m. ET, followed by the Budweiser Duel 150 races which are slated for Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on FOX Sports1.
For more on Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff visit: SmokeySnuff.com, or follow them on  Facebook or tweet with them @SmokeySnuff
For more on The Motorsports Group visit: TheMotorsportsGroup.com, or follow them on Facebook or tweet with them @TMG30PR
Follow Ron Hornaday on Twitter @RonHornaday
About Smokey Mountain Snuff:
Smokey Mountain is America’s original and best-selling tobacco-free smokeless brand. Appealing to adult smokeless tobacco consumers who are seeking tobacco-free and nicotine-free alternatives, Smokey Mountain is available in long cut and easy-to-use pouches. For more information on Smokey Mountain visit: SmokeySnuff.com
About The Motorsports Group:
The Motorsports Group is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, currently based in Mooresville, North Carolina. Since 2009, TMG has participated in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as a full time competitor, and 2015 will mark their first year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with driver Ron Hornaday. You can find up to date information on the team through the website at: TheMotorsportsGroup.com
