(CONCORD, N.C. – January 13, 2016) – Officials from Ansell Protective Products and Menards have jointly announced that they will become co-primary sponsors for the No. 52 Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) entries in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards in 2016. The announcement coincides with Ansell’s continued sponsorship as an ARCA Official Sponsor.
Matt Kurzejewski, the 2015 General Tire Superspeedway Challenge Series champion, will drive the Ansell-Menards car out of the Schrader Racing stable. The 24-year-old Mansfield, Pennsylvania driver has 14 career ARCA starts, with seven top-10 finishes.
“Ansell is proud to continue its co-sponsorship with Menards for the eighth year,” said Kevin Brennan, Ansell’s Marketing Manager, Retail & Automotive Aftermarket – North America. “We’re excited to begin the new season, with an experienced racing team, like Ken Schrader Racing and an “up and comer” like Kurzejewski. Ansell is confident that this is a recipe for success and we’re looking forward to kicking off the season strong, this February in Daytona.”
In addition to the General Tire Superspeedway Challenge championship, Kurzejewski finished a career-best third at Pocono Raceway last year where he led 28 laps.
“To have the opportunity to represent globally recognized companies such as Menards and Ansell is a dream that each aspiring race driver devotes a great deal of effort toward,” said Kurzejewski. “It truly is an honor to drive the No. 52 for Ken Schrader Racing in the ARCA Racing Series with both Menards’ and Ansell’s support. Words do not express my excitement to contend for the 2016 ARCA title with KSR, Menards and Ansell.”
Ken Schrader Racing has been a mainstay in the ARCA Racing Series for years, with team namesake Ken Schrader amassing 80 career ARCA starts since 1981. He has 18 career wins, 20 Menards Pole Awards, 50 top-five finishes and has led 2,732 laps overall.
He’s also made more than 700 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts with wins at Charlotte, Dover, Talladega and Atlanta. In addition to three pole awards in the Daytona 500, the Fenton, Missouri veteran won the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona twice and finished in the top-10 Sprint Cup points eight times. Renowned for his versatility, he earned USAC Silver Crown Series and USAC Sprint Car championships in ’82 and ’83, respectively.
“I couldn’t be more honored and thrilled for the opportunity to represent Ansell and Menards,” Schrader said. “Both have been great supporters of the ARCA (Racing) Series, and the chance to run a full schedule with their support is wonderful. We’re looking forward to racing for the championship with Matt Kurzejewski, Ansell and Menards.”
Ansell and Menards have partnered through a B2B relationship to sponsor the ARCA Racing Series since 2009. In addition to the co-primary sponsorship of Ken Schrader Racing, Ansell and Menards will utilize hospitality opportunities and develop marketing platforms with in-market and at-track promotions. Ansell will continue its series involvement as the Official Safety Glove of the ARCA Racing Series, and continue to partner with Menards and title ARCA qualifying, which will continue as the Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell.
“We’re looking forward to a new season and working with a new driver in Matt Kurzejewski,” stated Jeff Abbott, Promotions Manager and Spokesperson for Menards. “Matt has a promising future ahead of him and we are excited to partner with Ken Schrader Racing for what should be a great season full of many exciting moments. We’re confident the fans will enjoy meeting Matt and watching him progress as a driver.”
About Automobile Racing Club of America:
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA / CRA Super Series, the ARCA Midwest Tour and the ARCA Truck Series, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.
