McDonald's to sponsor Sadler for six Cup races

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- McDonald's USA and Gillett Evernham Motorsports have announced that McDonald's will sponsor Elliott Sadler's No. 19 Dodge in six Sprint Cup races in 2008.

"McDonald's is thrilled to partner with Gillett Evernham Motorsports, which is one of the premier teams in the Sprint Cup Series," said John Lewicki, McDonald's senior director of alliance marketing. "This partnership is a great fit as McDonald's, Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Elliott Sadler are all committed to delivering quality experiences to fans and customers alike."

McDonald's will sponsor Sadler's No. 19 Dodge all season and serve as the primary sponsor at Martinsville on March 22, Darlington on May 10, Michigan on June 15, California on Aug. 31, Talladega on Oct. 5 and Atlanta on Oct. 26.

McDonald's logos will also appear on the uniform of Sadler's teammate Kasey Kahne in the 2008 season. McDonald's has sponsored Gillett Evernham Motorsports since 2004 and has continued to grow its involvement.

"McDonald's is obviously one of the great brands of American history and we feel proud a company of its prestige selected Gillett Evernham Motorsports," team co-owner Ray Evernham said. "The sponsor partners we have at this race team are second to none. McDonald's has supported my team and my family for quite a few years now. They are more than just a sponsor, they are my friends."

Sadler will carry "trimary sponsorship" in 2008 with Best Buy and Stanley taking turns serving as primary sponsor along with McDonald's throughout the season.

"The cool thing is I've always been a McDonald's, Best Buy and Stanley kind of guy," Sadler said. "We have some great partners and I am glad they are coming on board with us. McDonald's has been a big part of my life growing up."