Stewart reaches sponsorship deal with Rush

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (AP) - Tony Stewart has started to fill some of the sponsorship gaps on his schedule.

Rush Enterprises, which operates the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America, will be the primary sponsor for Stewart’s No. 14 car in three Sprint Cup races. Rush Truck Centers will be on the hood for the March 24 race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., the April 7 race at Martinsville Speedway and April 27 at Richmond International Raceway. Rush will serve as an associate sponsor in other races this season.

Stewart-Haas Racing had about 20 races spread out over three cars that needed a top sponsor.

Rush may have hit on some winners with their affiliation. Stewart has two victories at Fontana and is the defending winner of the track’s Cup race. Stewart has three wins at both Martinsville and Richmond.

Stewart is a three-time Cup champion.

“We’ve been doing business with Rush Truck Centers for years. It’s an established relationship that will now have a much higher profile thanks to their decision to became a primary sponsor for the No. 14 team,” Stewart said.

Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlight the field of star drivers who have needed sponsorship up for grabs. Earnhardt’s No. 88 Chevrolet lacks a primary sponsor for about one-third of the 36 Sprint Cup races this season.

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