Motor Sports

January 22. 2013 2:09PM

Updated: NHMS extends deal with Osram Sylvania for fall NASCAR Sprint race

BY KEVIN GRAY
New Hampshire Union Leader

New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials, making the most of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour in North Carolina, took the spotlight at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday.

NHMS executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens flicked the switch on a five-year contract extension with Osram Sylvania for the track’s fall Cup race. The renewal keeps the Sylvania 300 — held Sept. 22 at Loudon — on the schedule through the 2017 season. The speedway’s other Sprint Cup event, the New Hampshire 300, is set for July 15.

Gappens made the announcement inside the Charlotte Motor Speedway “Champions Pavilion.” The partnership with Osram Sylvania is one of NASCAR’s longest active race sponsorships.

“This day and age, long-term business relationships are becoming more of a rarity,” Gappens said. “We have built a tremendous partnership together and continue to work hand-in-hand in making the Sylvania 300 one of the marquee events in NASCAR’s 10-race, Chase for Sprint Cup playoff.”

Nine different drivers have won the Magic Mile’s fall race, which annually draws about 100,000 fans. Last season, Denny Hamlin predicted a victory before the race, and then delivered, leading 193 laps en route to the checkered flag. Following the race, Hamlin climbed out of his car, stood at the Granite Stripe and pointed to the grandstand before taking a swing — a reference to Babe Ruth “calling his shot” in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series.

The Sylvania 300 will be the 27th of 36 races on the Sprint Cup Series schedule and the second event in the 10-week Chase for the Cup. Tickets for both Sprint Cup Series events at NHMS can be purchased by calling 783-4931 or by visiting nhms.com.