Nextel Communications Inc. has reportedly signed a deal to become the primary sponsor of NASCAR’s top racing series, which is currently known as the Winston Cup Series, with a deal expected to be announced Thursday. Nextel did not return calls for comment on the report, while NASCAR officials said the report was “premature.”
NASCAR said it was given permission earlier this year to look for another title sponsor for its racing series by Winston’s parent company R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, which has sponsored the series since 1972. Reports claim RJR has invested between $30 million and $60 million annually on marketing through NASCAR.
