Garage Equipment Supply (GES), a global full service tool and equipment distributor, will be the primary sponsor of Andy Santerre Motorsports’ (ASM) No. 3 Chevrolets driven by Austin Dillon as the third-generation driver competes for rookie of the year honors in the 2008 NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series.
The announcement and car unveiling were made today at the SEMA show. The 2008 Busch East Series will consist of 14 races at 13 different tracks, from Iowa to New Hampshire and an all star event in California.
"Racing is a natural fit for our brand and the various solutions that we offer for automotive enthusiasts," said Gary Henthorn, GES president. "In high-intensity competitive racing, practice, determination and teamwork combined with Andy Santerre Motorsports backing, provides a true competitive edge. Together, ASM and Garage Equipment Supply represent that edge and have joined forces to set a new standard in professional automotive service and care."
"Motorsports sponsorship is much more than putting our logo on a car," commented GES’s Brand Manager, Derek Burns. "Writing checks is the easy part, but our strategy is to partner with teams that win not just on the track but represent themselves and their partners as winner’s midweek as well. As longtime supporters of racing and its fans, GES is very pleased to continue our involvement with the sport as a team sponsor in the Garage Equipment category. We’ve enjoyed our new relationship with Austin, the Childress family history, and look forward to a continuing relationship during this and many winning seasons."
Dillon, 17, is the son of former NASCAR driver Mike Dillon and the grandson of NASCAR legend Richard Childress. The Clemmons native is competing in a number of late model dirt track racing series, including the Fastrak Racing Series Dirt Late Model division, the World of Outlaws 360 OTC Late Model Series, and the O’Reilly Southern All Star Racing Series. He earned his first feature victory May 25 in Fastrak Racing Series Dirt Late Model division at the Dirt Track at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
"I’m really looking forward to running the Busch East Series next year for Garage Equipment Supply and Andy Santerre Motorsports," said Dillon. "Everyone at GES has been great to work with and Andy’s success in the series speaks for itself. My racing career has happened very fast, but I’m ready for the challenge in front of me."
Andy Santerre is a four-time NASCAR Busch East Series Champion (2002-2005) and the 1998 NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year. The Maine native retired after 2005 to focus his efforts on the team ownership of ASM, which has resulted in seven wins over the past two seasons.
"I’m really excited to have Austin Dillon driving for ASM," said Santerre. "After watching him race his dirt Late Model, I have no doubt he has talent and know he will acclimate well to the Busch East Series cars and racing.
"It is also exciting to be part of bringing a new sponsor into the series. Garage Equipment Supply is a perfect fit for the series and ASM. We know we can increase their market to include race fans and the race teams.
For further information, visit the Garage Equipment Supply website at www.gesusa.com.
