THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — Shell Oil Company said Wednesday it has partnered with Penske Corporation in a deal that also moves its NASCAR sponsorship to former champion Kurt Busch.
ExxonMobil then announced it is discontinuing its relationship with Penske after this season. Mobil 1 sponsors Penske NASCAR driver Sam Hornish Jr.
“It has been a long and successful relationship, and we wish the Penske team continued success on the track,” ExxonMobil said in a statement.
Penske’s new deal with Shell pairs the Pennzoil brand as primary sponsor for Busch, the 2004 series champion. Pennzoil also will be an associate sponsor for Penske’s IndyCar drivers: Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe.
To make room for Shell, team owner Roger Penske is expected to move Busch’s current sponsor to driver Brad Keselowski. Busch has been paired with sponsor Miller Lite since joining Penske in 2006.
It’s not clear what Penske will do to fill the gap for Hornish created by ExxonMobil’s withdrawal.
Shell has sponsored Kevin Harvick at Richard Childress Racing since 2007. Harvick is a free agent at the end of this season.