Go Daddy To Sponsor NASCAR’s Mark Martin

NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader Mark Martin will drive for Hendrick Motorsports through 2011, and GoDaddy.com has signed to be primary sponsor of his nunber 5 car Chevrolets in the Series. The world’s leading registrar of Internet domain names will be on the hood for 20 races next year, including the Daytona 500.

Although Martin admits that 2011 is a long-term commitment in NASCAR, he says the sponsorship opportunity from GoDaddy made the decision to stick with Hendrick an easy one. “That shouldn’t come as any big surprise,” Martin said of the contract extension. “Who would want to quit?”

Martin had initially committed to just one full season in the number 5 car, with an option to run at least a partial schedule again next year. After a win in April at Phoenix (his first victory since 2005) and subsequent wins at Darlington, Michigan and Chicago this year, the team seems like a natural fit.

The sponsorship deal from GoDaddy is the first hint of a new primary sponsor in recent months for NASCAR’s top cup series. The economy has limited many companies’ marketing budgets, with several companies scaling back or leaving sports sponsorships entirely. GoDaddy has also been involved in NASCAR in the Nationwide Series, and in IndyCar as a secondary sponsor for GoDaddy Girl Danica Patrick for several years, but sponsoring a high-profile Sprint Cup contender such as Martin’s number 5 car team is a major step for GoDaddy that will provide a great deal more exposure.

Martin, who at 50 years old is considered by some to be the dean of active drivers, went into semi-retirement in 2006, so his success this year is a phenomenon. Martin says “As long as I can have fun, compete at a high level and have the opportunity to win, I’m going to continue to do this. I’m having a blast.”

“GoDaddy.com is an exciting, aggressive partner with immense marketing savvy,” says Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “The fact that they’re again expanding their relationship with us says a lot about the success of their business and the results they’ve seen from these programs.”

Congratulations to Mark Martin, Hendrick Motorsports, GoDaddy.com and all involved, and best of luck in the Cup chase!

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