(Press Release from NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)
Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway Will Commemorate Track’s 25th Anniversary Season; Partnership Includes Unique Assets Across Iconic NASCAR Tracks Daytona International Speedway and Richmond Raceway
NASCAR and Dixie Vodka announced today a multi-year official partnership, designating the American-made craft spirit brand as the “Official Vodka of NASCAR.” Central to the agreement, Dixie Vodka will sponsor the NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway next season, commemorating the track’s 25th anniversary.
Launched in 2014 by Grain & Barrel Spirits, Dixie Vodka is the largest premium craft vodka produced in the Southeast and includes a lineup of six unique expressions all representing the best of Southern flavor and craftmanship. The South Carolina-based brand is one of the fastest-growing spirit brands in the United States and recently expanded its distribution footprint west of the Mississippi.
“Dixie Vodka is entering the sport with an integrated industry approach, introducing its product to a national fan base that actively supports partners of the sport,” said Daryl Wolfe, executive vice president and chief operations and sales officer, NASCAR. “NASCAR is rooted in heritage and tradition, beginning as a regional sport that eventually grew into a global property. Our new partners have emulated that approach and are utilizing this partnership to expand Dixie’s presence and brand awareness.”
For its first taste of NASCAR, Dixie Vodka will join NASCAR Champion’s Week celebrations at the Fan Fest in Nashville, serving cocktails in Music City’s Riverfront Park alongside all 16 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race cars and other fan displays Dec. 3 – 5.
“Our goal from day one has been to align with partners who share our mission of promoting the best of our region’s wonderful hospitality, flavors and craftsmanship,” said Matti Christian Anttila, founder of Dixie Vodka and CEO of Grain & Barrel Spirits. “NASCAR is an iconic brand that has grown from southern roots into a national sport watched by millions of people every race day. This partnership allows us to speak directly to that amazing fanbase, introducing them to the best of the flavors of the south and the heart and soul we put into every single bottle of Dixie Vodka. We’ll toast to that.”
The Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 22, 2020 will help celebrate the track’s 25th anniversary season. As part of the event, Dixie Vodka will be featured at bars throughout the racetrack, serving cocktails that showcase the brand’s expressions – Southern, Black Pepper, Peach, Wildflower Honey, Citrus and Mint.
“Dixie Vodka aligns perfectly with what Miami and Homestead-Miami Speedway are all about,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Al Garcia. “Not only can our fans witness some of the most exciting racing in NASCAR, but we also have tremendous amenities throughout our facility that they are able to experience as well. It’s all about fun, and that’s what Homestead-Miami Speedway and Dixie Vodka will offer all of our guests. We are thrilled about this new partnership as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of our venue.”
At the start of the 2020 season, fans will have the opportunity to taste Dixie Vodka and a lineup of its all-American cocktails at the Dixie Vodka-branded bar at Daytona International Speedway. Additionally, fans will be able to celebrate every win at Richmond Raceway from the Dixie Vodka Victory Lane Club, which provides unprecedented access to the action in the infield.
As part of the partnership, Dixie Vodka also becomes the Official Vodka of the DAYTONA 500, Daytona International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond Raceway.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs concludes at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Geez, I remember back when NASCAR would not allow hard liquor sponsors, for it was not the family values they were trying to project.
NASCAR ended the booze ban 15 years ago.
https://www.chiefmarketer.com/nascar-lifts-ban-on-spirits-sponsors-diageo-steps-in/
I always found it funny that spirits were banned in a series named after cigarettes for decades.
” six unique expressions all representing the best of Southern flavor and craftmanship”
That has to be the most unique description of a alcoholic beverage that is supposed to be odorless, colorless and tasteless.
This could be the first or maybe the continuing move by NASCAR to retreat back to it’s Southeastern roots where they enjoyed so much success.
Beer and cigarettes good. Hard liquor bad. How could that be? Right, all good.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑
What happens when Smirnoff or Grey Goose wants to sponsor a car? Will they be banned like the phone companies were when NASCAR had Sprint and banned all other telephone companies?
Cigarettes, now Booze, what’s next? Porn? ” The Vivid Video 400″ Wonder if they’ll give out free vodka at the races.
FWIW, a few years ago, maybe 2011 or 12, there was a car in IMSA sponsored by Durex Condoms, with minor sponsorships from a personal lubricant brand and a “marital aids” website. Way back in the 70’s they sponsored an F1 car. https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/35748458
Rob P. might be on to something!