ANAHEIM, CA -- The #1 Ford Taurus driven by Butch Gilliland will look a lot more "refreshing" for the remainder of the season. The global soft-drink industry leader, Coca-Cola Company has signed on as a major associate sponsor of the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Racing Team. The logos will appear on the quarter panels beginning with the Orleans 150 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this coming Friday, March 5th. The Ralph's/Food 4 Less decal will remain emblazoned on the hood of the car.

Coca-Cola the favorite soft drink among both fans and athletes has long been involved in sports marketing. Coca-Cola sponsors World Cup Soccer, the National Football League, the Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup, COPA America and numerous local sports teams. The Coca-Cola Company has sponsored the Olympic Games since 1928. But perhaps it is now best known as the official soft drink of NASCAR.

Also joining the team for Las Vegas Motor Speedway, albeit for only a one-race deal, will be veteran crew chief David Ifft. With over 25 years experience behind him he has worked with such names as Darrell Waltrip, Benny Parsons, Cale Yarborough, Buddy Baker, Rick Carelli and most recently Kenny Wallace.

Ifft, 50, will be calling the shots as Gilliland will be attempting the double header, competing in both the Winston West and Winston Cup Series events this weekend.

"David is a great [Winston] Cup crew chief and we are excited to have him as part of our crew" said Gilliland. "He will bring a wealth of knowledge to the table that will not go to waste in this endeavor."

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 3/3/99