Darlington Raceway, Bojangles’ Extend Nascar Sprint Cup Series Race Entitlement Through 2019

Five-year extension added to partnership that started in 2012
DARLINGTON, SC –  Darlington Raceway and Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits announced today a five-year extension of their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 race entitlement partnership.

The partnership, which began in 2012, will continue to bring two iconic southern brands together through the 2019 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

“This extension says a great deal about the strong year-round partnership Darlington Raceway and Bojangles’ have enjoyed since 2012,” said track President Chip Wile. “Both Darlington Raceway and Bojangles’ continue to see tremendous value through this partnership. We are honored to extend our working relationship with them through the 2019 season.”

“Bojangles’ is thrilled to continue our partnership with Darlington Raceway for the next five years,” said Bojangles’ President and CEO Clifton Rutledge. “Like Darlington, Bojangles’ has deep roots in the South and pride ourselves on a tradition of bringing people together, especially over Labor Day Weekend. We look forward to helping create an unforgettable Bojangles’ Southern 500 experience for years to come, an experience where the taste of Bojangles’ traditional Southern recipes serves as the perfect complement to the sights and sounds of the legendary ‘Lady in Black’. We thank Darlington Raceway, ISC and NASCAR for making this possible.”

The extension of the partnership between Darlington Raceway and Bojangles’ comes at a time when the Bojangles’ Southern 500 is returning to its traditional Labor Day weekend in 2015.

“Our Labor Day weekend race was a cornerstone of the NASCAR schedule for 53 years. With our event returning to our historic weekend in 2015, we have some really exciting things in store that celebrate our past while continuing to look towards the future,” Wile said. “Bojangles’ and Darlington Raceway are true iconic Southern brands and we are proud of what we have built and will continue to accomplish together.”

Since the original agreement in 2012, Bojangles’ has opened more than 100 company and franchise-operated restaurants throughout the Southeast, now boasting more than 600 locations. The chicken n’ biscuits brand serves traditional Southern recipes with its own unique flavors, a simple concept that has cultivated a loyal customer base and now drives its increasing popularity and steady expansion throughout the Southeast, including nontraditional locations and sports venues.

This partnership gives Bojangles’ the opportunity to serve its famous Chicken Supremes™, Cajun Filet Sandwich, Seasoned Fries™ and Legendary Iced Tea® at Darlington Raceway. These menu items will also be served at three other tracks owned and operated by International Speedway Corp.: Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway and Richmond International Raceway.

Darlington Raceway and Bojangles’ have enjoyed a year-round partnership, which has touched a variety of annual community initiatives both entities support including the following:
· Bojangles’ is the official sponsor of the Darlington Marathon, held on Sept. 26-27.

· Bojangles’ is a partner for the track’s Speed & Feed BBQ Cook-off and Car Show, held annually in November.

· Bojangles’ has donated items for the track’s local drives benefiting Darlington area food banks.

· Darlington Raceway annually supports the Bojangles’ Golf Outing benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Both parties unveiled a new Bojangles’ Southern 500 event logo at Richmond International Raceway on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 is scheduled for September 6, 2015 on NBC.

Jimmie Johnson (2012), Matt Kenseth (2013) and Kevin Harvick (2014) have won the previous three Bojangles’ Southern 500 races. Johnson’s victory in 2012 gave team owner Rick Hendrick his 200th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory.