In what the brand is regarding as a first-of-its-kind expansion, Mobil 1 announced on Tuesday its plans to continue and further grow its long-standing motorsports relationship with Toyota Racing Development.
As part of this expanded-upon agreement, Mobil 1 will have primary sponsorship across each of the manufacturer’s NASCAR Cup Series teams in 2024 — Joe Gibbs Racing, 23XI Racing, and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.
The deal will also see the infamous motor oil brand continue to have primary placements across each of the series that Toyota has a presence in, like NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, ARCA Menards Series, Late Models, and more.
“Mobil 1 is proud to be synonymous with motorsports, and we are thrilled to take that to the next level with Toyota Racing Development,” shares Rob Shearer, Director of Global Sponsorships and Marketing Services, on behalf of Mobil 1. “Toyota Racing Development shares the same passion for performance as we do and, together, we will work to continue to show how the right motor oil can improve on-track performance and provide longevity for consumers’ vehicles. We are proud to compete in many different series and cheer on our racers all season long.”
The strategic partnership between TRD and Mobil 1 aims to continue the development of technology advantages across the series, ones that help organizations win, provide exclusive access to driver stories on and off-track, continue to grow the fanbase that loves racing and driving, plus help to develop the next generation of drivers.
“TRD’s technical partnership with Mobil 1 has been integral to Toyota’s on-track performance and success over the past 20+ years,” explains David Wilson, president, TRD USA. “From winning the Indy 500 to championships in NASCAR, IMSA, NHRA and countless achievements in sports car, grass roots and dirt racing action, Mobil 1 has been the common denominator. As we begin another exciting racing season in 2024, we are honored to expand our partnership with Mobil 1.”
In the NASCAR Cup Series, Mobil 1 will have a combined nine races of primary sponsorship between drivers Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and John Hunter Nemechek. The company will also serve as a multi-race primary sponsor of Chandler Smith and the No. 81 Toyota GR Supra in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The brand will kick off its sponsorship campaign with Christopher Bell and the No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE in the Busch Light Clash on February 4. The Norman, Oklahoma-native will see the motor oil brand return as the primary sponsor at Richmond (March) and Talladega (April).
“Mobil 1 and TRD have a long-standing history,” adds Bell. “I have been a small part of it running the dirt cars for them and even having Mobil 1 on my own sprint car a couple of years ago. It is an honor to have them as a partner on the Cup side.”
In 2024, Mobil 1 will be adorning both of the full-time entries for 23XI Racing, which will be driven by Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.
“I’m excited to have Mobil 1 on my Toyota this season,” adds Wallace. “They have done a lot inside the sport – you have seen them on various teams and cars, so to carry that iconic brand in 2024 is really cool. The connection with Toyota makes it tie in all together and hopefully carry a lot of speed and a good time, so we are looking forward to the opportunity.”
Reddick will be carrying the brand on his No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE in two races, first at Phoenix Raceway (March) and then at Richmond Raceway (August). Wallace will carry the brand’s colors at Circuit of The Americas (March).
“It’s really awesome for Mobil 1 to come on board,” shares Reddick. “When you look at a brand like Mobil 1, the technology, the innovation, the things they continue to improve and push – it is great to have a partner like that involved with our race team at 23XI, because honestly, we are trying to do some of the same things. I am excited to be working with them this upcoming year, and hopefully we can find their race car in victory lane.”
John Hunter Nemechek will be the final driver to have primary sponsorship from Mobil 1 in the NASCAR Cup Series this season, with the company’s brand appearing on his LEGACY MOTOR CLUB No. 42 in September events at Darlington Raceway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, as well as the season-finale at Phoenix Raceway in November.
“2024 is going to be a big year for us, and I’m very thankful to have Mobil 1 and its continued support once again this season. We have been fortunate to share a lot of success over the past three years and made plenty of great memories together along the way,” says Nemechek. “Their commitment to Toyota and TRD across so many different forms of racing really shows their passion and dedication to motorsports as a whole, and to be able to represent them in my return to the Cup Series with LEGACY M.C. will be special. I’m looking forward to kicking things off with them in a big way.”
Mobil 1 will also continue to be a crucial component of the Toyota Driver Development (TD2) program with several primary sponsorships spanning drivers Taylor Gray, Brent Crews, Isabella Robusto, Buddy Kofoid, and Jade Avedisian.
