Bubba Wallace and the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports team will have a new sponsor — Columbia Sportswear — for the August 23rd NASCAR Cup Series Drydene 311 at Dover International Speedway.
This was discovered first from the ambassadors page at Columbia’s website.
According to the page, the deal is a multiyear sponsorship with Wallace.
A statement on the Columbia website reads in full:
Columbia is proud to announce a multiyear sponsorship with NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace. Bubba is a tough competitor and a courageous leader who has inspired us with his unifying message of “Compassion. Love. Understanding.” The Columbia No. 43 car debuts at the Dover International Speedway on August 23rd.
Richard Petty Motorsports confirmed the news with a Wednesday press release.
“Columbia Sportswear is a perfect fit for my lifestyle away from the track,” said Wallace in the release. “I love spending time outdoors-boating, golfing, hiking, photography-just anything to help me decompress from a hectic racing schedule. I’m beyond excited to be a part of the Columbia family and can’t wait to work with them on some unique content and fly their colors next weekend at Dover.”
In a report from the Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press, the deal is expected to include primary sponsorship of the No. 43 car in three races this season. The other two races will be announced at a later date.
Wallace has made a splash in 2020. He has been much more competitive on the track in his No. 43 machine, but he has also taken a huge step at being a respected voice in NASCAR in regards to social injustices around the United States.
There have been a lot of rumors about where Wallace will drive in 2021. Wallace has admittedly received and offer to drive the No. 42 car for Chip Ganassi Racing next season, and he has also been offered an extended stake of ownership in Richard Petty Motorsports to return to the No. 43 team.
Where Wallace goes and what he does will be a key story to keep an eye on during NASCAR Silly Season, but as it stands, this is another corporate sponsor that is wanting to be aligned with the 26-year old driver.