Zane Smith and Front Row Motorsports have entered a new, multi-series relationship with Centene Corporation, which is poised to include both primary and associate sponsorship in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the team announced Tuesday.
The company’s relationship with Smith will encompass the display of brands Ambetter Health and Wellcare throughout the defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion’s seven-race schedule at NASCAR’s top level.
Wellcare, which offers a wide range of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, will adorn the No. 36 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports, as Smith attempts to qualify for the 2023 Daytona 500.
“I’m fortunate to have a great sponsor of Centene’s stature to step up and support me and Front Row Motorsports as I look to gain racing experience in the NASCAR Cup Series while at the same time defending the NASCAR Craftsman title,” said the 23-year-old Smith. “I’m excited to represent Ambetter Health and Wellcare as Centene continues to grow its involvement in NASCAR and its healthcare presence across the United States.”
As the cornerstone partner for Smith’s previously announced NASCAR Cup Series program, Centene will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 38 Ford Mustang, one of the team’s chartered entries, at Phoenix (Wellcare), Talladega (Wellcare), Sonoma (Wellcare), Texas (Ambetter Health), and Charlotte’s ROVAL (Ambetter Health).
In addition to the six-race primary sponsorship of Zane’s entry in the NASCAR Cup Series, Centene will feature Ambetter Health as the primary partner of the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“We want to welcome Centene Corporation to Front Row Motorsports,” said Bob Jenkins, owner, Front Row Motorsports. “This is an example of another well-respected and premier company to join our organization and the sport. Their support also allows us to move Zane up into the NASCAR Cup Series part-time and continue his growth while also helping us defend our NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. We’re excited for the year ahead.”
Centene is not a newcomer to the NASCAR sponsorship scene, having partnered with Speedway Motorsports to serve as a race track sponsor across multiple SMI properties, while also holding entitlement sponsor status of the NASCAR Cup Series event at Atlanta, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at New Hampshire in July.
“We’re excited to partner with Front Row Motorsports and Zane Smith to build on our relationship with racing fans across the country,” said Sarah London, Chief Executive Officer, Centene Corporation. “Through this partnership, we have the opportunity to further connect with racing fans and educate them on our mission to transform the health of our local communities and ensure everyone is able to access high-quality affordable healthcare.”
