Josh Bilicki will compete in next Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Bristol Motor Speedway, with a major sponsorship partner on board the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
AES Restaurant Group, an Arby’s franchisee, will serve as the primary sponsor of the organization’s part-time entry at the 0.533-mile Bristol Motor Speedway in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race.
Bilicki’s No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will carry the universally known red and white colors of Arby’s, the second-largest sandwich brand in the world.
The company first jumped into the Arby’s franchise business two decades ago in 2004, opening six locations across the state of Indiana, and has rapidly grown with restaurant purchases, remodels, and new openings ever since.
In 2019, Arby’s celebrated AES Restaurants as the Franchisee of the Year.
“We are so excited to partner with Josh to support the Bristol community at one of the biggest races of the year. Coming off of an exciting NHRA US National title, we couldn’t be happier to be a part of the NASCAR series and the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway,” said John Wade, CEO of AES Restaurant Group.
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race will mark the 99th NASCAR Cup Series start for Bilicki, a native of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Earlier in the season, the driver ran well in a one-off attempt at the Chicago Street Course, and has now turned that into a second opportunity with the long-time NASCAR organization.
“I’m very thankful to represent AES Restaurant Group and Arby’s at one of NASCAR’s most iconic races of the year, the Bristol night race,” said Bilicki. “MBM Motorsports and I had a respectable run at our last Cup race in Chicago, so I’m looking forward to carrying the momentum to the Last Great Colosseum and serving up the meats with Arby’s.”
Carl Long, owner of MBM Motorsports has been a versatile car owner this season, fielding entries in all three of NASCAR’s National Series, as well as the ARCA Menards Series.
The former driver is excited about the opportunity to have such a big-name brand on his racecar heading to one of NASCAR’s most popular racetracks.
“I love going to Bristol. My biggest win as a driver was there in the 1997 NASCAR All-Pro Series. I have had some of my best races as a driver and as an owner in Trucks, Xfinity, and Cup at this track,” said Long. “I believe we will race well. Arby’s and Bilicki are a solid combination to pair up with. The track may throw teams another tire challenge like in the spring race. We are preparing for it.”
“I have to end my comments here, my Beef ‘n Cheddar with curly fries is ready here in the Arby’s drive-thru!”
The NASCAR Cup Series race weekend from Bristol Motor Speedway will begin with practice and qualifying on Friday, September 20, before moving into the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, September 21. Coverage for the event will be on USA Network.
