Patrick Emerling announced Wednesday multiple sponsorship agreements for his No. 07 SS GreenLight Racing Chevrolet for the 2024 Xfinity Series season. The 31 year old New York native will have primary backing from Florida law firm Phillips, Hunt, Walker, & Hanna for Saturday’s season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.
The partnership between the firm and Emerling aims to highlight the firm’s mission of Justice 4 All, regardless of race, religion, creed, orientation or gender. Joe Exotic, the subject of Netflix’s true crime documentary Tiger King, is among the firm’s high-profile clients.
“Growing up near Daytona and Talladega, NASCAR has a special place in my heart,” said Phillips, Hunt, Walker & Hanna partner John M. Phillips in a press release. “I love teaming up with Patrick Emerling and his team and getting people thinking about justice but also my good friend and client Joe Exotic.”
Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, has been imprisoned since 2018 and has been fighting for a new trial.
“My case has finally been turned over to the appellate court and we just want a new fair trial,” said Exotic. “I truly appreciate NASCAR, the Daytona International Speedway and Team Emerling for taking time to remind everyone that our justice system is unfair. Free Joe Exotic! And win the damn thing, Patrick!”
Emerling also announced that Gladiator Cargo Nets, a producer of heavy duty truck bed cargo nets, will provide associate sponsorship for his No. 07 Chevrolet for Daytona. Southern Tier Security, which is the primary sponsor of Emerling’s No. 08 Ford for Saturday’s ARCA Menards Series event, will also partner with Emerling for four Xfinity Series races later in the season.
Emerling will also have primary backing for at least one Xfinity Series race from Frontline Optics, a company specializing in eyewear for frontline workers like police officers and firefighters.
“I’m grateful for the support of Phillips, Hunt, Walker & Hanna and all of my other partners as we start the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season,” Emerling said. “John Phillips’ passion for justice and his compassion for not only the people he represents but the community at large is truly inspiring. I’m proud to represent him and his firm this weekend.”
The ARCA Menards Series and Xfinity Series races mark the end of a busy week of racing for Emerling, as he already competed in the season-opening Whelen Modified Tour race at New Smyrna Speedway. Emerling also participated in tour-type modified events at the venue as part of the annual World Series of Asphalt.
