With other financial institutions falling left and right, BB&T has announced they will be the primary sponsor for eleven Sprint Cup Series events in 2009 for Richard Childress Racing's No. 33 Chevrolet. Driven by Clint Bowyer, the No. 33 will carry the BB&T sponsorship and colors for ten points paying events, in addition to the annual All-Star race in May.

"We're proud to have BB&T continue to expand its partnership with RCR," said Richard Childress said of Wednesday's announcement. "Our relationship has paid great dividends both on and off the track for both companies. It's been a lot of fun for me, personally, to watch how BB&T has used the racing program to market itself and build support for RCR and Clint Bowyer. It's also very satisfying to be partnered with a local company headquartered in Winston-Salem where I grew up. Not only is BB&T the Best Bank in Town, it's the Best Bank on the Track."

The relationship between RCR and BB&T goes back to 2007, when the bank sponsored Bowyer's No. 2 Nationwide car on a partial basis. This year the deal was bumped to a 25-race partnership, with two races on the hood of the No. 07 Cup car - one of which Bowyer took to Victory Lane in Richmond. To add to that success, Bowyer currently enjoys a 65 point lead in the Nationwide Series heading into the final race of the season.

"Richard Childress Racing and Clint Bowyer have been great partners, and we have been working on opportunities to become more involved with the RCR Sprint Cup program, which is second to none," BB&T's Chief Marketing Officer Steve Wiggs explained. "The success of our program, the positive support from our employees and clients, and the on-track success of Clint Bowyer made our decision to become the major associate sponsor of the No. 33 team relatively easy. We have increased our involvement each of the past two years, and our 2009 program is a natural progression from our successful 2008 season in the Nationwide Series."

Moving from the No. 07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet to the No. 33 car next season, Bowyer is pleased to have a familiar sponsor making the move as well.

"We're all excited to have BB&T take the next step and be part of our Sprint Cup program on the No. 33 Chevrolet Impala SS," Bowyer added. "It's a huge confidence booster for me. I'm starting over with a new group of guys but having BB&T as a big part of our program will bring an important sense of familiarity to our team. Our goal for 2009 is to have all four RCR teams in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and I'm very happy that BB&T is part of that plan."

While BB&T will be the primary sponsor for ten races, General Mills will serve as the primary sponsor for the other 26 races, alternating between Hamburger Helper and Cheerios.

2009 NO. 33 BB&T CHEVROLET IMPALA SS PRIMARY SPONSORSHIP SCHEDULE

March 8                 Atlanta Motor Speedway
March 22               Bristol Motor Speedway
March 29               Martinsville Speedway
April 26                 Talladega Superspeedway
May 2                    Richmond International Raceway
May 9                    Darlington Raceway
May 16                  Lowe's Motor Speedway (Sprint All-Star Race)
September 6          Atlanta Motor Speedway
September 20        New Hampshire Motor Speedway
September 27        Dover International Speedway
October 25            Martinsville Speedway
November 1           Talladega Superspeedway