Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches will join Kevin Harvick in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a primary sponsor beginning in 2011, Richard Childress Racing officials announced Tuesday during the media tour.

Harvick has carried the Jimmy John's logo on his No. 33 KHI Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series for the past two years. The popular sandwich chain became an associate on the No. 29 RCR Chevrolet in 2010.

The new multiple year agreement has Jimmy John's featured as the primary sponsor on the No. 29 for six races and serving as an associate for the balance of the 2011 Sprint Cup schedule.

"I have really enjoyed my relationship with Jimmy John's over the last couple of years at KHI, and I'm happy that we can continue working together on the Cup side," said Harvick. "They have a reputation for being 'freaky fast' in their business, and I'd like to continue that motto on the track this year."

Jimmy John Liautaud founded Jimmy John's in 1983 at the age of 19. The company has grown to 1,000 locations in 39 states after starting out in a Charleston, Illinois garage.

"Jimmy John's is looking forward to moving it's sponsorship up to the Cup level," said Liautaud. "To partner with Richard at this level is a freakin' hoot, and to be a partner with Harvick is about as good as it gets. I'm excited and so is my 55,000 strong sandwich making employee team. We're stoked."

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