Toyota and Sprint Team Up for Chase Grid™ Live

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has finally returned from a well-deserved off-weekend. As the Chase for the Sprint Cup is rapidly approaching, teams are gearing up for what they hope to be a championship run. Besides the multiple organizations that will contend for a championship, NASCAR is also gearing up for their first year with a new Chase for the Sprint Cup format.

NASCAR is treating fans in Chicago for a preview of the Chase by inviting fans for the debut of a one-of-a-kind event. The Chase Grid™ Live program will be held on the Wednesday and Thursday in downtown Chicago preceding the first race in NASCAR’s version of the playoffs.

“There’s no better way to introduce our new Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup format than by inviting our fans – the most loyal in sports – to be a part of the celebration,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR chief marketing officer. “We are fortunate to have partnered with two world-class brands in Toyota and Sprint to provide an unforgettable fan experience as we embark on this significant moment for our sport.”

In the past, NASCAR has had events similar to the Chase Grid™ Live. These events included the Chase Contenders Live in 2013, which was held at the Navy Pier on the coast of Lake Michigan.

Due to a conjoined effort by Sprint and Toyota, NASCAR will be able to bring fans access to each of the 16 drivers that will be battling for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crown. As seen in the past, NASCAR has been able to bring companies together that likely would not have formed a partnership without America’s most popular form of motorsports.

“Toyota is proud to once again partner with NASCAR and Sprint in Chicago for this annual celebration of the Sprint Cup Series championship contenders,” said Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing, performance and guest experience, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “With this season’s new Chase format and 16 worthy competitors vying for the championship trophy, this is an event Chicagoans and NASCAR fans will certainly want to attend. Being from Chicago, I know it’s a great venue and knowing NASCAR it will definitely be a must-see event.”

Besides have the experience to watch a two-hour event, there is also the Chase Grid™ Live Sweepstakes, which fans can enter via NASCAR.com. The contest lasts until August 29, and the Grand Prize winner will receive a VIP experience to the Chase Grid Live event, along with a pair of VIP passes to each of the three NASCAR-sanctioned races being held to start off the Chase at the Chicagoland Speedway, amongst other prizes.

ESPN will also play a key role in Chase Grid™ Live – providing exclusive features and interviews with a large amount of the drivers that competing in the first round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Joseph Wolkin