Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series driver champion, and his No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing team, will take part in a full day – and evening – of activities today, hosted by series sponsor Nationwide Insurance in its headquarters’ hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
This is the fourth consecutive year that Nationwide Insurance has welcomed the series driver champion to its home turf, and the second year in succession that his entire team – this year led by crew chief Mike Kelley – also has made the trip. Since the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards Banquet immediately followed this year’s season finale on Nov. 19 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, today’s schedule allow Stenhouse’s championship celebration to continue a bit longer.
“It’s still a surreal feeling to be the NASCAR Nationwide Series champion,” Stenhouse said. “I wake up every day and ask myself, ‘Did it really happen?’ I’m so thankful for Nationwide Insurance and everybody that has made it possible for us to race in such a great series. I’m looking forward to being at Champion’s Day in Columbus. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent Nationwide as their champion today and for the rest of my life.”
Stenhouse’s portion of the day begins with an exclusive on-line live chat for Nationwide associates. In the meantime, the No. 6 team will receive a tour of Nationwide’s corporate headquarters. After the chat and tour, Stenhouse and his team will sign autographs for Nationwide associates on site.
Following lunch, the driver champion team will head to nearby Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League, for a tour of the facility and a game of broomball on the Jackets’ home ice. Next up is a trip to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank where Stenhouse, Kelley and the No. 6 team will challenge a team of Nationwide associates to pack as many boxes of food items as possible in a time allotment. The food will assist needy families in the Columbus area during the holiday season.
A unique experience follows as team members will be introduced to a Columbus, Ohio original: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. The company’s founder, Jeni Britton Bauer, will be on hand to discuss her inspiration for her unique ice cream shops and flavors. The store insists there will be enough ice cream on hand to keep the hungry No. 6 team happy.
The day concludes with a short trip back to Nationwide Arena where the team will enjoy the 7 p.m. ET matchup between the Blue Jackets and the Nashville Predators. Stenhouse will be a featured guest on the FOX Ohio pre-game show. He’ll also take part in a Q&A session in the Fan Lounge before an autograph session with fans in between the first and second periods.
NASCAR PR
