Old Spice, the No. 1 anti-perspirant/deodorant stick and body wash choice for guys in the United States, is joining forces with drag racing’s most successful Funny Car Team – John Force Racing (JFR), with rookie Funny Car driver Mike Neff behind the wheel of the new Old Spice Ford Mustang in the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

The 320-mile-an-hour Old Spice Ford Mustang – identified by the iconic buoy bottle that adorns its sides – made its debut in Pomona during the 48th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway this February.  In addition to Neff’s car, Old Spice branding also will appear on the Ford Mustangs of John Force, Ashley Force and Robert Hight. 

Led by John Force, the only drag racing driver to have won more than 100 NHRA tour events (125), JFR has dominated Funny Car racing since 1989.  Over the last 19 seasons, the team has won 15 championships and five drivers have contributed to the team’s record 175 tour victories.  Neff, who joins JFR this season, has a long history of racing, starting off in motorcross and off-road trucks, transitioning to drag racing in the early 1990s as a mechanic.  In 2002, he was promoted to crew chief at Don Schumacher Racing, where he won the 2005 NHRA POWERade championship with driver Gary Scelzi.

Old Spice, the No. 1 anti-perspirant/deodorant stick and body wash choice for guys in the United States, is joining forces with drag racing’s most successful Funny Car Team – John Force Racing (JFR), with rookie Funny Car driver Mike Neff behind the wheel of the new Old Spice Ford Mustang in the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

The 320-mile-an-hour Old Spice Ford Mustang – identified by the iconic buoy bottle that adorns its sides – made its debut in Pomona during the 48th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway this February.  In addition to Neff’s car, Old Spice branding also will appear on the Ford Mustangs of John Force, Ashley Force and Robert Hight. 

Led by John Force, the only drag racing driver to have won more than 100 NHRA tour events (125), JFR has dominated Funny Car racing since 1989.  Over the last 19 seasons, the team has won 15 championships and five drivers have contributed to the team’s record 175 tour victories.  Neff, who joins JFR this season, has a long history of racing, starting off in motorcross and off-road trucks, transitioning to drag racing in the early 1990s as a mechanic.  In 2002, he was promoted to crew chief at Don Schumacher Racing, where he won the 2005 NHRA POWERade championship with driver Gary Scelzi.

“I’m a big fan of Old Spice, and we’re excited to partner with a brand that brings such a strong commitment to our team and the world of racing,” John Force said.  “With Old Spice as our newest sponsor, we hope together we will enjoy the sweet smell of success this racing season.”

A long-time supporter of motorsports, Old Spice also has sponsored NASCAR champion Tony Stewart’s Nationwide Series team for the past eight seasons.  As part of Stewart’s post-race ritual, an Old Spice towel can be seen draped over his shoulder after many long, hot afternoons at the race track.  Since 1999, Stewart has waved a sweat- and champagne-soaked Old Spice towel in NASCAR victory lanes more than 40 times.  After the celebration and media interviews have ended, Stewart signs and turns over each Victory Towel to Old Spice to be auctioned off on eBay, with proceeds going to the Tony Stewart Foundation.

Based on the success of the Victory Towel Auctions with Tony Stewart, Old Spice is also working with JFR to auction off Victory Towels when Mike Neff and team members John Force, Ashley Force or Robert Hight win (2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series).  All proceeds from JFR Victory Towel auctions will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.  So far this season, JFR has already collected one win (Pomona, Feb. 7 – 10), and the Victory Towel from that race will be auctioned off together with the next John Force Racing Victory Towel.  Fans can bid on JFR Victory Towels following each win by visiting www.OldSpice.com or www.JohnForceRacing.com.

“Old Spice is thrilled to pair up with drag racing’s biggest icon, John Force, and the JFR team,” said Carl Stealey, Old Spice associate marketing director.  “With such strong drivers, this is sure to be a fast-paced, exciting racing season.  And after our first big win right out of the gate in Pomona, we’re already on the road to success!”