Sprouts sponsors racer to accelerate sales

Sprouts Farmers Market is hoping Nascar fans will be racing to its stores after the Phoenix-based retailer signed on for a major sponsorship.

The 200-unit retailer of fresh, natural and organic foods will be the primary sponsor of Cole Whitt’s number 35 Ford Fusion when the green flag drops at this weekend’s CampingWorld.com 500 at the Phoenix International Raceway. According to Sprouts, the 23-year-old Whitt is an Arizona native committed to living a healthy lifestyle. Sprouts also operates more than 20 stores in and around Phoenix.

"The Sprouts team is thrilled to support Cole this weekend right here in our home state. Cole inspires millions of race fans across the country in the same way we aim to inspire healthy living for all," said Maggie Fearnow, Sprouts senior marketing director. "We're proud to sponsor a driver who is as committed to healthy living as our Phoenix-based team."

Whitt said Sprouts is a perfect partner because he tries to eat healthy.

"Being on the road every weekend, it can be hard to find healthy options, but Sprouts makes it easy to stock up on produce and other foods for the weekend. They have quite a few stores in the Phoenix area, so I'll be sure to stop at one of them on my way to the track,” Whitt said.