Walmart looks to drive business with NASCAR deal

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced a new relationship with NASCAR to give Walmart customers and race fans new NASCAR branded merchandise and special savings on race tickets available on Walmart.com/NASCAR for select races. The new retail program, branded "Race Time", is the largest retail promotion in NASCAR's history, according to Walmart, and launches in 1,500 Walmart stores just in time for the start of the season with the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 (FOX, Sunday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. ET).

Participating Walmart stores will offer such merchandise as T-shirts, racing flags, and tailgating food and beverages with even more selection of merchandise on Walmart.com/NASCAR. In addition, Walmart customers and NASCAR fans can save money by purchasing a discount ticket package available exclusively through Walmart.com/NASCAR for select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, the company reported. Ticket packages include four race tickets, four hot dogs, four beverages and one race program for just $99.

To help fans experience the thrill of racing, Walmart said it will also create NASCAR fan events at several stores in every race market throughout the season featuring real stock race car displays, special appearances by professional drivers, and racing simulator machines.

"We know our customers are NASCAR fans, and we continue to look for ways to provide unforgettable family experiences as well as greater value in every aspect of their lives," said Stephen Quinn, chief marketing officer, Walmart U.S. "We're very pleased to introduce this program to our customers and help them save money while fully experiencing the excitement of NASCAR. "