M&M’S® ‘The Official Chocolate of NASCAR,’ announced the confectionary brand will be the title sponsor at this year’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, as they close the curtain after 32 years in the sport. 

Mars will celebrate its three-decade stint in the sport, by using the race to pay tribute to NASCAR fans and Mars Associates who have shared the partnership journey. 

To begin the celebrations, Mars will embark on a nationwide search on social media to identify active and passionate M&M’S Racing fans, who will then be invited as VP guests to the M&M’S Pocono race weekend.

The fans selected will also have the opportunity to meet NASCAR drivers and receive signed merchandise, with one fan selected to serve as the Grand Marshal for the race.

Mars Wrigley North America president, Anton Vincent, said: “For more than 30 years, Mars has inspired moments of happiness through the colourful fun of the M&M’S brand for NASCAR fans all over the country.”

“During our final year and, in our backyard race, Mars wants to celebrate one of the best fan bases in the world with a Mars-sized ‘thank you.’ 

“The M&M’S brand has celebrated many NASCAR successes and we are grateful for the NASCAR fans,” said Vincent.

Mars VP of sponsorships and sports marketing, Williams Clements, said they are committed to using the 2022 season to celebrate those that have made the last 32 years memorable.

“That is why we have partnered with Pocono Raceway to be the title sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series race on July 24, which has been named the ‘M&M’S Fan Appreciation 400’.

“Fans can expect tons of activities in the lead up to and throughout the race weekend, featuring M&M’S Racing legends, past and present,’ said Clements.

For fans attending the M&M’S Fan Appreciation 400, M&M’S will conduct a discussion moderated by NASCAR pit reporter, Jamie Little, on the morning of the race. 

Current and former M&M’S drivers including Kyle Busch, David Gilliland and Ken Schrader, will also share personal stories of their time driving for the Mars’ brands.

The conversation will be accessible to fans via social media, where they will be given the opportunity to submit questions in advance and win signed merchandise from the panel of speakers.

Pocono Raceway president, Ben May, also commented: “We are honoured to celebrate alongside M&M’S after 32 years of supporting NASCAR, by partnering together to show our appreciation for the greatest fan base in sport.”

“Creating lifelong memories and exciting experiences for Pocono Raceway and NASCAR fans is a passion for our team and to do it alongside one of the world’s iconic brands is a tremendous joy,” said May.

The 2022 Pocono Race will take place on Sunday, July 24th.