In response to the coronavirus pandemic, public events across the country from home and garden shows to major sporting events are being postponed or cancelled. While pool and spa retailers struggle to adapt and major spa manufacturers temporarily shut down, one employee-owned hot tub company in Oregon has a unique platform to reach potential customers.
As an official sponsor of NASCAR driver Ryan Truex, Marquis is the only hot tub brand sharing real estate with other sponsors. As it turns out, NASCAR is one of the only major sports able to host weekly events while practicing social distancing.
Thanks to iRacing, a highly realistic online racing platform, NASCAR drivers compete from the safety of their living rooms, man caves and home garages. Hundreds of thousands of viewers are tuning in to each race, generating millions of interactions on social media. The result is a win-win-win: drivers get to keep racing, sports fans finally have something to watch and sponsors like Marquis are reaching a huge audience, all the while encouraging public safety and raising money for worthy causes.
During April and May (at least), Ryan Truex will participate in two eNASCAR series: the “Pro Invitational Series” and the “Grand National Tour.” When he races, Truex will drive a virtual Marquis No. 40 Chevrolet. According to Truex, the Grand National Tour is particularly close to his heart.
“What makes it special,” he says, “is how it’s all about the short tracks.” Short tracks are the small regional speedways where young drivers and teams develop their talent and aspire to careers in NASCAR. “For the Grand National Tour,” he adds, “we’ll be at four virtual short tracks in iRacing while raising money for the real tracks.” Because short tracks rely on monthly attendance, Truex and his fellow drivers are pulling together to help them out.
The Grand National Tour starts Wednesday evening, April 15, 2020, with live streaming on eNASCAR.com/live and the NBC TrackPassTM app. Start times will be posted online.
eNASCAR Grand National Tour Schedule (iRacing):
• April 15: ENEOS 150 at Irwindale Speedway
• April 22: Marquis Hot Tubs 125 at South Boston Speedway
• May 6: LiUNA! 100 at Stafford Speedway
• May 20: Valvoline 150 at Langley Speedway
For more information about Marquis and Ryan Truex, please visit marquisspas.com/truex.
