NASCAR’s Kevin Harvick, Inc to Represent UFC Fighter
June 21, 2013
NASCAR team, Kevin Harvick, Inc. (KHI) has reached outside auto racing and into the world of professional athlete management, inking a deal to represent UFC fighter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.
KHI, co-owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick and his wife, DeLana, is renowned in the motor sports world not only for its on-track success, but also for its efficacious and innovative sponsorship relationships. In its NASCAR operations, the company has demonstrated expertise in marketing through sponsor activation, sales and promotion, event management, advertising and public relations. More recently, KHI transferred its primary concentration to athletes and sponsors in and out of the auto racing industry, including Harvick, Cerrone, Jeff Burton (NASCAR) and Jason Gore (PGA).
“It’s an honor and privilege to have this new relationship with Kevin (Harvick) and KHI,” stated Cerrone, a (MMA) fighter currently ranked sixth in the UFC Lightweight division. “I have learned a lot from Kevin and his management team over the last year and look forward to a long-lasting relationship both in and out of the octagon.”
Under Harvick and the KHI management team’s direction, KHI earned two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships and 53 wins in the NASCAR Nationwide and Truck Series in its decade of competition. Along for the lengthy and prosperous ride were numerous and critical KHI sponsor partners, despite the fact that a weakening U.S. economy forced several corporations out of NASCAR altogether.
“One of KHI’s strongest qualities always has been our ability to sell and maintain sponsorship in NASCAR despite the economic challenges,” Kevin Harvick said. “With that solid foundation and the template we’ve created over the last 10 years, I think we are ready to take the next step to represent other athletes in other arenas. Donald is our first client in the UFC, and I’m excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Cerrone, 30, is based and trains in Albuquerque, N.M. He won three of his four last fights to extend his record to 20-5. The Denver native is next scheduled to fight Rafael Dos Anjos (19-6) on Aug. 28 on UFC on FOX Sports 1.