The longest-running team partnership in NASCAR history continues its legendary run as Interstate Batteries extends its multi-year agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). The leading battery brand in the U.S. remains a cornerstone of JGR, carrying the partnership well into a fourth decade.
A Partnership Rooted in NASCAR History
Interstate Batteries became JGR’s founding partner in 1992, aligning with the team’s NASCAR Cup Series debut. The collaboration was instrumental in turning team owner Joe Gibbs’ vision into reality, securing future Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett as the team’s first driver.
“When we first began our partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing in 1992, we had around 120,000 dealers comprised of service stations, garages, and car dealers that sold our batteries, but we didn’t have a national reputation. Joe Gibbs Racing gave Interstate Batteries national recognition,” said Norm Miller, Chairman Emeritus of Interstate Batteries.
Jarrett’s 1993 Daytona 500 victory catapulted the brand into national prominence. That momentous win not only established JGR as a competitive force in NASCAR but also solidified Interstate Batteries as a household name. “That 1993 Daytona 500 win really put Interstate Batteries on the map. It helped us secure national accounts because we had strong name recognition among consumers,” Miller continued.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the partnership progresses into 2025, championship contender Christopher Bell will carry the signature green colors of Interstate Batteries in four NASCAR Cup Series races, while Ty Gibbs will pilot an Interstate Batteries-branded car in one additional race at Nashville Superspeedway on June 1.
Bell’s 2025 schedule with Interstate Batteries includes:
- February 16 – Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway
- March 16 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- May 4 – Texas Motor Speedway
- November 2 – Season Finale at Phoenix Raceway
“Our customers are the backbone of our success at Interstate Batteries, and our partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing is a great avenue to strengthen our relationships with them on and off the track,” said Lain Hancock, President and CEO of Interstate Batteries. “Our ‘Outrageously Dependable’ mantra speaks to our tenure with JGR and our long-time customers.”
A Legacy of Success
In their 33-year alliance, Interstate Batteries and JGR have built an impressive legacy, winning five NASCAR Cup Series championships and securing 214 Cup Series victories, including four Daytona 500 triumphs. Notably, all of JGR’s milestone firsts have come with Interstate Batteries as the primary sponsor:
- First win – Dale Jarrett’s 1993 Daytona 500 victory
- First pole position – Bobby Labonte at Martinsville Speedway in 1995
- First championship – Bobby Labonte’s 2000 title
Team owner Joe Gibbs reflected on the partnership’s significance, stating, “We wouldn’t be where we are as a race team without the support from our founding partner, Interstate Batteries. To think we’re now well into our fourth decade together speaks to how special our partnership has been and the relationships we’ve built. I’ll be forever grateful to Norm and Tommy Miller, who gave us a chance when we didn’t have a building, cars, or even employees.”
Hall of Fame Connections
The JGR-Interstate Batteries relationship has seen several of its drivers earn their place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Dale Jarrett (2014), Joe Gibbs, Bobby Labonte, and Tony Stewart (2020), Matt Kenseth (2023), and Carl Edwards (2024) all played significant roles in the team’s history.
As Interstate Batteries and Joe Gibbs Racing gear up for another season, their shared commitment to excellence and longevity remains unparalleled in NASCAR, proving that some partnerships truly stand the test of time.
