Can-Am to Sponsor 2016 Daytona Duel

2016 Can-Am Duel at Daytona

By Richard Tix

This Speedweek the Duel will look a bit different. Can-Am will take over sponsor ship of the two 150 mile races that help qualify and set the field for the 2016 Daytona 500. The Duel, most recently sponsored by Budweiser (2013-2015), will be held Thursday February 18th (Full Speedweek Schedule).

Can-Am is a producer of motorized recreational vehicles and engines for BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), which is a Canadian Corporation. "We feel that there’s a natural fit with NASCAR racers and their fans. Thanks to our association with Kappa, Cyclops Gear and the GOFAS race team, we are now a sponsor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the title sponsor of the Can-Am Duel, the ultimate test before the Daytona 500," said Anne Bélec, senior vice-president, Global Brands and Strategy for Can-Am.

NASCAR moves on from Budweiser as they re-brand towards there Busch brands and move onto a new and exciting involvement with Can-Am. "We’re excited about developing this new partnership with BRP, the world leader in recreational vehicles,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “With two thrilling and unpredictable 150-mile qualifying races, the Can-Am Duel At Daytona will provide a great platform for BRP to promote their Can-Am products at the ‘World Center of Racing."

It's good news to see someone step right in and seem like a nice fit for NASCAR and it's fans. Maybe BRP's involvement with a larger item like the Duel will push them even further into the sport as a sponsor? One thing is known for sure, "The Twins" will now once again go by another name and are something to look forward to.