Photo: Sean Gardner / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Syracuse University will sponsor a car in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International on Sunday (August 10). The car, a No. 44 Chevrolet, will be driven by veteran racer JJ Yeley and will feature Syracuse's iconic orange and navy blue colors, along with the university's "S" logo on the hood. The collaboration between Syracuse University and the NY Racing Team aims to highlight the university's athletic tradition, particularly the significance of the number 44, which was famously worn by Syracuse football legends Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little.
The NY Racing Team, a part-time "Open" team, has participated in eight NASCAR Cup Series events this season, successfully qualifying for seven. Their best finish this year has been 32nd place, achieved at Talladega Superspeedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The team revealed the car's paint scheme on social media, showcasing the Syracuse football helmets and the DART acronym, which stands for Detailed, Accountable, Relentless, and Tough, a mantra from Syracuse Head Coach Fran Brown.
Coach Brown expressed his excitement about the race, stating, "I can’t wait to see the NY Racing Team compete while repping the Orange No. 44 DART." The partnership between Syracuse University and NY Racing is set to bring a piece of Syracuse’s storied athletic history to the NASCAR track, celebrating the legacy of the No. 44.