HARRISBURG, N.C. (January 15 , 2010) - - JTG Daugherty Racing officials announced today that The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer and world’s largest florist, will be the primary sponsor for Marcos Ambrose and the No. 47 Toyota Camry team during the world-famous 52nd running of the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla. on February 14.

This year, NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race happens to fall on Valentine’s Day, February 14. To recognize the traditional day of love, Kroger is running a special floral paint scheme of red roses on Ambrose’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) entry as a reminder that they offer floral arrangements and gifts for every occasion. You can order flowers with ease by calling 1-800-900-6575 or visiting www.Kroger.com.

“Kroger and our family of stores are excited to bring the Daytona 500 closer to our customers and race fans this year,” said Don Becker, Executive Vice President of Kroger. “Sponsoring Marcos in the race on Valentine’s Day is particularly thrilling since Kroger sells more roses that day than any other florist in the world.”

Because Kroger delivers flowers internationally in addition to domestically, they are top of mind for Ambrose to send flowers to his family and friends in Australia. Just like Ambrose is passionate about racing and delivering results, Kroger’s family of stores are passionate about flowers and deliver the freshest flowers from growers around the world. This year, Kroger will come in handy for the Aussie while his wife Sonja and two daughters remain in their homeland during the Daytona 500 on Valentine’s Day.

“I love the fact that Kroger can deliver flowers around the world because Sonja and the girls won’t be with me in Daytona on Valentine’s Day and sending flowers is a great way for me to let them know I’m thinking about them and missing them terribly,” said Ambrose, who made history last season for being the first Australian to compete in the Daytona 500. “While I was shopping for flowers recently online at www.Kroger.com, I noticed not only do they deliver flowers to Australia, but they sometimes use Kangaroo Paw (floral emblem of Western Australia) and ironically that’s native to Australia.”

“We’ve really been fortunate this season to sign and retain some wonderful sponsors like Kingsford Charcoal, Clorox, Little Debbie, Kimberly Clark, Kroger and the list goes on,” Ambrose said. “We’re glad to have Kroger behind us and we’re working hard at JTG Daugherty Racing to put them in victory lane along with all of our partners. We were on the edge of doing that a couple times last year in our first full season of operation on that level. I’m really looking forward to growing our relationship with Kroger and having them on board with us at Daytona.”

In addition to Kroger’s presence on the hood, they are extending the sponsorship to their family of grocery and multi-department stores by including Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Food 4 Less, Gerbes, King Soopers Ralphs, QFC and Smith’s.

Kroger will also have one of their jewelry stores on the quarter panels to remind people to visit Fred Meyer Jewelers (www.FredMeyerJewelers.com), which carries a large selection of watches, engagement rings, wedding rings, gemstones, diamonds and more.

Look for the No. 47 Kroger Toyota Camry at Daytona International Speedway for the first time on Friday, February 5th as Ambrose participates in his first practice session of the regular season. Daytona 500 qualifying presented by Kroger takes place on Saturday, February 6th beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET. The NSCS Gatorade 150-mile qualifying races are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 11th. The Daytona 500 kicks off on Valentine’s Day, February 14 at 1 p.m. ET. Live coverage of 200 lap (500 mile) race on FOX starts at 1 p.m. ET.

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