NASCAR’s Sponsorship Crisis Hits Home for 71-YO Truck Series Star Amidst Slipping Daytona Dreams

Racing at the elite level isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. While the sport itself requires a great deal of mental toughness and perseverance, the financial aspect of the sport is something many overlook when they picture themselves as a racer. While NASCAR was renowned for its down-to-earth humble personalities who had racing in their veins, the current state of affairs in the promotion is more dictated by money and sponsor tie-ups rather than skill alone.

A few days ago, the community was ecstatic to hear the news of a 71-year-old Truck Series veteran, lacing up and putting on his helmet for the season opener at Daytona. Norm Benning aka ‘Stormin Norman’ had high hopes of taking on the 2.5-mile track in a truck but as we near the February extravaganza, the veteran’s dreams might be caught up in a perfect storm as the sponsorship predicament catches the old-timer off guard.

NASCAR veteran Norm Benning’s Daytona dream in shambles

Even though he couldn’t capture the title during his 16-year run in NASCAR’s third-ranked faction, Benning would never limit himself from taking up responsibilities. In fact, the veteran trucker even tried his luck in Xfinity and Cup Series but that didn’t go as planned. Even when things were not going his way, the 71-year-old wasn’t calling it a day, making occasional appearances as a part-timer in the Truck Series.

The veteran made a final appearance in 2023 at NWB for the Tyson 250 where he wrecked out of the race after making history in Bristol, becoming the oldest NASCAR driver to finish on the lead lap that same year, at 71 years of age. But even with that achievement, Benning’s dream of taking on Daytona International Speedway might be down in the dumps.

On the bright side, enthusiasts and fans have taken up the issue, sharing it on social media to get the necessary funds, and starting a new campaign to get the veteran inside a truck for Daytona. 19-year-old enthusiast and writer for Seriously Fast reached out to his followers, mentioning the $50,000 that is keeping Benning away from his ride.

WATCH THIS STORY: Insider unmasks NASCAR’s “rental” business with shocking $5,000 revelation 

With time running short, he politely urged fans to do their best, writing – “If you would like to help Norm Benning, now is the time to do so” – so that the 71-year-old can secure his ride before the two-week window closes. He even started an online campaign, hash-tagging it to get things going before it’s too late.

#NormForDaytona2024 – A final stride for the veteran

It probably is the end of the line for Benning with just two weeks remaining to make up the remaining $50,000 to secure his spot. Earlier it was reported that the veteran got the deal closed with just 1/3 remaining to find the right sponsor. But now with the absence of a brand association to power his Daytona aspirations, enthusiasts have started an online campaign. 

A QR code to Benning’s PayPal account was shared on “X” to prompt well-wishers and patrons to close the gap and get the ball rolling. The tweet captioned, “If anyone would like to help donate any amount, Here’s the QR code to Norm’s Paypal: BENNING MOTORSPORTS Norm is very appreciative of the fact everyone wants to help and I’ll be giving him updates later tonight.”

READ MORE: 71-Yo Truck Series Star Reveals Massive 2024 Update as He Readies Daytona Return After 5-Year Absence

Even though the post reached more than a thousand people, the comment section was pretty dull. But will things fall through and can we get to see the driver return to Daytona after his 5-year hiatus? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.