SMITHFIELD, Va., July 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 'Chasing 43', a documentary tracing the history of NASCAR motorsports and legendary driver Richard Petty, will air on the NBC-TV network at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on Sunday, July 5.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is motorsports' preeminent stock car racing organization and has one of the largest followings of any spectator sport in the United States. Petty is a former NASCAR driver and one of the most respected figures in motorsports. Petty achieved legendary status for winning the NASCAR championship seven times and claiming a record 200 races during his career.
The NBC documentary focuses on the storied history of NASCAR from its beginnings in 1948, the unparalleled and thrilling accomplishments of Petty, and the track record of the No. 43 car. Smithfield Foods sponsors the legendary 43 car, which is now driven by Aric Almirola in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Smithfield's sponsorship began in 2012, when the company entered into a multiyear, integrated partnership with the legendary Richard Petty Motorsports NASCAR team. As part of its agreement with Richard Petty Motorsports, Smithfield is utilizing various brands and unique, engaging promotional initiatives throughout the racing seasons to communicate with existing customers and introduce others to the company's many fine products. In addition, a variety of Smithfield brands are adorning the legendary No. 43 Ford, including Nathan's Famous, Eckrich, and Smithfield.
"All of us at Smithfield Foods greatly enjoy our partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and Aric Almirola, and it's exciting to be the sponsor of the 'Chasing 43' NASCAR documentary," said C. Larry Pope, Smithfield's president and chief executive officer.
As a longtime racing aficionado, Pope sees many similarities between NASCAR and Smithfield Foods and its products. "How people execute their individual tasks, and how they work together, is the secret to success in any business, or any sport," he said.
A trailer of the documentary is available here.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. In Europe, the company's brands include Krakus, Morliny, Berlinki, Mazury, Yano and Comtim. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.