Up to speed

A question for Elliott Sadler

This month I have another question from a fan who has written in to the otrprotrucker.com Web site.

I love getting questions from fans, because I can discuss something you want to know about. This will bring the 2005 season to a close. It wasn’t what we were looking for in terms of performance, but the exciting part is that we are already preparing for next year. It’s not just our race team that gets an early start, but also our sponsor, M&M’S®. At this writing, they already have a car designed, uniforms produced and a photo shoot completed. I think everyone is going to love our new look for next season, and hopefully we’ll get to show it off in Victory Lane many times during 2006. Now, on to this month’s fan question:

Question: My five-year-old granddaughter, Cheyenne, loves to watch the Nextel Cup races. When she sees your #38 M&M’S car, she gets excited and starts yelling “Go, M&M’S, Go!” and “Win, M&M’S, win!” Her question is, What is your favorite M&M’S character, Green or Red?

Answer: First of all, thanks to you and Cheyenne for all of your support. I think one of the biggest changes for me when I came to Robert Yates Racing three years ago was becoming the driver of the M&M’S Ford. Before that, I had always driven for a team that had been sponsored by an automotive sponsor like Citgo® or Phillips 66®.

All of a sudden, I had a bright, colorful car that was the favorite of so many children and adults alike. I get called “M&M’S Man” or “Candyman” a lot. People might not know my name, but everyone knows what M&M’S are. They’re such a fun sponsor to have, especially with all the attention we receive from kids.

Now, on to my answer for Cheyenne. I’d have to say, without a doubt, that Green is my favorite M&M’S character and M&M’S color. I actually get asked this question a lot. People always want to know why, and it’s simple. Green is the only girl of the group, so of course she’s my favorite! Last season she was on my side of the car, but this year they moved her to the rear bumper. I didn’t like that too much, so for next season M&M’S has agreed to move her back to my side.

If I had to choose a second favorite, though, it would be Red. He’s kind of the ringleader of the M&M’S characters, so I think that’s why I like him. It’s a tough choice, because they are all pretty cool. I keep bugging M&M’S to put me in a commercial with all the characters. I think it would be pretty funny. Hopefully, one year they will do that.

Get an autographed

#38 Elliott Sadler

die-cast car!

Just email us a question you’d like to ask Elliott. If we select it, his answer will be printed in a future column, and you will receive an autographed, collectible die-cast car! Email your question for Elliott, your name and your mailing address to:

ashefsky@otrprotrucker.com

Deadline: Dec. 1, 2005