Start Your Duck Calls
Duck Dynasty clan invades Texas Motor Speedway for spring NASCAR race
The Robertson clan from A&E's Duck Dynasty certainly knows how to keep people talking, whether through "reality" show antics or controversial comments in magazines. Now Duck Dynasty will be on the tip of NASCAR fans' tongues, as the family's company, Duck Commander, has agreed to sponsor the annual spring NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway.
The first Duck Commander 500 will be April 6, 2014, making it the seventh race in NASCAR's 2014 season. The agreement with Duck Commander, which primarily makes duck calls, is for three years, with a renewal option for three more.
The race has had multiple sponsors since it began in 1997, although Samsung was the primary sponsor from 2002 to 2012. The NRA sponsored the race in 2013, a relationship that proved to be short-lived.
Duck Dynasty has become a ratings monster since it debuted on A&E back in 2012, growing to more than 11 million viewers for its season four debut in 2013. Ratings dipped a bit in the season five debut in January 2014, perhaps in no small part to family leader Phil Robertson's recent anti-gay comments.
The Robertson family is expected to play a big part in the race festivities, including one member or another serving as grand marshal and honorary starter. In addition, expect to see Duck Dynasty-related products everywhere around TMS, including Uncle Si's Tea and other food products at concession stands.
Tickets for the Duck Commander 500 go on sale on Friday, February 14, although you can get tickets early by purchasing season tickets or becoming a member of the Texas Motor Speedway Fan Club.
