Stewart-Haas sign US Army for 2009

The team introduced the new black and camouflage paintscheme that this year's Daytona 500 winner will run in twenty-two races next season, while competing for the new organisation in the No. 39 Chevrolet Impala SS.

The signing of the US Army now makes it three sponsors that Stewart and his team have been able to take from other outfits.

In August, the two-time champion presented longtime Roush Fenway sponsor Office Depot as one of his backers for next year as well as Old Spice, who has sponsored him while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

"There is no group of people more dedicated to service and committed to excellence than the men and women of our armed forces," Stewart said about his team's new sponsor. "We take great pride that the U.S. Army has chosen Stewart-Haas Racing as the team to lead its NASCAR effort."

US Army officials revealed the agreement with Stewart-Haas Racing is for 2009, based on the government-owned entity's policy of signing one-year-deals only. However, there is believed to be a commitment for the sponsorship to carry on over a longer period of time in a similar way as it has been dealt with at DEI in the past.

"I am extremely honored for the opportunity to drive the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet and proud to represent the men and women who serve and protect our country," Ryan Newman said.

"The dedication, teamwork and passion of the soldiers who defend our country is inspiring, and it will drive myself and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing to become one of the elite teams in the garage.

"Every time I drive the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet and this crew competes at the track, we will give it everything we have to get to victory lane."

Stewart's feat of signing more than 80 percent of the sponsorship space available on his two cars for next year is quite remarkable, given the current financial outlook in the United States, which has seen rival teams struggle to find enough backing.