Janssen Pharmaceuticals has extended its partnership with NASCAR and will be a title sponsor of the US racing association’s Sprint Cup Series.
Already NASCAR’s official cardiovascular partner Janssen will now also sponsor the first race in the series as part of its activities around National AFib Awareness Month in the US.
In doing so Janssen will precede such Sprint Cup Series races as the Hollywood Casino 400, Bank of America 500 and Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500.
Janssen’s own MyAFibStory.com 400 race will take place on 14 September at the Chicagoland Speedway. It builds on an involvement that began earlier this year with the company’s sponsorship of both a NASCAR Nationwide Series Race at Auto Club Speedway and Brian Vickers’ No. 55 Toyota, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sprint Cup ride at the Southern California facility.
Scott Paddock, president of Chicagoland Speedway, said: “The first race in the chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup delivers an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of atrial fibrillation with the MyAFibStory.com 400.
“We are proud to be partnering with Janssen, and we have a number of events and activation opportunities planned to educate and encourage race fans on AFib, risks and warning signs and treatment for the condition.”
Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, is caused by an irregular heartbeat which affects as many as 2.7 million Americans. It increases a person’s risk for stroke by up to five times and is the most common serious heart rhythm abnormality in people over the age of 65.
Gregg Ruppersberger, group product director at Janssen said: “Millions of Americans are living with AFib, and could have an increased risk for an AFib-related stroke if it is not being treated properly.
“That’s why we and Chicagoland Speedway are partnering to educate people about the risk factors and warning signs for AFib, stroke, blood clot prevention and treatment options. Together, we can make a difference for people who are at risk for or living with AFib.”