MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Officials from Rick Ware Racing have announced the return of Victory Lane Quick Oil Change and several of its partners to the team for select NASCAR Cup Series events this season.
The renewed partnership starts with this weekend’s Cup Series event at the Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway road course on Sunday, where driver Garrett Smithley will be behind the wheel for RWR.
Victory Lane was originally founded as Pit Stop Quick Lube in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Derrick and Jane Oxender in 1980. When the company began offering franchise sales in 1986, the name was changed to Victory Lane Quick Oil Change.
That history makes Victory Lane the longest operating quick lube franchise in Michigan.
In July of 2014 after over 30 years of successful operation, the Oxenders sold Victory Lane to Justin and Lauren Cialella. At the time, the Cialella’s were the majority franchisees of the corporation, owning and operating 10 locations in the Southeast Michigan region.
“NASCAR sponsorship is a natural fit for Victory Lane,” said Victory Lane Quick Oil Change CEO Justin Cialella. “We have seen success in both brand recognition and franchise sales since our first race in NASCAR. This will be our fourth season with Garrett (Smithley) and we couldn’t ask for a better brand ambassador. He understands our brand and believes in it.
“We’re excited and honored to have many of our great partners believe in this program as much as we do and are looking forward to a great season.”
The Victory Lane franchise is licensed nationwide and currently operates 42 franchise locations in eight states. As of last year, Victory Lane is the 17th largest franchise quick lube in the United States as well as the fifth largest retail automotive franchise in Michigan.
Joining Victory Lane on Smithley’s Cup Series cars this season will be Kendall Motor Oil, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Water Wetter, TrueBrand, Buck’s Oil, and Clix Wipers.
“Justin, Lauren, Jim and the team at Victory Lane have been instrumental in the positive trajectory of my NASCAR career,” said Smithley. “Preventive maintenance, specifically oil changes are something that we all need to take care of but rarely have the time to do. Victory Lane truly offers the best solution. Their services are affordable and consistent, and their associates are honest and trustworthy. That is evident when looking at the growth of the Victory Lane brand, even during the pandemic.
“I’m humbled, honored, and excited to represent an organization like Victory Lane and it’s partners for another year.”