Kangaroo Express Sponsors NASCAR’s No. 84 Cole Whitt

Whitt preparing for race at Homestead-Miami Speedway

CARY, N.C., Nov. 18, 2011 – The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq:PTRY), the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, today announced it will sponsor NASCAR’s No. 84 Cole Whitt in the final race of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Whitt has been racing in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series division and is now aiming to reach his dream of becoming a Sprint Cup driver by qualifying in the Ford 400 Sprint Cup race held at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 20th.

Whitt made his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut in the Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix International Raceway this past Sunday, where he started in the 19th position and finished in the 25th. By competing in Phoenix, Whitt qualified to race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"We had a really good run in Phoenix for our first Sprint Cup race," said Whitt. "I’m looking forward to getting back out on the track this weekend and am thankful to have the support of my fellow NASCAR fans at Kangaroo Express."

Kangaroo Express, impressed with Whitt’s performance last week in Phoenix, jumped at the opportunity to work with Whitt in his efforts in Miami. "We have a common bond with the community of racing fans who are regular customers in our stores across the Southeast – a love of stock car racing, this great country of ours, and all the brave men and women who fight for it," said John Fisher, senior vice president of marketing at Kangaroo Express. "We are excited to sponsor Whitt, arguably one of the most promising up and coming racers, as he heads into this weekend’s qualifying race."

Kangaroo Express has strengthened its relationship with the NASCAR community over the past three years, raising funds for Victory Junction camp, founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam. Last year the fundraiser raised $634,000, sending more than 250 children to the year-round camping environment for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.

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About The Pantry
Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, The Pantry, Inc. is the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated convenience store chains in the country. As of August 8, 2011, the Company operated 1,655 stores in thirteen states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express®, its primary operating banner. The Pantry's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as gasoline and other ancillary services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of its customers.

Media Contact
Kelly Hubbard
Largemouth Communications (on behalf of Kangaroo Express)
1007 Slater Rd., Suite 150
Durham, NC 27703
kelly@largemouthpr.com
919-459-6453

This release was published on openPR.