Spectrum Brands has announced that Steve Letarte, Daytona 500 winning crew chief and NBC analyst, has joined STP, one of the most iconic brands in NASCAR, as the STP Auto Expert with a focus on product and technology education. Letarte joins the original STP spokesperson Richard Petty and current STP NASCAR driver Aric Almirola as a spokesperson and ambassador for the brand.
Letarte, 36, is a former crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and transitioned from the pit box to the booth in 2015 to an analyst for NBC’s NASCAR coverage. Letarte won 10 Sprint Cup races with four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon. In 2011, Letarte took over crew chief responsibilities for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and went on to win the 2014 Daytona 500 as well as four other Sprint Cup races.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the STP family. I have been a NASCAR fan my entire life, and as long as I can remember STP brands have been a part of this sport,” said Letarte. “This is a great opportunity for me to help educate NASCAR fans and consumers on the benefits of the STP product line and how those products can help keep their vehicles performing at the best condition.”
STP entered NASCAR in 1972 with Petty and went on to win four championships with “The King.” The 2016 NASCAR season marks the 44th year STP and Petty have collaborated in the sport.
“We are all very happy to have Steve Letarte join the STP family,” said Jamie Kistner, vice president of marketing for STP. “Steve is one of the most respected voices in NASCAR and brings a wealth of automotive knowledge with him. He’s a perfect fit for the STP brand as he is a genuine car guy, extremely authentic and has a winning attitude just like STP. As the STP Auto Expert, Steve will be the go-to guy for automotive related information and advice to help consumers keep their vehicles running in top form.”
Letarte’s role with STP will begin with the 2016 Daytona 500 and will feature “Tech Tuesday” chat sessions on social media as well as feature videos, website content, blogs and appearances. Letarte also will join Petty and Almirola as prominent figures on April 3 at the STP 500 at Martinsville (Virginia) Speedway.
