Hendrick picks up associate backer for Vickers.

Brian Vickers' #25 Hendrick Motorsports team have picked up a major associate sponsor in the form of cosmetics firm Garnier Fructis.

The deal marks the first foray into motorsports by Garnier Fructis, which is owned by L'Oreal USA.

In addition to the associate-sponsorship on the #25 GMAC / ditech.com Chevrolets in 2005, the union will be highlighted when Vickers and the #25 car don the trademark bright green Garnier Fructis colour scheme in two races, the first date at the Texas Motor Speedway and the August 7th running of the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"NASCAR has enormous universal appeal," says Karen Fondu, the president of parent company Maybelline New York-Garnier. "NASCAR is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle. Like Garnier Fructis, NASCAR is dynamic, spirited and all about high performance."

Under the associate sponsorship agreement, sophomore Nextel Cup driver Vickers will serve as a spokesperson for Garnier Fructis hair care and styling products. His likeness will be featured in print advertising, at point-of-purchase and in-store displays, and throughout public relations campaigns and Internet initiatives.

"Hendrick Motorsports is proud to be associated with the folks at Garnier as they embark upon their first season," said team owner Rick Hendrick. "Hair care products represent a new and unconventional sponsorship category for a NASCAR team, which is certainly a positive thing for everyone in our sport. We're happy to welcome Garnier to the family and look forward to many years of success."

"I'm excited to be working with Garnier Fructis," notes Vickers. "Since I began racing, I hoped the title of 'race car driver' was in my future. But hair care model? Now that's unexpected. It's great to represent such a cool, fun brand."