2009 has been deemed by the sponsors as “the year of the fan.” A lot of research has been done by different groups to see what NASCAR fans would like to see in promotions. They didn’t want cash, they didn’t want gas, they wanted personalized experiences where they could get up close and personal with the drivers. The fans spoke and the sponsors listened. Here are some of the promotions that have got fans excited for 2009.

Hellmann’s will be sponsoring “the NASCAR real fan of the year” award. And what’s the big prize? Time with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and their face on a JR Motorsports Chevy paint Scheme. There will be monthly winners from March through September. During the Dollar General 300 Nationwide Race at Charlotte Dale Jr. will announce the winner. Fans can go to www.realfanoftheyear.com for more info on this contest.

For the third time Crown Royal will naming an actual event after a fan. The Russell Friedman 400 will take place May 2nd at Richmond. Friedman who has two purple hearts from Iraq wrote an essay to Crown Royal describing his toast to his fellow military officers. He will be using this race to honor those men and women who ensure our nations freedoms.

M&M’s is looking for “the most colorful fan.” Participants must turn in a photo that demonstrates their passion for NASCAR. There will be weekly winners, with prizes including Visa gift cards and NASCAR.com Superstore gift cards. 24 winners will enter the “Chase Madness.” The winner will receive a trip to the Ford 400 at Homestead. See www.nascar.com/mostcolorfulfan for more details.

At www.offdepotracing.com fans can enter a contest a $14,000 shopping spree with Tony Stewart, who this year will be sponsored by Office Depot in the #14 car for Stewart Haas Racing.

Coors Light is sponsoring a contest tied to the All-Star Race. Fans will start seeing promotions in grocery stores and convenience stores where they can enter a product code online to enter the contest. The winner will win one of 10 VIP trips to Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the All-Star race.

Through September Kraft is sponsoring a contest where fans can go to www.racetowinamillion.com and select a Roush Fenway Driver. One fan will be randomly selected from each drivers pool to win a fan experience at the Ford 400 in Homestead and ultimately $1 million dollars.

Coca-Cola is sponsoring a contest along with Wendy’s where fans who order large combo’s can fill out an entry form to win a trip, tickets to the race and a trip around the track with Kyle Busch.

Last but not least is the Pedigree contest for “the Luckiest Dog of NASCAR.” The lucky dog will be chosen from photo’s and will appear on the Joe Gibbs Racing car in the fall Sprint Cup race at Phoenix. Fans can also win instant prizes and donations will be made to Pedigree’s Dog Adoption Program.

‘09 is definitely looking like a great year for NASCAR fans, with contests that will get VIP treatment from the stars of NASCAR. If you root for the underdog or pull for the favorite there’s a contest for you.