SMI, Coca-Cola extend partnership 5 years

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) Speedway Motorsports Inc. and The Coca-Cola Co. have extended their partnership for five more years through 2020.

The announcement came Sunday, hours before the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The agreement also includes retaining title sponsorship of Charlotte's Memorial Day weekend event.

The agreements means Coca-Cola will provide official beverages for seven SMI facilities that host Sprint Cup races. Bristol Motor Speedway is not covered in the newly announced deal.

Marcus Smith, SMI's chief executive officer, said it was honor for his company to extend its relationship, which has so far lasted 30 years.