An associate sponsor becomes the primary sponsor for selected races.

Often, if that associate sponsor is sponsoring the race, they will have primary sponsorship for that race.

Nabisco, through its Oreo and Ritz brands, had been an associate sponsor since the 2002 race.

Sharp brought with him a new primary sponsor, the Patrón Spirits Company, who began as an associate sponsor in 2006.

From 2003, the eyewear company Alain Afflelou was an associate sponsor.

Principal Financial became an associate sponsor following those races.

Pennzoil remained on the car as an associate sponsor.

Nicorette has become an associate sponsor of a Nextel Cup car.

Goodwrench remained an associate sponsor for the 2007 season.

He became known as the "Man In Black," but Wrangler was still an associate sponsor.