NEWBERRYTOWN: Sprint, the fourth largest mobile network operator in the United States, is no stranger to auto racing.

The company spent the last 13 years as the title sponsor for NASCAR’s top series. When the recent contract ran up on the partnership after 2016, Sprint decided to shift its focus in another direction.

But Sprint didn’t end its association in motorsports. Instead, the company decided to go grass roots and align itself with one of central Pennsylvania’s growing facilities.

Susquehanna Speedway owner Scott Gobrecht and general manager Kolten Gouse have made great strides at the Newberrytown oval through massive improvements. They kept that momentum going by inking the Sprint Corporation to a multi-year deal that should keep the company involved in racing for years to come.

“Sprint has had a long standing relationship in motorsports and their fans,” Gouse said. “When they decided that they wanted to try some new things in racing, the opportunity at Susquehanna Speedway made the most sense to them.”

This isn’t your typical partnership in which money changes hands and ads are put up around the speedway. Gobrecht and Gouse came up with different ways to promote Sprint and add to the racing experience for fans.

Sprint is highlighted on every grandstand ticket throughout the season and will feature two promotions. Fans will receive $50 for switching to Sprint or adding a line to an existing contract. They will also receive a free charger by presenting their ticket stub at any Sprint location.

A new flagstand was also built at the speedway this season. It will be wrapped in Sprint colors and promote the company’s product.

The most unique offering is an unlimited popcorn giveaway that falls in line with Sprint’s unlimited data, talk and text promotion. Fans can purchase a 130-ounce Sprint Unlimited bucket of popcorn that can be refilled for free.

“We started talking with Sprint about things last year, and we wanted to come up with something that isn’t offered anywhere else in the area,” Gouse said. “We really gear toward our fans, race teams, and more important, families.

“Hey, where else can you get unlimited popcorn for $6, and it’s in 130-ounce popcorn buckets? We are happy to be associated with Sprint to do these promotions.”

Gobrecht and Gouse have put together a 41-race schedule in 2017. Super Sportsman are the featured division at the speedway. The 410 Sprint Cars also have seven dates on the slate, including the Kevin Gobrecht Classic (May 7) and the Sprint Showdown (Oct. 28).