CONCORD, N.C. – Shark Racing’s five-year odyssey of survival reached its highest peak yet on Thursday afternoon as the World of Outlaws World Finals opened at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.

Drydene Performance Products, which manufactures automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants, confirmed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Bobby Allen’s two-car World of Outlaws operation, encompassing both Logan Schuchart and Jacob Allen.

Schuchart and Allen will carry the Drydene colors for both the 2019 and 2020 seasons, marking what Drydene president Dave Klinger called an “all-in” partnership.

“These partnerships underscore our commitment to Shark Racing, the World of Outlaws and race fans throughout the United States,” said Klinger. “Successful partnerships are mutually beneficial, and we recognize the growth Shark Racing has demonstrated during their first five years competing in the World of Outlaws. Drydene got a firsthand look this year while teaming up with Logan (Schuchart) for most of the 2018 season. He’s a rising star in this sport and we’re excited to align with him as he chases his dream of becoming a World of Outlaws champion.

“In addition, seeing talent develop is very important to us and we are thrilled to be able to expand our partnership with Shark Racing and add Jacob Allen to Team Drydene,” Klinger continued. “Two drivers and two cars, both carrying the Drydene brand while chasing wins with the Outlaws in front of the most passionate fans across the country … there’s no better way to build the Drydene brand than that.”

Drydene served as a co-primary sponsor of Schuchart’s No. 1s entry this season, alongside Priority Aviation, and Schuchart will continue flying the now-familiar red-and-white Drydene Performance Lubricants paint scheme on his sprinter for the next two years.

“The Drydene relationship has been incredible, and we’re just getting started,” said Schuchart. “Our goal is to become a World of Outlaws championsip team. Trying to do that with a company led by people like Dave Klinger – someone who has passion for being the best – is something I just can’t describe. I was ready to run through a brick wall the first time I heard Dave speak.

“Partnering with Drydene and racing with the World of Outlaws for years to come has all of us really excited. The future is really bright and we’re ready to get the job done.”

Meanwhile, Allen’s No. 1a will feature a baby blue-and-white scheme that showcases Drydene’s All DEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid brand. Thursday’s announcement marks the first time in the 24-year-old’s career that he has had major corporate backing on his car.

“This is a huge deal for me,” Allen said. “To get a sponsor like Drydene to come on board, not just for Logan but for myself as well, changes the game. I got emotional today from thinking about where we started and how hard we’ve worked to get to this point.

“I’m really excited and thankful for everything that’s going on right now with our entire race team,” he added. “At the beginning, I wouldn’t have thought that something like this was possible. It was a dream, but back then we just had to focus on surviving on the road. That hard work has paid off, though, and now we’ve grown into a team that’s found a place with the Outlaws. That’s something we’re all really proud of as a group.”

For Hall of Fame team owner Bobby Allen, Thursday’s announcement marked a turning point for his team, which has scratched and clawed to get to where it is today and now has stable footing to push forward into the future.

“I only know one way to race and that’s to try to do everything I can to beat the competition,” noted Allen, the 1990 Knoxville Nationals champion as a driver. “Being around people like Dave Klinger at Drydene has me so pumped up to get to the track. Drydene’s entire organization has a passion to win and be the best, and that’s the kind of energy we want to be surrounded by. We are looking forward to having a lot of success in the future.”

In addition to their support of Shark Racing, Drydene officials announced a partnership with the World of Outlaws on Thursday afternoon, becoming the Official Motor Oil and Official Diesel Exhaust Fuel of the World of Outlaws.