News

2,100 KFC employees join the pack at Daytona 500

Employees of Kentucky Fried Chicken will join driver Greg Biffle in the No. 16 car this weekend at the Daytona 500.

February 19, 2016

Employees of Kentucky Fried Chicken will join driver Greg Biffle in the No. 16 car this weekend at the Daytona 500, according to a company press release. The names of all 2,100 restaurant general managers have been printed across the exterior of the car to celebrate their dedication to cooking KFC's fried chicken "The Hard Way," by preparing each piece  by hand every day.

"I'm excited to carry the names of KFC managers who dedicate their time to making freshly prepared food in every KFC restaurant," Biffle said. "Every race is made more delicious with the reward of KFC's Nashville Hot Chicken at the end."

The custom paint job is one way KFC recognizes employees across its 4,300 U.S. stores, the release stated. Through the KFC Foundation REACH Educational Grant Program, KFC has helped more than 2,600 employees achieve their higher education goals with $14 million in scholarships.

"Our employees are the foundation of our business, and we look for opportunities to recognize them throughout the year," said Kevin Hochman, KFC US chief marketing officer. "These restaurant managers in particular are critical to our success as they work closely with the front line staff and are the face of KFC every day to our guests. The KFC Nashville Hot car is just one way we can tell their stories."

KFC is a multi-race primary partner for Biffle and his No. 16 Sprint Cup Series Roush Fenway Racing team during the 2016 season. The partnership kicked off with Daytona Speedweeks and fans can see Biffle and the No. 16 KFC Nashville Hot Chicken car compete in the Daytona 500 at 1 p.m. ET, Sunday.