Perky Jerky, the premium jerky flavored with a hint of guarana, announced its sponsorship of former Formula One World Champion and current World Rally competitor, Kimi Räikkönen. The relationship is set to launch alongside Räikkönen’s NASCAR debut in the Camping World Truck Series on May 20th.

Known worldwide as “Iceman” for his surgical driving skills and calculated demeanor both on and off the track, Finnish racecar driver Räikkönen is regarded as one of the world’s most successful professional athletes. Perky Jerky joins the likes of Tag Heuer, Oakley and Alpine Stars as a sponsor of Räikkönen’s quest for dominance in yet another motorsport, as he heads across the pond to test the waters of NASCAR.

In 2011, Räikkönen will sport the Perky Jerky livery in NASCAR through IceOne Racing, Räikkönen’s motorsport outfit. Perky Jerky Founder and Chairman of the Herd, Brian Levin, described this moment as "the perfect storm of a hot, new brand and a world class athlete looking to expand his greatness”.

Levin continued, “Kimi Räikkönen is a savvy competitor and marketer worldwide, and he is a perfect fit for the culture of our lifestyle brand. The Iceman offers Perky Jerky a unique opportunity to vault itself into the global spotlight and we are excited to be a part of this.”

“Perky Jerky is an excellent product”, said Räikkönen, “Not only does it taste great, but it is a fun brand to be a part of.”

As the official and exclusive jerky of the DAYTONA 500, Perky Jerky has developed a marketing strategy that includes consumer sampling via velcro suits, better known as the “jerk suit” and tasting opportunities via the “jerk bar”, a traveling sampling display.

Source: Perky Jerky