Microsoft heading to NASCAR

Click the images to view the #49 Microsoft Camry in our gallery

Kickin' racing games like Forza 2 and PGR4 aside, Microsoft is one of the biggest companies not involved in motorsports. But after partnering with McLaren on the development of Formula One's new standardized, traction-control-less engine management unit, the software giant could be changing its mind.

BAM Motorsport has managed to convince Microsoft's small business division to sponsor Ken Schrader's #49 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Microsoft's sponsorship will first be seen this weekend at the Martinsville Speedway in Virginia and will continue for the remaining 32 races in the season, and includes a promotional contest with Microsoft-associated small businesses. If the partnership proves successful, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Microsoft logo appearing on Formula One and other racing cars in the near future... just hopefully not on the windows. Check out the gallery to see the #49 car from all the angles.

[Source: GrandPrix.com and Microsoft SMB Community Blog]