Average Joes expands into Mega Truck racing series

Average Joes, the record label home to hick-hop godfather Colt Ford, is expanding into extreme sports by acquiring a 50 percent stake in Mega Truck Series.

The Mega Truck Series is in its third season and features highly modified trucks with trademark oversized tires competing in off-road racing. The series' third season begins this weekend at the Bama Jam Farms in Enterprise, Alabama.

"We have always shared a common lifestyle fan base," Average Joes CEO Shannon Houchins said in a statement. "This deal allows us to maximize the overall fan experience with a combination of big truck races and music as well as create bigger and better on-site marketing opportunities for our sponsors."

In addition to Ford, Average Joes is the label home to the LoCash Cowboys, Bubba Sparxxx, JJ Lawhorn and others. The label has stradled the lines between hip-hop, country and rock, and many of its artists appeal to fans from all three genres.

None better exemplifies that success than Ford, Average Joes' flagship artist, who has carved out a name for himself by collaborating with A-list country stars like Jason Aldean, and also ferocious touring.

Mega Truck Series President Jeremy Forsyth lauded the new partnership with the record label.

"We have teamed with some of the best in the business to bring you down and dirty high-flying, extreme mud-racing action mixed with great music and family entertainment," he said.

Average Joes is not the first country label to recognize the synergy with motorsports.

Curb Records founder Mike Curb said he expanded into auto racing, namely NASCAR and the Indy Racing League, because it helped him reach more fans and sell more records. Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta is a former racecar driver who has also entered into car sponsorships.

Reach Nate Rau at 615-259-8094 and on Twitter @tnnaterau.