NASCAR, NFL unite in Denver

They are more than just fans.

The Denver-based Furniture Row Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup team and driver Regan Smith are moving their support of the Broncos, and quarterback Tim Tebow, to a new level this weekend.

While the NASCAR team has already turned its attention to the season-opening 2012 Daytona 500, it is taking a trip through Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Prior to Sunday's NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears, the team's No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet will be parked on the southwest corner of the facility near Gate 10.

Fans can stop by to see the race car and receive a Furniture Row Racing hero card prior to the game.

The Broncos (7-5) are tied for first place with the Oakland Raiders in the American Football Conference West Division with four regular season games remaining.

"It's been so exciting to follow the Broncos and watch in amazement the winning leadership of Tim Tebow," said Smith, a Denver-area resident. "This is a great opportunity to have our Furniture Row race car on display for Colorado sports fans. The way the Broncos are playing as of late it's like taking the lead during the closing laps of a Sprint Cup race and holding off the competition to the checkered flag. It's been an exciting but nerve-racking season for all Broncos fans."

Smith knows a lot about that. He held off late challenges to earn his first career Sprint Cup win this season - in the prestigious Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.