By alley - Feb 14, 2017, 12:55 PM ET

Aspen Dental steps up as Patrick's lead sponsor

Aspen Dental is stepping up its support of Danica Patrick this year by becoming the lead sponsor of the No. 10 Ford.

Stewart-Haas Racing announced Tuesday that Aspen Dental has expanded its partnership with the organization. Aspen Dental will begin its "double-digit slate" of sponsorship for Patrick, with whom they aligned in 2014, starting with the Daytona 500 on February 26.

"Our commitment to Danica Patrick goes back almost four years and our relationship with SHR even further," said Bob Fontana, chairman and CEO of Aspen Dental, in a team release. "She is a strong advocate for the Aspen Dental brand and a wonderful ambassador for programs like the Healthy Mouth Movement.

"Danica and Stewart-Haas Racing have encouraged fans to get started on the road to better oral health care while showcasing how Aspen Dental practices make it easy for them. We look forward to our enhanced partnership."

Patrick was scheduled to enter the 2017 season with Nature's Bakery beginning its second season as her primary sponsor. The company was expected to be on the car for at least 25 races, but last month Nature's Bakery terminated its sponsorship agreement with Stewart-Haas. Stewart-Haas has since

filed a breach of contract lawsuit

against the company.

Aspen Dental signed with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2012 and was first featured as the primary sponsor on Patrick's car in two races in 2014. Two additional races followed in 2015, with Aspen Dental increasing its deal with the No. 10 team to four races last year.

The company was originally slated for four races again this year.

"From the first time I visited Aspen Dental's headquarters in 2013, I was struck by their commitment to helping people and changing lives," Patrick said. "I love working with organizations that care about people, and teaming us with a group that has such an important mission – breaking down barriers and helping patients get the dental care they need – is very rewarding.

"In the years since I first partnered with Aspen Dental, it's been fun to work on some unique projects with their team. From the 'Taste of the Future' video to launching the MouthMobile and then having the 'Turbocharged Tooth Fairy Squad' at Talladega last spring, we've worked together on some pretty impactful programs. It's incredible to see firsthand how many people they've helped. I'm looking forward to delivering the company's message at even more races this year."