Buddy drives awareness for metal recycling at Daytona

Viking Motorsports co-founder Don Sackett recently announced a new industry-focused initiative that merges his two passions: motorsports and materials recycling. Through this new annual program, Viking Motorsports will feature an up-and-coming company in the scrap metal and recycling industry on the team's No. 99 Chevrolet each season — with the goal of recognizing businesses that are driving innovation and supporting the long-term health of the recycling sector.

The inaugural company selected for this honour is Buddy, a B2B marketplace transforming how buyers and sellers of metal recyclables connect and trade. Buddy will be featured on the No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet during the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, August 22 — one of the most iconic events on the NASCAR calendar.

​Buddy makes waves in the metal recycling industry 

Buddy's recently launched marketplace enables direct relationships between vetted buyers and sellers in the $348B global metal recycling industry. Built by founders with over 30 years of experience, Buddy is the first digital platform designed "for scrappies, by scrappies," offering an intuitive environment that replaces manual trading processes.​

"For more than two decades, we've been fortunate to work in an industry that's constantly evolving — and we want to support the companies that are making the future brighter," said Don Sackett, co-founder of Viking Motorsports and CEO of SciAps. "Buddy is one of those companies. Lisa and Stuart Kagan have built a platform that directly addresses the inefficiencies recyclers face every day. We're excited to recognize their leadership and innovation by featuring Buddy on the No. 99 Chevrolet at Daytona."

"Most trades in our industry are guided by gut feel, and rely on disconnected systems and manual work," said Stuart Kagan, co-founder of Buddy. "Buddy solves that by fostering real relationships using technology, deepening those connections through data and AI-driven insights, and achieving better prices off the back of a more robust and resilient trade ecosystem. Having Buddy featured on the Viking Motorsports car at Daytona is an incredible opportunity to raise awareness within the industry and show recyclers across the country that a better way is here."​

Buddy's domestic marketplace launches soon, with leading buyers from across the country ready to engage. "Too many suppliers miss out by relying on the same small circle of buyers," added Kagan. "Buddy gives them the chance to connect with trusted buyers, broaden their relationships, and unlock opportunities they wouldn't otherwise see. For buyers, gone are the days of chasing material. With Buddy, the material finds them. It's about growing a community centered on trust and mutual opportunity. We're helping recyclers to do what our industry has always thrived on — building strong, lasting relationships — more efficiently and at scale."

As part of this new initiative, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) will also join the No. 99 team as an associate partner. ReMA represents more than 1,700 companies in the U.S. and 40 countries worldwide. The D.C.-based organization provides education, safety training, and advocates for the critical role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, and sustainability.

"Relationships are everything in this industry, and Buddy understands that deeply," added Sackett. "This program is about celebrating companies that aren't just solving problems but are doing so with integrity, community, and a long-term vision. We're thrilled to start this journey with Buddy."