IndyCar racing ahead with three new agreements

IndyCar has extended its major sponsorship and supply deal with tyre firm Firestone, while the motor racing series has also penned agreements with Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka and LIDS Sports Group.

Under its new deal, Firestone will continue as the official tyre of the IZOD IndyCar Series until 2014 and remain the title sponsor and official tyre of the Firestone Indy Lights development series until the end of 2012.

In addition, Firestone will receive exposure in broadcast, digital and print advertising, hospitality benefits, title sponsorship of the Firestone 550 at Texas Motor Speedway, and category exclusivity at all events.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO)-owned Firestone has featured in every IZOD IndyCar Series race since the series’ inception in 1996 and has been the official tyre and sole supplier since 2000.

Firestone Racing executive director Al Speyer said: “As the IZOD IndyCar Series ushers in a new era of competition in 2012 and beyond with the new Dallara DW12 and engine diversity, Firestone Racing is pleased to continue supplying our world-class racing tires to each and every car on the grid for at least the next three years.”

“And, as we look to identify the next generation of IZOD IndyCar Series stars, Firestone Indy Lights drivers will continue to hone their craft on Firestone Firehawk race tires for another season,” added Speyer.

Meanwhile, Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka has become the official vodka of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. The brand will develop the signature cocktail of IndyCar, which will be served at all events.

“We’re looking forward to adding IndyCar as a partner,” said Fuzzy Zoeller, the former Masters and US Open golf champion who owns the firm. “We have a passion for racing and Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka is going to tee it up at the track to share the spirit of racing with IndyCar fans.”

Finally, IndyCar has also signed a deal with Indianapolis-based LIDS Sports Group, that will see its LIDS Clubhouse division manage the online and trackside merchandising efforts of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights beginning with the 2012 season.

IndyCar chief operating officer Marc Koretzky said of the deal: “LIDS has been a very loyal partner for years, therefore this increased involvement is a welcome progression which will benefit everyone, most especially our fans.”

Source: sportsPro


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