INDIANAPOLIS — Izod and the IndyCar Series became synonymous Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as officials made the announcement that the fashion company would be the series’ title sponsor for at least the next six years.
Models walked a runway, showing off Izod IndyCar Series apparel as a precursor to the unveiling of a red and black show car with the IZOD logo prominently displayed.
“It will prove powerful for everyone involved in the IndyCar series,” said Jeff Belskus, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. “They believe in this sport and realize its potential.”
The contract is for six years, beginning in 2010 with an option to renew following that. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Series president of competition and racing operations, Brian Barnhart expressed his confidence in the new partnership.
“I’m excited about Izod to be able to grow our series into the mainstream,” Barnhart said.
Barnhart added that the initiatives will help move the series off-track and into pop culture. Indy Racing League had two previous title sponsors, Pep Boys and online search engine Northern Lights, which ended in 2001.
“This is the first legitimate title sponsor we‘ve had,” Barnhart said.
“Being outside of the motor sports realm adds to it, and the length of term adds creditability,” Barnhart added.
Izod executive Mike Kelly said “we will provide the platform to draw customers from all over the world.”
Kelly emphasized that the history of IndyCar racing and Izod make a perfect fit.
“When we first came here, we were blown away by the rich history. We have the marketing strength to bring visibility to the series. Stars and cars. With the talent of these great athletes, we want to tell their stories,” Kelly said.
Izod is part of its parent company Phillips-Van Heusen and will undertake several initiatives to promote the series both off the track and beyond the traditional fan base. This includes increased and enhanced national promotions with the IRL’s television partners, ABC and VERSUS, and access to drivers and the 100 years of motorsports history and graphics and vintage cars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.
They will also be a part of the Team Enhancement/Allocation Matrix (TEAM) fund. TEAM provides a guaranteed financial foundation for all teams who commit to running the entire season schedule. In addition, the Izod IndyCar Series two-seater will drive two parade laps at selected races including the Indianapolis 500 with sweepstakes winner or Izod-chosen VIP.
In July 2008 at Watkins Glen, Izod began as the official apparel sponsor of the league, featuring driver Ryan Hunter-Reay in its advertisements. Hunter-Reay took the checkered flag at Watkins Glen that same weekend. Prior to the start of the 2009 season, Izod introduced and Izod/Indy vintage clothing line commemorating the IMS Centennial Era. The Izod brand dates back to the 1930s.
Hunter-Reay expressed his excitement that the company had made an important step.
“It’s been amazing. This is what we’ve been waiting for. This is like a fresh start for the IndyCar Series. This series will finally get the commercial recognition it deserves with a brand that has been established throughout the world for decades,” Hunter-Reay said.
Dale Coyne, owner of Dale Coyne Racing, said “obviously a company of this stature has seen the value in IndyCar racing and for them to step up and make all of the commitments entailed in a series title sponsor is a positive sign.”
Despite the recession, Kelly said that the company remains strong.
“We have not pulled back in our marketing spend. We’ve grown and been aggressive,” Kelly said.
Dan Wheldon, who returns to Panther Racing in 2010 was impressed with the news.
“We should all be very proud that during such a tough economic time that an iconic American brand has partnered with the IndyCar Series. It’s especially exciting for me, because I’m into the fashion aspect of life; so it’s a privilege to represent them,” Weldon said.
Andretti Green driver Tony Kanaan feels the affiliation will drive the series even further.
“We have very passionate fans, but we needed a partner that could bring new passionate fans into our sport. I think Izod is that partner,” Kanaan said.
On Thursday, Izod raised a huge banner in New York City’s Times Square announcing the partnership. During the 2009 season, drivers participated in several promotional events at Macy’s, Izod’s chosen partner, including a photo shoot of the 33 starting drivers for the Indianapolis 500 at Macy’s Herald Square.
Available in March, the “Winning Series” sportswear collection will debut. The line will pay homage to the 1911 Marmon Wasp along with the 1939-40 Maserati and the 1948 Novi.
Auto Racing
Izod gives IndyCar first ‘legitimate’ title sponsor
- Auto Racing
-
-
Ganasi’s team on target for final practice, pit-stop competition
If Carb Day is any indication of things to come, then Target Chip Ganassi Racing may be in prime condition for Sunday’s running of the Indianapolis 500.
-
TRACKSIDE: Sprint car event could generate close racing
One of the hottest and most competitive weekends of the 2012 motorsports season gets under way tonight at the Terre Haute Action Track with the scheduled running of the Tony Hulman Sprint Car Classic.
-
No bumping in sight: Indy 500 field looks much the same a day later
No last-second runs. No drama, but a full field was set for the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the close of Bump Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday.
-
A brisk pace at Indy: Briscoe edges Hinchcliffe for pole position
Twenty-four spots were filled for the Indianapolis 500 on Saturday with Ryan Briscoe earning the pole position for the May 27 race.
-
Accidents mar Pole Day at Indy
Although Bump Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway often produces late day drama and emotion, Sunday’s version of the drama began on Saturday during Pole Day action.
-
Fast Friday lives up to its name at Speedway
Fast Friday lived up to its name at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as drivers tuned up for Pole Day runs today for the Indianapolis 500.
-
Speedy rookie spins at Indy
Happy Hour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway held both good and bad Wednesday for rookie Josef Newgarden while practicing for the Indianapolis 500.
-
Andretti has fast time at Indy practice
A few new names appeared in the top 10 of the speed charts as practice for the Indianapolis 500 continued Tuesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
-
TRACKSIDE: Mulling over the biggest weekend in motorsports
We’re approaching what has traditionally become one of the busiest and most prestigious weekends in all of motorsports.
-
Rookie continues to look good at Indy
For the third day in a row, speeds rose as drivers continued practice Monday for the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
-
With mom watching, Saavedra turns fastest Indy time
Sebastian Saavedra gave his mom a great Mother’s Day gift.
-
Rookies rule Indy practice speed charts
Rookies ruled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the opening day of practice for the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500.
-
TRACKSIDE: Spiker has begun to revive racing in Putnamville
Since his recent arrival on the Wabash Valley motorsports scene, Lincoln Park Speedway promoter Joe Spiker has certainly made his presence felt in Indiana sprint car circles.
-
TRACKSIDE: Helfrich: Short-track racing has good future
When questions arise regarding the current state of sprint car racing, whether they be at the local or national level, one doesn’t have to search much further for the answer than veteran promoter Tom Helfrich.
-
TRACKSIDE: An impressive opener for new THAT promoters
There might have been a chill to the air this past weekend, but the inclement conditions failed to dampen the spirits or the caliber of racing for the Action Track season opener Sunday.
-
Ballou, Gilpin win at THAT
A borrowed trailer, a decided lack of tires and sponsorship, and Bud Kaeding weren’t going to separate Robert Ballou from the $2,500 check that went to the winner of the Midwest Sprint Car Series/King of Indiana Sprint Series in the season opener at the Terre Haute Action Track.
-
MSCS opens its season at Action Track tonight
The Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series will go into action today at the Terre Haute Action Track.
The race will offer drivers the opportunity to capture MSCS points as well as King of Indiana Sprint Series (KISS) points. The two organizations will combine forces to open their respective seasons. -
TRACKSIDE: Near-capacity crowd turns out for opening night of racing
Opening night at one of the midwest’s premier short track operations can be like no other time of the year.
-
TRACKSIDE: Racing season has promise
With several “test and tunes” sessions and season openers having already taken the green flag, it’s a sure sign the Wabash Valley racing campaign is shifting into high gear.
-
TRACKSIDE: Action Track's future secured
Following several months of speculation regarding the future of racing at the Terre Haute Action Track, fans can now breathe a huge sigh of relief.
-
Matt Kenseth wins Daytona 500 after fire and rain
Well, NASCAR certainly knows how to make a prime-time impression.
-
TRACKSIDE: Valley racing showed best, worst of times in 2011
A look back on the 2011 Wabash Valley auto racing season reveals the best and worst of times the sport has to offer.
-
Action Track to play host to 4 USAC events
U.S. Auto Club officials have released preliminary schedules for next season and four events are listed to be run at The Action Track.
-
ISU's Troxell, Crossroads Dragway in running for NHRA awards
Indiana State University student Derick Troxell and the Crossroads Dragway are both in the running for annual National Hot Rod Association awards.
-
Memorial service for Wheldon attracts thousands
Thousands came to honor deceased IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon during a memorial service at Conseco Fieldhouse on Sunday.
-
Indy remembers Wheldon
Dan Wheldon’s biggest fans wanted one more chance to thank their favorite driver.
One by one, they turned Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s main gate into a memorial for the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, who was killed Sunday in a fiery crash at Las Vegas.
-
Wheldon fans leave tributes at Indianapolis track
Dozens of fans have left flowers, candles and notes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gates in memory of two-time Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon.
-
Indy 500 winner Wheldon dies after massive wreck
Race car drivers always know the worst can happen whenever they get behind the wheel.
-
UPDATE: Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon dies after massive crash in Vegas
Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after his car became ensnarled in a fiery 15-car pileup, flew over another vehicle and landed in a catch fence just outside turn 2.
-
It was a frigid ending to oval dirt track season
The oval dirt track part of the 2011 Wabash Valley racing season came to a highly successful and climactic end over the weekend at Lincoln Park Speedway.
- More Auto Racing Headlines
-
Ganasi’s team on target for final practice, pit-stop competition
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
Astronauts Enter World's 1st Private Supply Ship
Today in History
Shell Readies Arctic Drill Ship
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Passenger Restrained on Flight to Miami Arrested
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Dragon Arrives at Space Station in Historic 1st
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Beer Here!: An Historic Exhibit
Wild weather for Memorial Day weekend
Inspiration for the class of 2012
Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing
Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3"
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini
Sliders on the Grill
Cruise ship crunch
Backstage With Beyonce
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Jenny McCarthy's New Man
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
Hurricanes and Heat Waves Across America
Kristen Stewart Is Red Hot
Shark Attacks Australian Fishing Boat
Bradley out for playoffs
Kayaker Survives Trip Over Washington Waterfall
