Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announces a partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL) Racing to kick off this weekend at theIndianapolis 500 and continue through 2015.

The Valpak logo will be featured on the No. 15 National Guard Honda-powered IndyCar driven by Graham Rahal, as well as the No. 16 Honda-powered IndyCar driven by Oriol Servia, thus spreading the Valpak savings message nationwide on the Verizon IndyCar Series circuit.

Valpak’s envelopes mailing July 22 through August 18 will support the partnership. The Valpak envelope will include an augmented reality (AR) component and will be mailed to more than 40 million households throughoutthe United States and Canada.

On Friday, May 23, Valpak will invite their social media followers to share in the experience and excitement of the Indy 500 and will share special photos and messages with racing fans throughout the weekend on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“We’re very proud to be a part of a team like Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said Michael Vivio, president of Cox Target Media, provider of Valpak, who recently got to see the team in action first-hand at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix, close to where the Valpak headquarters are located. “Not only is it a really exciting place to be, but it’s a great opportunity to remind consumers they can get Valpak savings on the go anywhere at any time, whether that’s with a Valpak mobile app. online or in the blue envelope.”

Valpak, which has been in the business of helping people save money for more than 45 years, is known for its local coupons in North America. Recently Valpak has been leading the industry in mobile couponing, serving up mobile savings through apps and incorporating the latest technology. Valpak has shown an ongoing commitment to be on the forefront of technology with its mobile app presence in the mobile environment and its first-to-market integration into four mobile wallets, including Passbook, Microsoft, Samsung and Google.

“We are excited by our new partnership with Valpak, the huge audience it opens up to us and the ability to interact with them,” said team co-owner Bobby Rahal. “Being featured on the envelope, especially with the ability to show a video through augmented reality, is a great way to reach out to a broader audience.”

Dogecoin and reddit will again sponsor NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Josh Wise and his No. 98 Ford Fusion at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on October 19.

“I can’t begin to explain how awesome this partnership with Dogecoin and reddit has been for our team at Phil Parsons Racing,” commented Wise. “Like I said before, we’re just a small team. When we were initially approached with this idea, we never expected it to get as big as it has become. We’ve been able to accomplish some pretty amazing things with the help of the Dogecoin and reddit communities. It means so much to us to have all that support. We’re working as hard as we can, to do the best job that we possibly can, each and every week.” 

With widespread demand for the Dogecoin shirts worn by the Phil Parsons Racing team throughout the Talladega Superspeedway and Sprint All-Star race weekends, the team agreed to not only produce similar t-shirts, but also to utilize the proceeds of the sales for another primary race sponsorship. Needing to sell at least 5,000 t-shirts, they were able to meet their goal within just six days to confirm sponsorship for the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway later this year. 

“We’re really excited to expand our partnership with Dogecoin and reddit,” commented team owner Phil Parsons. “With all of the support we received for the All-Star Race and the number of people asking about apparel, it made sense to have t-shirts produced and turn it into an opportunity to fund a second race. We’re fortunate that Denis Pavel noticed Josh while watching the Bristol race on television. The relationship has opened some great opportunities and has helped get Phil Parsons Racing’s name out.”

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, October 19

Roush Fenway Racing has announced that long-standing partner Cargill Beef will move to the Sprint Cup Series, medicine serving as a primary partner for the No. 17 team with NASCAR Champion driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

The pair will make its debut together at Daytona International Speedway in the July 5th Coke Zero 400.

“We are pleased to continue to grow our partnership with Roush Fenway Racing and to reunite with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., allergist ” said John Keating, president of Cargill Beef.  “We recognize that NASCAR fans love beef and they have proven to be brand loyal by supporting companies that back teams within the sport.

“This makes NASCAR an ideal marketing venue for Cargill and our customers,” added Keating “Beef is a perfect choice for NASCAR racing fans everywhere, including trackside grilling, and this partnership provides us the avenue to make Cargill Beef products their top choice.”

Cargill previously partnered with Stenhouse and NASCAR champion crew chief Mike Kelley during the duo’s back-to-back NASCAR Nationwide Series Championships in 2011 and 2012.  Cargill first joined Roush Fenway Racing during the 2010 season.

“It’s only fitting that Cargill has opted to make the move up to Sprint Cup with Ricky,” said team owner Jack Roush. “Cargill entered the sport in 2010 and took a chance on a young and unproven driver in Ricky. They went on to play a major role in his back-to-back Nationwide Series Championships, and we are excited to extend our relationship into the Sprint Cup Series as Ricky’s career continues to grow and as his potential is further realized.”

“I’m thrilled to have Cargill become a part of the No. 17 team,” said Stenhouse. “They have been a great partner with Roush Fenway for the past four seasons and we had a great run with them in the Nationwide Series. It is our intention to pick up where we left off in 2012.  I can’t think of a better way to bring them into the Sprint Cup Series than racing for a win at Daytona on July 4^th weekend — the biggest grilling weekend of the year.”

In addition to serving as a primary partner with Stenhouse in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Cargill teamed with Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne in 2013 in the Nationwide Series.

“We are delighted to grow our partnership and to team up with Ricky coming off his Sprint Cup rookie-of-the-year season,” stated Tammy Shaw, Cargill Beef vice president of marketing.  “The enthusiasm we have experienced from our customers, employees, and race fans during our time with Roush Fenway Racing has confirmed that high quality beef products and NASCAR racing fit perfectly together.  Our customers provide consumers value by promoting Cargill beef and our affiliation with Roush Fenway Racing on the NASCAR circuit has served as a clear point of differentiation.  We look forward to another terrific season with Roush Fenway, Ricky and Mike and to continue to find unique ways to market our products and support our customers through NASCAR.”

Chip Ganassi Racing Teams have agreed to a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

The deal will enable Fox Chapel native Chip Ganassi to further strengthen an already-powerful motorsports program on three circuits — NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Verizon IndyCar Series and the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship.

“I have always maintained that outside of the racing itself, I have always enjoyed the relationships with highly respected companies and brands,” Ganassi said. “My relationship with PNC is certainly one of those that I am proud of.

“Given that we are both from Pittsburgh, it makes this announcement even more special. We are happy to be deepening that relationship.”

The agreement will focus on five racing markets in 2014: Indianapolis, Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, N.C., and Richmond, Va. The sponsorship includes the Indianapolis 500 and the fall race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

PNC, which has a business presence in all five regions, will use the interest in auto racing and the CGRT relationship to offer unique events and behind-the-scenes activities to clients and prospects.

“Our new agreement with CGRT is a great way to elevate the PNC brand through a relationship with one of the most successful owners and teams in auto racing,” said Deborah Van Valkenburgh, senior vice president for PNC. “In addition, it allows us to provide our clients and prospects in select markets with exclusive access to Chip and others on his team along with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

The agreement is the second between Ganassi and PNC, which also have had a banking relationship that goes back 25 years.

“Last year, we did some really innovative programming with (PNC) in Indianapolis and Charlotte,” said CGRT president Steve Lauletta. “I think they saw some really strong results in terms of delivering a unique experience to their customers, and the idea was to build on that. It’s a good example of a relationship that doesn’t necessarily rely on logos on our race cars.”

Baltimore-based STX, denture LLC, adiposity a global sporting goods leader, pills has announced it will sponsor this year’s NCAA Lacrosse Championships to be held in Baltimore on May 24 – 26.

As the official lacrosse equipment supplier of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Championships, STX will kick off championship weekend with a VIP party on Friday, May 23 for coaches and media from all over the country, welcoming them to Baltimore. STX will also host an exclusive Major League Lacrosse (MLL) party on May 24.

At the NCAA’s LaXperience Fan Fest, STX will interact with fans with onsite displays, promotions and product trials. Many Team STX professional athletes will also be in attendance to sign autographs and meet fans at the event, which is free of charge.

Additionally, Team STX elite women’s players including Josie Owen, Sam Farrell and Kitty Cullen will coach a lacrosse clinic for girls 12 and under before the NCAA DI Women’s Lacrosse Championship game May 25.

“STX plans to be front and center to welcome the lacrosse world to Baltimore,” said Ed Saunders, Director of Marketing at STX. “From taking a lead role at LaXperience Fan Fest, to local clinics and product demonstrations, we will be actively engaged with fans of all ages that come out for the championship.”

STX Supports GB Hockey Star Shona McCallin

STX have also revealed today they will support Great Britain women’s field hockey player Shona McCallin.

Per an agreement that runs through the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games, McCallin will be involved in the development, feedback and testing of STX’s field hockey equipment and serve as the women’s brand ambassador throughout the U.K.

“As the Rio Games approach, I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with a company that focuses so highly on product innovation and performance,” said McCallin. “With my international experience, I look forward to not only providing my input for new products but also taking my game to the next level with STX’s top-of-the-line technology.”

McCallin will use the STX Stallion 500 as she trains with Team Great Britain’s Senior Women’s Squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics, as well as the England Hockey Club.

“Shona is at the top of her game and we are very excited that she has chosen to align with STX,” said Emily Hughes, STX Field Hockey Marketing Manager. “As we continue to expand and grow our brand globally, Shona’s skill and strong leadership make her a natural fit.”