Sahara Force India Extend Alpinestars Partnership

Sahara Force India have renewed their partnership with Italian clothing supplier Alpinestars that will see Formula 1 drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez arrive in Monaco in new race suits.

The new suits reinforce the mutual commitment to performance between Sahara Force India and Alpinestars, a partnership that has seen the Italian clothing company supply the team with all of its technical race apparel and footwear, including suits, boots, gloves and under layers, since 2008.

Otmar Szafnauer, Chief Operating Officer of Sahara Force India: “We are delighted to continue our association with Alpinestars who do a fantastic job of supplying us with all our technical wear. Alpinestars are an iconic and respected brand with a history of innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and we at Sahara Force India identify strongly with these values. The new suits match performance with style, an approach that is in line with our brand’s evolution in the last twelve months.”

Gabriele Mazzarolo, President and CEO of Alpinestars: “Alpinestars has been innovating performance products for the world’s top motorsports athletes for over 50 years. The suits that we develop for Sahara Force India’s drivers and race team are state-of-the-art and offer performance-enhancing technology which will help Nico and Sergio, both in Monte Carlo and as we continuously develop our technology throughout the rest of the season.”

M&T Bank Secure Naming Rights to Baltimore Ravens’ Stadium Until 2027

M&T Bank have signed a new long-term agreement with the Baltimore Ravens to remain the naming rights sponsor of the M&T Bank Stadium.

The partnership, troche which began as a 15-year agreement in 2003 and is now extended through 2027, has proven to reach far beyond the stadium and into the community through a range of joint initiatives.

“M&T Bank’s partnership with the Ravens isn’t about a name on a building—it’s about combining the strengths of our two teams to build a better, stronger Baltimore,” said M&T Bank President Mark Czarnecki.

“Our partnership with M&T is based on shared values and has produced impact on both companies and this community,” said Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti. “This new agreement is a natural extension of our strong relationship and mutual commitment to pursuing excellence and strengthening this region. We look forward to continuing to work with M&T and helping those in need.”

A new component of the partnership will be an initiative to establish a Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Center (Judy Center), which provides comprehensive services to increase school readiness for at-risk children under age five and their families. The Judy Center will be located at an elementary school in the Cherry Hill section of Baltimore City and is being organized through the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF). The Ravens and M&T will provide a total of $600,000 in funding for the project.

“We are thrilled that the Ravens and M&T are joining BCF in its goal to have 90 percent of Baltimore’s children ready for school by 2017,” said Tom Wilcox, president of the Baltimore Community Foundation.  “M&T and the Ravens’ financial commitment to our program will have a dramatic impact on these children and our school system, leveling the playing field for our children as they enter school.”

Australian Rugby Union Inks IHG Renewal

The Australian Rugby Union and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) have extended their partnership through to the end of 2016.

As part of the agreement, medicine the Qantas Wallabies players, case coaching staff and team management will stay in IHG hotels while the team is travelling in Australia. IHG have been a partner since 2006.

In 2014, the side will spend more than 60 days on the road domestically travelling to places such as Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne.

Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver said: “It is fantastic news that a brand with the reputation of InterContinental Hotels Group has agreed to re-sign as one of our key suppliers for the next couple of years.

“The team at IHG always makes the Qantas Wallabies feel extremely welcome wherever they are staying in Australia and we are looking forward to continuing our terrific relationship with them.”

Bill Edwards, IHG Head of Operations Australasia said, “We are thrilled to be staying on board as a partner of the Qantas Wallabies. People are at the forefront of our business, so we place great value on longstanding partnerships such as these.

“It’s an honour to be able to provide excellent accommodation, dining offerings and entertainment to the team throughout what we’re confident will be a great season.”

The partnership provides digital rights for IHG such as logo recognition and advertising on the Australian Rugby Union official website. It also includes corporate hospitality to each of the home Tests on the international calendar.

Ian Poulter Becomes Global Ambassador for Energy Drink Brand

International golfer Ian Poulter has become the global ambassador for new energy drink brand, POSI+IV. 

The multi year agreement, brokered by sports marketing agency Aurum PMG, will commence immediately. POSI+IV and Ian will create joint marketing collateral and social media engagement as part of the relationship.

Poulter has previously been as high as number 4 in the world rankings and has a formidable Ryder Cup record, with the latest instalment at Gleneagles in September later this year.

Speaking from Wentworth in the build up to this weeks’ BMW PGA Championship event, Poulter commented on the partnership “I am excited to be an ambassador to POSI+IV. The drink is great, tastes fantastic and gives a boost when needed. I see this as the only energy drink on the market to service the golfing world. The ‘Can Do’ attitude of the brand mirrors my mindset and approach. I’m looking forward to being a part of the POSI+IV family.”

Nick Hampson, CEO at Quench Worldwide, speaking on the partnership, “Our ethos is simple ‘It’s a Can Do attitude’, which is why it is only natural for us to want to work with Ian. He has that attitude, the attitude of a winner, and we all know that anything can be accomplished with the right attitude! We can’t wait to work with Ian and for the public to follow our story over the forthcoming monthsand years.”

FIM Extends Intertek Partnership Until 2016

The global governing body of motorcycle racing, viagra  FIM, have announced today an extended partnership with leading quality solutions provider Intertek until 2016.

Intertek will provide fuel quality testing services for FIM race events along with additional expert services. 

The new agreement builds upon the successful cooperation between FIM and Intertek during the past years, and extends the exclusive cooperation of Intertek as a provider of fuel testing services on behalf of the FIM for additional three years.

As part of the strategic partnership, Intertek will assist FIM with fuel approval process support, as well as updating FIM management on updated fuel regulations and developing quality and testing standards. 

Ignacio Verneda, Executive Director, Sport of the Fédération International de Motocyclisme, said: “FIM has benefited from having Intertek’s fuel testing and consulting expertise, and we are pleased to extend this agreement for an additional three years. Intertek’s technical know-how and ability to provide quick results through on-track compliance testing is helping us to ensure a level playing field is maintained for all competitors.” 

Stuart Roberts, Senior Vice President for Intertek’s Analytical Assessment global business line, said: “Intertek is honoured to continue to provide fuel testing and consulting services to FIM. Our fuel testing staff is dedicated to helping ensure FIM meets its goal of competitive fair-play. Intertek’s global network of fuel testing laboratories and personnel will support FIM where and when needed.”

Hunt Brothers to Sponsor JR Motorsports Kevin Harvick at History 300

Hunt Brothers Pizza will be the primary sponsor for Kevin Harvick and the No. 5 JR Motorsports Chevrolet for the History 300 May 24 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

“Kevin has had a really impressive season thus far, and we are eager to continue this on into Charlotte,” said Keith Solsvig, vice president of marketing for Hunt Brothers Pizza. “We have enjoyed working with JR Motorsports, and we look forward to another great race Saturday.”

The U.S. pizza brand will be the primary sponsor on Harvick’s Chevrolet for two more races this season. The Hunt Brothers Pizza scheme will be featured at Bristol Motor Speedway in August and Texas Motor Speedway in November.

“We strive to provide our convenience store partners with the best brand visibility possible, and the NASCAR partnership helps support this initiative,” said Solsvig.

Hunt Brothers Pizza became involved in NASCAR as a team partner in 2008 when the company sponsored Haas CNC Racing, the predecessor of Stewart-Haas Racing, and then later aligned with NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick in 2009.

Speed Stick GEAR to Sponsor BK Racing’s Cole Whitt for Six Races

BK Racing announced today that Speed Stick GEAR will be sponsoring Cole Whitt and the No. 26 Toyota for six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

Speed Stick GEAR launched its sponsorship of BK Racing last weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, as Whitt competed in the Sprint Showdown in an attempt to qualify for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

Speed Stick GEAR will be the primary sponsor for the No. 26 BK Racing Toyota for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and then at Michigan International Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Texas Motor Speedway, and Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. These race weekends will include show car and driver appearances in each race market. Additionally, Speed Stick GEAR will be an associate sponsor of the No. 26 for the remainder of the 2014 NASCAR season. 

The partnership reunites Speed Stick GEAR and Whitt. Speed Stick GEAR was the primary sponsor of the No. 26 and Whitt earlier this year at the Daytona 500. 

“I am thrilled to have Speed Stick GEAR back aboard the No. 26 for six races this season and for the rest of the season as an associate sponsor,” said Whitt. “Their support is especially meaningful since I continue to be a loyal user of Speed Stick GEAR and their support inspires me to gear up for every single race to do my very best.” 

“Speed Stick GEAR provides the No. 26 team with an anchor sponsor to help us advance our level of performance the rest of the season,” said Anthony Marlowe who is a co-owner of BK Racing. “I’m looking forward to seeing Cole Whitt and the No. 26 Speed Stick GEAR™ Toyota competing on the greatest stage in all of motorsports.” 

“We love this sport and Cole Whitt and are proud to once again be supporting him and BK Racing,” said Bill Van de Graaf, Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Personal Care, Colgate-Palmolive. “Cole, BK Racing and NASCAR align perfectly with our brand – we are excited to further extend the partnership.” 

Under Armour Inks Rugby Canada Deal as Official Technical Partner

Sports apparel company Under Armour have announced a new multi-year sponsorship deal with Rugby Canada as their official technical partner.

The brand will manufacture and design training and match day kits for Rugby Canada national teams effective immediately. 

Under Armour will outfit the Men’s Under 17, Men’s Under 20, Women’s Under 20 and all senior teams. The 2014/15 match day kits for the senior teams will be unveiled next month. The replica kits will go on pre-sale today atstore.rugbycanada.ca. The partnership also includes commercial marketing rights and in-stadium signage.

“Rugby Canada is thrilled to partner with Under Armour Canada as our Official Performance Partner and National Team Kit Supplier,” said Graham Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Rugby Canada. “The sport of rugby is on the rise both on and off the field throughout Canada. This is highlighted by our National Men’s and Women’s teams’ performances as well as our many new and exciting corporate partnerships. Under Armour will be providing elite performance apparel and products that both our players and fans will be proud to wear.”

“This partnership continues our commitment to empowering Canada’s rugby players and elevating the national team’s presence throughout the world,” said Matt Mirchin, Executive Vice President, Global Brand and Sports Marketing, Under Armour. “We look forward to providing our proven technology in performance footwear and apparel to athletes whose will and determination earns them the honour to wear the national team kit.”

Under Armour is also the technical partner for the Welsh Rugby Union, Tottenham Hotspur of the Barclays Premier League, Colo-Colo of the Chilean Primera División and Toluca of Mexico’s Liga MX.

South Africa Announces Sponsors for Hockey World Cup Campaign

South Africa’s challenge for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup has been boosted after DLA Piper Germany, DLA Piper the Netherlands and South African firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr agreed to jointly sponsor their bid for the tournament held in the Hague from 31 May – 15 June this year.

As part of the sponsorship, the SA men’s team will wear the DLA Piper logo on their training and match shirts for the duration of the World Cup.

The games will be televised around the world, including Europe, South Africa and parts of Africa (on SuperSport). The South African team will play the Netherlands and Germany in the first round.

Marissa Langeni, CEO of the South African Hockey Association said: “The men’s team is delighted to welcome DLA Piper and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as World Cup sponsors and will proudly wear the logo of this global law firm on their shirts. This sponsorship has allowed us to plan ahead with regards to travelling to the World Cup and to be able to focus on what really matters on match day – playing the best hockey we can and representing our country with pride.”

Richard Fens, co-managing partner of DLA Piper the Netherlands said: “We are delighted with this joint sponsorship with DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, DLA Piper in the Netherlands and Germany. The South African men’s team is playing against both the Netherlands and Germany (broadcast live in both countries) and so this sponsorship will attain a significant audience.

“We have great respect for the ambition of the South African men’s team, a diverse group from all regions of South Africa with one shared mission – to proudly represent their country and to compete at the highest level of an international sport. With this sponsorship we support the team’s mission – to head for success on the road to the Rio 2016 Olympics,” he says.

Andrea Collocott, Head of Marketing at DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr added: “We are immensely proud of our South African men’s hockey team and delighted to be on board as a sponsor as they make their way to the Hague for the World Cup. This sponsorship emphasises that we can make a huge difference by joining our forces with our global counterparts at DLA Piper.”

Web.com Tour’s Utah Championship Gets New Presenting Sponsor

The annual Utah Championship, ed a fixture on the PGA’s Web.com Tour for the past 15 years, will get a new presenting sponsor for the 2014 tournament in July.

Zions Bank has been involved with the tournament for the past decade, and has agreed to expand its involvement this year with a larger financial commitment.

“We are pleased to enhance our partnership with the Utah Sports Commission with this expanded sponsorship,’’ said Rob Brough, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Zions Bank. “The Web.com Tour Utah Championship plays an important role in showcasing our state and providing significant economic benefit.’’

The Utah Championship will be played July 10-13 at Willow Creek, with several pro-ams earlier in the week. Last year’s winner was Steve Alker, who won in a playoff over Ashley Hall.