Suretone to Sponsor Andretti Autosport’s Kurt Busch at Indy 500

Suretone will sponsor Andretti Autosport and driver Kurt Busch when he participates in his effort to compete in his first Indianapolis 500.

Busch will drive the No. 26 Suretone car as he attempts to become the fourth driver to contest the “Double” — competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and at Charlotte Motor Speedway in a stock car race later on May 25.

“It’s an exciting day,” Busch said. “Reality is setting in that this is real and it’s go time. For me, it’s a dream come true, but the kid in a candy store moment is all behind me. Now it’s the focus of practice time and settling in with Andretti Autosport. Just to have Andretti Autosport and to have (team owner) Michael (Andretti) himself involved, this is the right way to do things. Their team experience will help lead my inexperience.”

Busch is scheduled to join 1995 Indianapolis 500 winner Jacques Villeneuve on the 2.5-mile oval April 29 for testing.

“We are honored to have Suretone Entertainment stand with Andretti Autosport and Kurt Busch in this historic event as Kurt enters his first Indianapolis 500 qualifying run, as well as attempts to become only the fourth driver in motorsport history to contest the ‘Double’,” said Schur, Suretone Entertainment chairman. “As Kurt moves towards his goal to drive in the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s 600-mile race on the same day, Suretone takes great pride to partner with Andretti Autosport as we support Kurt in his incredible endeavor.”

Sponsors Leave LA Clippers in their Droves after Owners Controversial Comments

Sponsors are leaving the Los Angeles Clippers in their droves following the controversial comments made by owner, Donald Sterling.

As the condemnation of Sterling and his racially insensitive comments spread Monday, major financial supporters of the NBA franchise announced they were severing ties with the Clippers.

Sponsors that have departed include CarMax, State Farm Insurance, Kia Motors America, airline Virgin America, P. Diddy’s water brand, AQUAHydrate, Red Bull, Yokohama tires and Mercedes-Benz.

AQUAHydrate said in a statement: “In the wake of Donald Sterling’s alleged defamatory and intolerable comments we have decided to suspend our sponsorship with the L.A. Clippers until the NBA completes its investigation. We fully support the players and fans of the L.A. Clippers and wish them the best in the remainder of the playoffs.”

Yokohama also suspended their sponsorship: “Yokohama Tire Corporation does not tolerate discrimination in any fashion. The alleged remarks by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling are completely unacceptable and we find it necessary to immediately suspend our sponsorship of the organization as a result. We will continue to assess the situation and weigh our options. Meanwhile, we wish to express our continued support to the Clippers players and fans.”

Staples Center, home to the Clippers, issued its own statement Monday:

“We are deeply troubled by these disturbing remarks which go against everything we believe in as an organization. We support the players, the coaches, the rest of the team and their fans and we are committed to providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone” at Tuesday’s Game 5 of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the visiting Golden State Warriors. The series is tied at 2-2.

Club finances aren’t made public, so it is not known how much money the loss of sponsorships has cost the Clippers, or the NBA.

Bath Rugby Extends with Official Partner IPL

Bath Rugby have renewed their partnership with consultancy and full-service IT company IPL through the 2014-15 season.

IPL will remain as an Official Partner of Bath Rugby and help the Club develop innovative ways to transform the matchday experience using cutting-edge technology over the coming years.

Ahead of any redevelopment of The Recreation Ground, the Club is keen to draw on IPL’s experience of building market-leading customer experiences and mobile apps to build engagement with fans and enhance the experience of watching rugby in Bath.

IPL is a long-term partner of Bath Rugby, having been the main shirt sponsor for two seasons, prior to becoming an Official Partner in 2011. This extension strengthens links between the two organisations as Bath Rugby enters an exciting chapter of its history.

Nick Blofeld, Chief Executive at Bath Rugby commented: “We have enjoyed a long-standing, successful partnership with IPL for over five years now, and we’re very pleased to be continuing this for the coming season. We are constantly striving to improve the matchday experience for our supporters, and IPL are just the company to help us achieve this.”

Paul Jobbins, CEO at IPL added: “We’re delighted to be extending our partnership with Bath Rugby and are excited about the opportunities we have to help them build even stronger links with their supporters. IPL’s experience in creating award-winning business services will enable us to enhance the matchday experience for supporters by using technology in truly innovative and exceptional ways.”

Heineken Announced as Official Beer & Cider Provider for Glasgow 2014

Dutch brewery Heineken has been selected as the Official Beer & Cider Provider for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The agreement will see Heineken join the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family and provide beer & cider options for sale to spectators at licensed bars within official Games venues. Heineken Beer and Bulmers Cider will be available through licensed bars in competition venues. 

The firm’s award winning Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh will produce a special limited edition Commonwealth Games 2014 ale as part of increased marketing for the Games. 

Heineken has a strong record of supporting sport, medicine having undertaken a similar role at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games along with its longer term links to the UEFA Champions League and the Rugby World Cup. 

David Grevemberg, drugs Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said: “As a strong supporter of sport and a company with a strong base in Scotland, we are pleased to bring Heineken on board as our Official Beer & Cider Provider. We will be working with them to encourage spectators to celebrate responsibly while being part of the largest and most exciting multi-sport event in Scotland this summer.

“We want to provide Glasgow 2014 sports fans with a diverse range of food and drink options as part of their overall Games experience.”

John Gemmell, HeinekenTrading Director for Scotland and North East added: “We are delighted to be officially associated with the Games and will be working hard to help create a spectator experience second to none. We have been chosen for our significant experience in this area and for our popular brand portfolio.  

“For adult Games visitors, the opportunity to enjoy a cold beer or cider while watching world class sport, or with a meal, will add to the quality service offering and choices available at venues. Furthermore, we have a strong record in promoting moderate consumption and will be working with the Games organisers to ensure that the Games are a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all.”

FEI Ink Jet Set Sports Sponsorship, Launch New App

The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) today announced a six-year sponsorship deal with corporate hospitality provider Jet Set Sports.

Jet Set Sports, sale exclusive hospitality provider for Organizing Committees of the Olympic Games (OCOG) since 1984 is renowned for its premium quality and scope of corporate hospitality management services.

As the FEI’s exclusive sponsor in the hospitality sector, viagra order Jet Set Sports will offer first-class Olympic hospitality packages for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to FEI stakeholders, drugs from National Federations to athletes, horse owners and fans.

The agreement, which continues until 2020, will also see Jet Set Sports work with the FEI to develop hospitality programmes for key FEI events.

“We are delighted to announce Jet Set Sports as the FEI’s latest sponsor,” Lisa Lazarus, FEI Chief of Business Development & Strategy said. “As our exclusive sponsor in the hospitality sector, Jet Set Sports will offer our stakeholders a wealth of unique hospitality programmes at major international sporting events.”

Alan Dizdarevic, Co-CEO Jet Set Sports said: “Jet Set Sports provides top quality hospitality for world class sporting events. The FEI is the perfect partner to help us reach an international audience that has an interest in attending and enjoying major sports events in the luxury of premium hospitality.”

FEI Launch New App

The FEI have also launched a new free sports app on the first day of the FEI Sports Forum.

The app allows users access to the FEI’s entire sports calendar, including detailed programmes and schedules.

Gaspard Dufour, FEI IT Manager, commented: “The FEI SportApp is a must-have for those who want to follow key events, and is essential for athletes planning their campaigns and organising their lives around their busy competition schedules.”

Tata Steel Extends British Triathlon Sponsorship

Indian multinational steel-making company Tata Steel has extended its sponsorship of British Triathlon. 

The new three-year agreement will be focused on the children’s triathlon series Tata – Kids of Steel which aims to inspire young people of all abilities to get active and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Myra Rooselaar, who heads up Tata Steel’s corporate responsibility, said: “We are very proud to extend our long-term relationship with British Triathlon as its Community Sponsor. Our continued sponsorship will give children in communities across the country the chance to have a go at a triathlon and experience how much fun sport can be.

“Seeing children complete a mini-triathlon is incredibly rewarding and inspirational, both for the kids and for our many employee volunteers, who support the events. The energy, excitement, enthusiasm and camaraderie is contagious for young and old.”

Since becoming British Triathlon’s Premier Sponsor in 2006, and Corporate Partner in 2009, Tata Steel has been instrumental in the growth and success of triathlon in Great Britain. 

Tata Steel is Europe’s second largest steel company employing about 18,000 people at sites across the UK.

Talking about the relationship, British Triathlon CEO Zara Hyde Peters OBE said: “British Triathlon is delighted to be able to announce the continuation of our longest running sponsorship. Tata Steel has been an integral part of the growth of the sport over the last eight years, with support that has flexed and adapted around the sport’s and Tata Steel’s objectives. This is a unique relationship and we look forward to continuing to work together in this extremely exciting period in the sport’s development.”

Traffic Sports to Sponsor Gold Cup & CONCACAF Champions League

Brazilian company Traffic Sports has secured the sponsorship rights to The Confederation of North, try Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) events.

The deal will mean Traffic will be the official Corporate Partnership Agency of the Gold Cup and the CONCACAF Champions League.

The multi-year renewal agreement includes rights to the next four editions of the biennial Gold Cup (2015, tadalafil 2017, decease 2019, 2021), as well as seven additional seasons of the annual CONCACAF Champions League, from the 2015/16 edition through the 2021/22 tournament. The deal also incorporates rights to all other events organized by the Confederation, such as youth tournaments, Olympic qualifiers and Futsal.

“We are very pleased to extend our relationship with Traffic Sports,” said CONCACAF President, Jeffrey Webb. “During the past year they have contributed tremendously to our mission of developing the game at all levels by aligning our properties with companies that want to become true partners of our sport. We look forward to years of successful partnership.”

Under terms of the renewed deal, Traffic Sports will continue to package and market all CONCACAF properties globally, with assets that include field of play branding, use of tournament marks, unique experiences, and hospitality, among others. Financial terms of the deal will not be made public.

“We are grateful to CONCACAF for entrusting Traffic with the continued development and growth of its corporate partnership program,” said Aaron Davidson, President of Traffic Sports USA.

“Over the first 17 months of our current agreement, we have focused on laying a new foundation for the region’s flagship tournaments, the Gold Cup and Champions League. And now after growing Gold Cup sponsorship over 50% in 2013 and validating the CONCACAF Champions League as the most important professional club tournament in the region, we are very well-positioned to exponentially grow the Confederation’s corporate partnerships over the next two World Cup cycles.”

MasterCard Sign Deco as New Brand Ambassador for Champions League Final Marketing

Portuguese soccer legend Deco has signed an exclusive endorsement deal with MasterCard to become the Official Player Mascot Manager for the UEFA Champions League Final 2014 in Lisbon.

Deco’s first act as Player Mascot Manager was to assemble a miniature dream team of UEFA Champions League stars, apoplectic to help MasterCard celebrate their role as Official Player Mascot Providers of the UEFA Champions League. The two time competition winner led a line-up of mini-lookalikes in an exclusive “Player Mascot Training Camp”, unhealthy featuring stars from current UEFA Champions League Semi-Finalists Chelsea FC, Club Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern München alongside legends from the past 20 years of the competition.

As an Official Sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, MasterCard is giving 22 lucky children across Europe the chance to be the Official Player Mascots for the UEFA Champions League Final in Lisbon on Saturday 24th May. With the camp also including mini-lookalikes of a number of iconic past UEFA Champions League winning players, the guide will help the chosen mascots enjoy a Priceless Experience on May 24th.

MasterCard Player Mascot Manager Deco said: “The pinnacle of my career was winning the UEFA Champions League and playing against some of the finest players in the world. Leading the player mascot camp with the mini superstars brought back some great memories of being on the pitch alongside some of the true European greats, and it was great to help the mascots prepare.”

Javier Perez, President, MasterCard said: “Being a Player Mascot in European football’s showpiece event is the closest that any kid can get to living the priceless experience of being a footballer in the UEFA Champions League Final. To help our mascots get ready for the big day we are delighted to have appointed Deco as the MasterCard Player Mascot Manager, in this our 20th year of sponsoring the most prestigious footballing event.”

Royal Purple to Sponsor Townsend Bell at Indy 500

Defending Indianapolis 500 champions, KV Racing Technology and driver Townsend Bell announced today that Royal Purple will be an associate sponsor on the No. 6 Robert Graham – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone entry for the 2014 Indianapolis 500.

The event is set to take place on May 25, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.

“I first raced with Royal Purple last year at the X Games in Munich, Germany,” Bell said. “It is really cool that they have added their support to my Indy 500 effort in addition to their support of my TUDOR United SportsCar Championship AIM Autosport Ferrari program. I just want to thank everyone at Royal Purple and I look forward to enjoying the whole Indy 500 experience with their employees and customers.”

Royal Purple manufactures a wide range of premium synthetic lubricants for racing, consumer, commercial and industrial applications. In addition to Bell’s Indy 500 and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship programs, Royal Purple supports a variety of racing series programs including rally cross, NHRA drag racing and NHRA junior drag racing, Formula SAE programs and other grassroots racing teams. 

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Townsend Bell as he competes in the Indianapolis 500 in the backyard of our parent company Calumet Specialty Product Partners,” said Bryan Yourdon, Royal Purple President. “Townsend’s talent behind the wheel has been demonstrated at two of the premier TUDOR United SportsCar Championship races at Daytona and Sebring this season, and we look forward to supporting his success at the Indianapolis 500,” he added. 

Bell, a 39-year-old American, who resides in Pacific Palisades, CA spends much of his time now as a Verizon IndyCar Series broadcast analyst for NBC Sports. He also competes in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship driving for AIM Autosport with Ferrari. 

Upcoming Driver Harrison Scott Secures UPN as New Sponsor for Formula Ford Championship

The United Pallet Network (UPN) has entered into a sponsorship agreement with VCM Motorsports to sponsor BRDC upcoming driver Harrison Scott in the 2014 Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.

In the agreement, the UPN brand will be prominently displayed on either side and on the nose cone of the Falcon Motorsport #6 Mygale, Harrison’s race car, for the duration of the current season.

The decision to sponsor 18 year-old Harrison, from Althorne, Essex, was taken by David Brown, Commercial Director, UPN who explains, “Since we developed the new brand for UPN, we have invested heavily in raising its awareness. We have been following the successes of Harrison’s racing career for a few seasons now and believe that this sponsorship deal will help to further increase our brand awareness, as Harrison’s successes continue.”

In his rookie year of single seater racing, Harrison won the 2013 Scholarship Championship in Formula Ford with his Falcon Motorsport team and is currently runner up in the main 2014 British Formula Ford Championship after only two events. The series continues this weekend at Thruxton Circuit, Hampshire, with six further UK rounds before the season finale at Brands Hatch, Kent on 11-12 October.

Harrison added: “I would like to thank David and United Pallet Network for their valuable support. 2014 is an extremely exciting year for me and will hopefully prove to be another milestone in my racing career. With the assistance and belief in me from companies such as UPN and VCM Motosports I am able to pursue my passion and I hope that this will be the start of a long and successful partnership, all the way to Formula 1.”