IRG Sports + Entertainment and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) have announced a three-year partnership with the with MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. naming Clevite the Official Bearing of the IHRA.

Clevite, part of the MAHLE Aftermarket family, brings more than 95 years of customer service and experience to the IHRA as the world leader in engine bearings for racing applications. 

“We are so excited to be back involved with the IHRA through this great partnership. We loved working with IHRA several years ago and we were so excited when we heard that the IHRA was going back to what drag racing is really all about – racing,” said Bill McKnight, Training Manager at MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. “When we heard about the exciting new plans for the IHRA over the next few years, we jumped at the chance to get involved.”

In addition to being named the Official Bearing of the IHRA, Clevite will also present a special award at IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series events run in conjunction with the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL.

“We wanted to broaden our scope this time around by getting involved with the great sportsman racers at the IHRA,” McKnight said. “Our first involvement with the IHRA was strictly with the nitro cars, so this time we decided to get more involved with the grassroots of the sport and recognize the winners of IHRA’s seven premier sportsman classes with a cash award and a special presentation.

“We are very excited about this partnership which is why we signed a three-year deal. We are committed to making this program even more successful and growing our involvement with IHRA.”

“MAHLE Aftermarket is a quality company with great people and great product. We are very excited to team up with such an outstanding company in bringing Clevite to the IHRA family as the official bearing provider and sponsor of a great program rewarding our sportsman racers,” said John Donaldson, IHRA Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships. “This is a relationship that will only continue to grow over the next few years as Clevite continues to team up with the IHRA on a national level.”

Land Rover North America have extended their partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and equestrian sports by returning as Presenting Sponsor of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

The 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, ambulance Kentucky, nurse April 24-27.  

As part of its sponsorship, abortion Land Rover will also be title sponsor of the
“Land Rover Tailgate” and presenting sponsor of the NBC telecast of the Rolex Equestrian Championships Presented by Land Rover. It will also renew the “Land Rover Best Ride of the Day” program initiated last year that honors the top U.S. rider who comes closest to the optimum time on the cross country course with no jumping penalties. The winner is awarded a 24-month lease of a 2015 Range Rover Evoque.

“Land Rover has demonstrated a strong commitment to equestrian sports in the U.S. and internationally,” said USEF CEO John Long. “Their support has had a significant impact on our teams’ ability to succeed in international competition and on the continued growth in interest in equestrian sports in this country.”

“Two of the most popular attractions at our event in recent years have been the Land Rover Tailgate and Land Rover’s off-road test drive area,” said Darren Ripley, president of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. “Their involvement has greatly enhanced our event and we thank them for their continued support.”

For the fourth consecutive year the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover will offer tailgating on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park for attendees to the equestrian competition.

Land Rover will host its third annual “Land Rover Tailgate Challenge” on Saturday, April 26, and will award an extensive prize package to the most creative, best-decorated and best-catered Land Rover tailgate party. 

“Land Rover has a long established connection with the equestrian community and as a company we’ve supported this prestigious event now for five years,” said Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America.  “Creating the ‘Land Rover Best Ride of the Day’ award allows us to support the rider who demonstrates the precision required to hit the optimum time set cross-country.  This, coupled with the Land Rover Tailgate, test drive course and the ‘Rover’ lounge for our canine friends, makes for an action packed weekend for visitors to the event.”

HOKA ONE ONE have announced today the signing of 2012 Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano, herbal who specializes in the 1500-meter and mile distances, ampoule to a multi-year agreement.

As part of his new relationship with HOKA ONE ONE, herbal a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, Manzano will play a key role in the company’s development of its first racing flats and spikes.

“I’m honored to represent HOKA ONE ONE. I feel blessed to have connected with such a game-changing and innovative company that is led by runners who understand the needs of runners,” said Manzano.  “I hope to leverage this opportunity to showcase how HOKA’s brilliantly engineered products benefit runners of all distances.”

“Adding Leo to the HOKA family elevates our brand visibility and is a testament to the momentum we are gaining in the highly competitive running industry,” said Jim Van Dine, HOKA ONE ONE Brand President. “Leo is not only an Olympian and track-and-field all-star, he’s also a person with great integrity and character.  We look forward to closely collaborating with Leo on product development—specifically racing spikes and flats.”

British electric utility company SSE have signed a long-term agreement with AEG to secure a naming rights deal with Wembley Arena which will see the famous London landmark renamed as the SSE Arena from 1 June.

As a result of the partnership SSE customers will now be able to access advance tickets and lounge upgrades through the SSE Reward scheme.

Tom Miserendino, medicine CEO, AEG Europe commented: “Wembley is one of the world’s most iconic venues, steeped in history with some of the greatest artists having performed under its roof. Over the last few years however, the venue landscape in the UK and Europe has changed with many more venues for artists and acts to choose from. This naming-rights partnership with SSE enables us to undertake the refurbishments to restore this renowned arena.”

Will Morris, SSE’s Group MD, added: “We know entertainment is a key driver for our customers so it makes sense for us to build on our established sponsorship of The SSE Hydro and ensure more customers can take advantage of the great benefits SSE Rewards has to offer.”

Jerky brand Oberto has announced two new ambassadors today by adding former NFL Linebacker Brian Urlacher and MLS star Clint Dempsey to their ranks.

Urlacher and Dempsey will work with Oberto to encourage fans to select better-for-you snacks, get the most from nutrition and live more active lifestyles. The two will also be prominently featured in campaign creative pieces including point-of-sale and other marketing materials.

“Adding the support of Brian and Clint to our Oberto America’s PROteinmovement bolsters the brand’s presence across more sports and brings our message to more consumers,” said Greg Yahn, Vice President of Marketing for Oberto Brands. “This team of top athletes believes in inspiring people to get the most out of themselves by living active lifestyles and snacking better with All Natural Oberto Beef Jerky.”

Urlacher and Dempsey join four-time U.S. Grand Prix snowboarding champion, Louie Vito, and celebrity trainer, Harley Pasternak, on the campaign to urge consumers to ‘turn over the bag’ to check out what they’re eating. Their counsel to fans includes seeking minimally processed, all natural foods with no preservatives as well as encouraging them to live a more active lifestyle.

“I’m looking forward to helping people become more aware of their lean protein intake. As a life-long athlete, I understand the significance of protein and how important it is to snack well while training and competing,” said ChicaBrian Urlacher. “Oberto’s all natural jerky offers a convenient way for athletes to get the all-important lean protein snack while on the go.”

“Oberto’s all natural jerky provides me the protein I need to take on a tough practice and get through a match going into stoppage time,” said Seatle Sounders’ Clint Dempsey. “Protein plays an important role in my sports nutrition and when I’m looking for a better-for-me type food on the go.”

Sweetspot, a sports marketing and event company, has welcomed Velosure who has extended as a sponsor for the Tour of Britain. 

The news will see Velosure as the Official Cycling Insurance Partner of The Tour of Britain, Pearl Izumi Tour Series, Tour Ride sportives and the new Women’s Tour.
Velosure Cycle Insurance has been developed to meet the needs of all cyclists and Tour supporters who are passionate about cycling, making a logical associated with the three main UK cycling events. Velosure provide comprehensive cover at the right price, recently enhanced to include up to 45 days whilst cycling in the EU as well as cover for sportives and time trials as standard.

Ken Specter, Managing Director at Velosure commented: “We are extremely proud to have extended our partnership which now includes The Women’s Tour a fabulous addition to the cycling calendar and a real thumbs up and acknowledgement for how women’s cycling continues to progress and is now coming to the forefront alongside men’s cycling. We look forward to a successful and ongoing partnership in 2014 and are delighted that the relationship with The Tour continues to grow.”

Commenting on the increased partnership, SweetSpot Commercial Director Alastair Grant said: “We look forward to welcoming Velosure back to be a part of what is a very exciting year for us as we look ahead to the inaugural Women’s Tour in May, an event we are sure will be a successful and popular addition to the sporting calendar.”