Chip Ganassi Racing Teams Inks TNT Energy Drink Sponsorship

Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) announced today a mutli-year deal with TNT Energy Drink, continuing Brazilian driver and reigning Indianapolis 500 Winner Tony Kanaan’s longtime relationship with the brand, as well as parent company Grupo Petrópolis, who is currently the second-largest brewery in Brazil.

TNT Energy Drink is the third-largest energy drink brand in Brazil, and will be associated with the No. 8 NTT DATA Chevrolet IndyCar Series entry for Kanaan. 

CGRT and Kanaan announced last month at the Houston IndyCar Series race a multi-year deal to pilot a fourth entry starting with the 2014 IndyCar Series season with sponsorship from NTT DATA, a leading global IT services provider.

Douglas Costa, Marketing Director, Grupo Petrópolis: “I’m excited about the continued relationship with Tony, the opportunity to be associated to such a successful team like Chip Ganassi Racing and what the future holds for TNT Energy Drink in the IndyCar Series and in the US Market.”

Steve Lauletta, President, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams: “Bringing TNT Energy Drink into our partnership lineup further enhances Tony’s program for the No. 8 team heading into 2014. They are one of Tony’s longtime sponsors and we’re excited they are continuing their relationship in the IndyCar Series with us. We look forward to helping them further grow their business both in the US and globally.”

Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers to Sponsor Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest

Andretti Sports Marketing, promoter of the festival of speed in Milwaukee, announced today the addition of Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers to its lineup of sponsors as its new presenting sponsor for what is now known as the ABC Supply Co. Inc.

Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest presented by Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers, the IndyCar race and weekend festival occurring at the Milwaukee Mile facility on August 17, 2014.

Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers has stepped up to support the revived event at the world’s oldest operating motor speedway. The event became a weekend festival in 2012 when Andretti Sports Marketing took over responsibility of the event. With 2014 becoming the promoter’s third year of hosting the weekend-long event has turned into much more than just a race on the historic oval track. With the addition of Mazda Road to Indy races in Indy Lights and Pro Mazda competition, along with rickshaw racing, free fair rides and a plethora of food and drink vendors, the ABC Supply Co. Inc. Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest Presented by Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers has become a family-friendly festival lasting the entire weekend.

“The Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers are excited to be a part of Milwaukee IndyFest,” said Brad Schlossmann, President of the Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers Ad Association and a local Honda dealer in Milwaukee.

With the announcement of Milwaukee IndyFest’s presenting sponsor, IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe will be on hand to engage with fans for an event to be held at David Hobbs Honda located at 6100 N. Green Bay Ave, Glendale, WI 53209 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT. The three-time race winner will also be made available to the media before the event, alongside Andretti Sports Marketing President John Lopes.

“Honda and its dealers stand among the biggest supporters of IndyCar racing and its events,” commented Starke Taylor, Andretti Sports Marketing Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We are grateful for their commitment to the Milwaukee market and our historic race and festival.”

Tickets for the 2014 ABC Supply Co. Inc. Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest presented by Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers will go on sale November 20.

21st Century Fox to Sponsor 2014 Special Olympics USA Games

21st Century Fox, the world’s premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets spanning six continents, has announced it has become the Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, which will be held June 14-21, 2014.

With a reach of nearly 1.5 billion subscribers in more than 100 local languages, 21st Century Fox will serve as the Official Presenting Media Sponsor and will provide broad exposure for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games across its U.S. channels which include FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX Broadcasting, FOX Sports, FX, National Geographic Channel, and 28 local stations, as well as FOX Sports 1, which will air a one-hour recap special.

“We are ecstatic about the opportunity to join forces with 21st Century Fox in a landmark partnership that will place a spotlight, across a multitude of platforms, on the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games – an event that we know will be the largest, most dynamic, and most innovative national Games in the history of Special Olympics in the United States,” said TJ Nelligan, Chairman & CEO, 2014 USA Games. “The commitment by 21st Century Fox is unparalleled for any Special Olympics USA Games and speaks volumes about the company’s willingness to use all of its assets to showcase the abilities of our athletes, including a highlight show produced by fellow Games’ Founding Partner WWE of all the competition and special events of the 2014 USA Games and broadcast on its newest premier channel, FOX Sports 1.”

As Presenting Media Sponsor of the 2014 USA Games, 21st Century Fox has committed to media exposure across its cable and broadcast networks as well as its local stations, most notably WNYW and WWOR in New York and WTXF in Philadelphia.

“It is an honor for 21st Century Fox to partner with the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games to showcase the important work they do and to inspire our audiences with the thousands of individual stories of dignity and courage that are at the heart of the USA Games,” said Julie Henderson, EVP, Chief Communications Officer, 21st Century Fox.

BK Racing Acquires Two New Sponsor for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Finale

BK Racing, a stock car racing team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has announced two new sponsors ahead of the Series Finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway thi Sunday.

LA based VooDoo BBQ & Grill and MobileBits Corp., provider of Samy, a leading mobile marketing & engagement network, will both sponsor the team. 

As part of the deal the Mardi Gras colors of purple and gold of VooDoo will adorn the car. 

“We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to be associated with NASCAR and the BK Racing Team at one of the most important races of the year,” said Tony Avila, Chief Executive Officer of VooDoo BBQ & Grill. “This level of exposure for VooDoo is unparalleled. We appreciate Ron Devine and the entire team at BK racing for this tremendous opportunity.” 

“VooDoo’s unique offering is something NASCAR fans have never seen,” said team owner Ron Devine. “I feel that VooDoo’s continued growth, along with BK Racing’s will make for a great partnership.

The Samy deal will include the logo being prominently displayed on the rear deck lid and the quarter panels of the BK Racing Toyota.

Additionally, BK Racing will create its own branded mobile store within the Samy network, making it available to race fans everywhere. Consumers and fans can connect with the team and drivers as well as browse merchandise through Samy on their mobile devices.

“We are very excited to be part of BK Racing in this multifaceted approach,” said Walter Kostiuk, President and CEO of MobileBits. “We know a lot of our customers are NASCAR fans and this is a great opportunity to showcase the Samy brand.” 

“The Samy partnership with BK Racing is one of the most exciting partnerships since we started last year,” said team owner Ron Devine. “The mobile app will allow our BK Racing fans to stay in touch with our race team 24/7 and provide an outlet to purchase BK Racing merchandise.” 

“It’s very exciting to showcase a new company at the season finale,” explained Kvapil. “Hopefully we can make their first race on-board a memorable one.”

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will race into Homestead-Miami Speedway for the final event of the 2013 season on Sunday, November 17.

JD Sports Gets Naming Rights to Bury FC’s Stadium

English League Two club Bury Football Club have announced their biggest ever sponsorship deal for a three-year partnership with Sports Retailer JD Sports Fashion PLC.  

The agreement will see Bury’s Gigg Lane stadium re-named ‘The JD Stadium’ with immediate effect. JD will also be the main shirt sponsor from next season, online and demonstrates the clubs determination to drive significant progress both on and off the pitch and represents the largest commercial deal in their long and proud history. 

JD Sports was founded in Bury in 1981 and has since grown to over 350 stores in the UK and abroad. The company is still based locally in Pilsworth, pills  Bury. 

JD Group Chief Executive, Barry Bown, said: “We are delighted to be associated with Bury Football Club and look forward to assisting the club going forward. As a company that is based locally for over 30 years, we are proud to support Bury FC and its long term goals.” 

Bury FC Chairman Stewart Day said:  “This is an amazing deal for Bury Football Club and highlights the hard work being put in behind the scenes to secure the future of this great Club. Our Commercial team have worked tirelessly on this for the past few months and it is a credit to them that this deal has now been signed. I hope our many loyal fans appreciate the progress being made to ensure financial security at the Club.  This is such an exciting partnership for the club and would like to thank JD Sports Fashion PLC for their commitment to our vision, which is to take Bury Football Club back to the Championship.”

Salin Bank to Sponsor Indiana University Athletics

Indiana University Athletics and its multimedia rights holder, order Indiana University Sports Properties (IUSP), medstore has announced a commercial deal with Salin Bank to become the Hoosiers’ newest corporate partner.

Salin Bank & Trust, here a family-owned community bank with banking locations spread throughout Indiana, will receive numerous partner benefits over a three-year term surrounding football and basketball seasons. In addition to signage at Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall, Salin Bank will receive exposure through digital offerings, the official iuhoosiers.com website and the IU Sports Radio Network. Salin Bank also will have notable presence on the press backdrop for Hoosier basketball in 2013-14 and beginning in 2014-15 for football.

“The Salin family has been great personal friends of mine and to Indiana University for many years,” said Fred Glass, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Indiana University. “We are excited to further incorporate Salin Bank into the IU family through this partnership.”

“As a graduate of Indiana University, I have always wanted to give back to my alma mater,” said Bill Salin, II, President & Chief Executive Officer, “With this agreement, it is a ‘Win-Win’ for both IU and Salin Bank. We are one of the few true family owned Indiana banks and this partnership just makes sense.”

“Salin Bank & Trust will be an invaluable addition to our corporate partner family, and we’re excited to integrate them into the Hoosier culture,” said Matt Bauschek, IUSP General Manager. “With locations in Carroll County, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Logansport and Marion, we know this partnership will be advantageous to IU fans, alumni and campus community in numerous ways.”

Sentient Jet Renews Deal as Official Private Jet Partner of Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics has extended their partnership with Sentient Jet for the private aviation company to remain the Official Private Jet Partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise.

The partnership will continue to provide special opportunities for Celtics fans seeking private aviation, and will allow for Sentient Jet to grow their support of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Sentient Jet to provide our fans convenient access to best in class private aviation services,” Boston Celtics Team President Rich Gotham said. “Sentient’s continued support of the Shamrock Foundation demonstrates the commitment we share to better serve children in need throughout New England.”

As part of the continued partnership, Sentient Jet will continue to team with the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation on select events and other initiatives to support the group’s charitable endeavors. In addition, Sentient Jet will continue to sponsor the Concierge Desk within the Boston Celtics Courtside Club, providing direct access for VIP guests to book a private jet flight while enjoying a game at the Boston Garden.

“As a Boston-area company, it continues to be an honor for Sentient to partner with the legendary Boston Celtics and support the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, a special organization that brings much-needed educational and support programs to children in need across the area,” Sentient’s President Andrew Collins said. “We are pleased to renew this partnership and look forward to another three years as the Official Private Jet Partner to the Boston Celtics.”

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Barcelona Reveal 2016 Extension for UNICEF Sponsorship Deal

FC Barcelona have renewed their shirt sponsorship deal with UNICEF where they will continue to pay $2 million for the United Nations Children’s Fund logo to be displayed on the back of their shirts until 2016.

The current agreement was due to expire next year and the Barca directors approved a two-year extension at a board meeting today, the Spanish champions said on their website.

Barcelona Spokesman and Secretary Toni Freixa said: “We are very satisfied with this alliance.”

Barca and UNICEF first joined forces in 2006 and Barca’s Argentine World Player of the Year Lionel Messi is one of the fund’s global goodwill ambassadors.

For a number of years Barcelona used to have UNICEF name on the front of their shirts, which made them one of the few sides in football not to display a corporate logo. But in 2011 they agreed a a sponsorship deal with Qatar Sports Investment worth 30 million euros for Qatar Airways.

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Loblaw Named Official Grocer for 2015 Toronto Pan Am/Parapan Games

Canada’s largest food retailer, unhealthy Loblaw has been named the official grocer for the 2015 Toronto Pan Am/Parapan Games.

The grocer will provide fresh, physician tasty and nutritious food choices for athletes and volunteers at the games that take place July 10-26 and August 7-14, pharmacy 2015.

“Supporting the nutritional health and performance of the almost 7,500 athletes attending the Games as well as the 20,000 volunteers is an extension of our consumer purpose to help Canadians Live Life Well,” said Uwe Stueckmann, Loblaw’s senior vice-president of marketing, at the Maple Leaf Gardens store in Toronto.

“Loblaw is a perfect fit for the Toronto 2015 Games,” said Ian Troop, CEO of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games organizing committee

Williams F1 Ends PDVSA Sponsorship Ties after Maldonado Exit

Formula 1 team Williams have revealed they will end their association with Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA at the end of the season following the departure of driver Pastor Maldonado from the team.

Maldonado, a native of Venezuela, was replaced earlier on Monday by Brazilian Felipe Massa who made the move from Ferrari.

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal at Williams, told Reuters: “It (the branding) won’t be on the car for next year.”

“There is no (further) connection with PDVSA as obviously Pastor is now leaving the team.”

Maldonado has been backed by the oil giant throughout his career and his sponsorship millions have been eagerly sought by other teams. Williams said the driver had taken the decision to look elsewhere.

“We wish him well in that new challenge and we have to see where he ends up next year, but the Williams team won’t have a connection to Venezuela next year,” she said.

The PDVSA sponsorship deal was with Williams, rather than a specific driver, and still had another two years to run.

The Venezuelan money made up a significant part of the Williams budget but sources indicated the team will be sheltered from any immediate impact by highly favourable severance terms.

“I think when our numbers come out next year, people will see what has actually gone on behind the scenes with this whole arrangement,” said Claire Williams.

Williams identified Brazil as a suitable replacement in terms of bringing in the financial backing.

“I think Brazil is one of the sport’s biggest markets, so it’s really up to us to go out and commercialise Felipe as our driver.”

“We’ve been operating and looking for sponsorship in the Brazilian market for a long time now, we’ve had great Brazilian partners in the past. So we will be going out to Brazil to see what we can do out there.”

“I hope we can bring some important companies to Williams from Brazil, I think Brazil is in a good moment and Williams has everything to give a good image,” Massa told Reuters. “So it would be nice to have some Brazilian sponsors as well.”

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