Gresini Racing Renews Federal Oil Partnership

Moto2 racing team Gresini Racing has extended their partnership with Federal Oil until 2014. 

For Federal Oil, market leader in Indonesia for motorcycle lubricants, the Gresini Moto2 project represents an important global marketing tool whilst for Gresini Racing the relationship presents a valuable opportunity to develop their racing programme in Indonesia, a nation with an expanding market for motorcycles and where MotoGP enjoys huge media and public interest.

Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2’s rider for 2014 will be Xavier Simeon. The 24-year-old Belgian, who scored his first podium earlier this season at Le Mans and started from pole position at Sachsenring, will have the opportunity to demonstrate and exploit his full potential with Team Gresini.

Fausto Gresini “I am very proud to be renewing our partnership with such an important company as Federal Oil. Over the past two seasons our relationship has grown stronger and it is fair to say that we share the same values and the same vision for the future. For 2014 we have set ourselves the objective of being consistent frontrunners as we look to give credibility and exposure to the project, as Federal Oil continue their international expansion.”

Patrick Adhiatmadja – President Director and CEO of Federal Oil, added: “We are delighted that Gresini Racing is continuing to partner with Federal Oil for the third consecutive year. Our renewed partnership with Gresini Racing allows us to continue developing Federal Oil’s brand image as an Indonesian pride – modern lubricant brand.”

 

Oxford United Renew Weber Partnership

Oxford United have announced barbecue manufacturer Weber has continued its partnership with the League Two club this season. 

Weber have worked alongside the club for the last three years and are one of the more prominent names at every home game with their branding on every step in the North Stand.

Clare Edwards, Grill Academy Manager from Weber said: ‘It has been great to be involved with a local and family orientated football club. The partnership with Oxford United has allowed the Grill Academy barbecue cooking school to get the people of Oxfordshire and surrounding counties barbecuing more that the classic banger and the burger!’

Oxford United Commercial Director Tony Davison said: “Weber are a world famous brand and we are delighted to be working with them this season. They are local to Oxford, and have been great supporters of the club for the last two seasons, it is an absolute pleasure to have them on board again this year.”

St George Illawarra Dragons Partners with Clothing Brand

Clothin brand ISC has announced a four-year sponsorship deal with National Rugby League club St George Illawarra Dragons.

For the first time in recent Dragons history, therapy all tiers of the Club’s rugby league pathways pyramid will be branded in ISC apparel including NRL, viagra 60mg NYC, NSW Cup (Illawarra Cutters), SG Ball (St George and Illawarra) and Harold Matthews (St George and Illawarra).

Additionally, the Club’s new four-year deal will see it operate in tandem with ISC on a variety of strategic marketing, advertising, promotional and community-related initiatives amongst other exciting ventures.

“We are thrilled to have been able to secure a four-year partnership with one of the leading brands in sports apparel manufacture and marketing in ISC,” said Dragons CEO Peter Doust.

“ISC has a reputation for continually developing new fabric technologies and other innovations which benefits athletes when taking to the field and we look forward to being involved in that process.

“The arrangement with ISC will additionally see an increased variety of products that will be advantageous to all our respective players, Red V Members, Partners, stakeholders and supporters.”

“The St George Illawarra Dragons brand is deeply entrenched within the history of Australian sport and the Club’s decision to partner with ISC reaffirms our position as Australia’s leading licensing apparel brand,” said ISC CEO Brett Corrick.

“Once again, ISC has been recognised for our elite product research and development, strong merchandise program and the robust relationships we entertain within the sporting industry.”

Monster Energy Named Official Energy Drink of the Off-Road Championship

The Armory announced today that energy drink leader Monster Energy has become the exclusive and official energy drink of TORC: The Off-Road Championship, store the nation’s premiere short-course off-road racing series.

The Dana Point, CA ad agency and production company recently acquired the racing series and has been busy making strategic changes including new series partners.

“The opportunity to work with Monster Energy, a brand that is regarded by many as one of the most progressive in the world, is truly an honor for TORC,” says BJ Birtwell, President of TORC: The Off-Road Championship. “Their commitment to not just being a partner of our series, but also elevating our sport to new heights through innovative marketing is exactly what this sport needs.”

Monster Energy is deeply involved in all types of sports and entertainment and constantly searches for the most innovative opportunities that embody the spirit of the brand.

“Monster Energy is looking forward to joining the TORC Series again and being a part of a cool off-road series of events,” says Mitch Covington, VP of Sports Marketing at Monster Energy. “Monster Energy has been involved in the off-road community for many years, and we think BJ and the new management team are going to do a great job with it.”

The relationship between TORC and Monster Energy provides the energy drink brand with a long list of benefits that involves national and regional media, digital and social media collaboration, onsite offerings as well as a heavy content plan. It also brings TORC fans the added benefit of ticket discounts at select events.

Monster Energy’s onsite activation at events is one of the most exciting things TORC fans can look forward to. “Monster is known for bringing a level of energy to events that is unrivaled,” says Birtwell. “They certainly know how to give back to their loyal customers through incredible event experiences, and that’s what makes this announcement so thrilling for TORC fans all over the country.”

Gilbert Seals New RFU Supply Deal

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has extended its partnership with Gilbert Rugby for another seven years.

As the Official and Exclusive Ball Supplier of England Rugby, they will equip all levels and RFU competitions including All Schools. 

Whilst now being one of the RFU’s longest serving suppliers, Gilbert was already supplying balls to Rugby School when William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it in 1823 and today they become an Official Supplier to All Schools, the RFU’s programme which helps more secondary state school children play rugby and forms a key pillar in its legacy plans for Rugby World Cup 2015.

England Attacking Skills Coach Mike Catt said: “With something as critical as the ball, it’s crucial to the coaches and players that we have the best balls available. The Gilbert ball is widely regarded as the best there is and its reputation is second to none. Its consistent high quality means that we are delighted that the partnership continues.”

As an Official Supplier to the Greene King IPA Championship, Gilbert will provide training and match balls to the league. All RFU competitions and fixtures at Twickenham will use a Gilbert ball and they will remain the Official Clothing Supplier for referees officiating from the Aviva Premiership to SSE National League Two.
The partnership brings benefits for local rugby clubs as an allocation of balls will remain available for the RFU’s Community Rugby Coaches who assist clubs, schools colleges and universities in developing players and growing the game.

Sophie Goldschmidt, Chief Commercial Officer, RFU said: “Our relationship with Gilbert is a great example of how we now work with our partners across all levels of the game. Gilbert understands the invaluable opportunity that comes with hosting the Rugby World Cup to leave a lasting legacy and All Schools is a key pillar within our plans to deliver this. We are excited about Gilbert’s support for the programme and what we can achieve with them over the next seven years.”

Richard Gray, Sales and Marketing Director of Gilbert Rugby said “Everyone at Gilbert is delighted that we are continuing our relationship with the RFU, which is our longest association in Rugby. The hosting of the Rugby World Cup in England adds an extra dimension and impetus to our partnership and we are particularly excited by our increased investment in the RFU’s grassroots initiatives to leave a lasting legacy. We are also delighted to support the RFU Referees and look forward to seeing the exposure this will give to our expanding officials’ Teamwear offering.”

Mercedes-Benz Confirmed as Official Vehicle for 2013 & 2014 Australian Masters

Mercedes-Benz has been revealed as the new senior partner and official vehicle of the Australian Masters for the 2013 and 2014 tournaments, sample order event owner and promoter, apoplectic IMG has announced today.

The prestigious brand will also serve as the official vehicle for the 2013 ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf, which will be staged the following week after the Australian Masters at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

The partnership will see Mercedes-Benz and its world-class range of vehicles act as the official tournament vehicles and also be showcased through various branding and engagement programs.

Vice President, Director of Golf, IMG Australia, David Rollo, commented: “Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s most iconic and revered brands. Mirroring the qualities of great golf, Mercedes-Benz is known for power, precision, and control. With its rich heritage in the sport, Mercedes-Benz is an outstanding addition to our partner program and we look forward to developing a highly successful alignment with golf for its Australian business. It is also fitting that Mercedes-Benz join the Masters as a partner in the year that their global ambassador and world number two ranked golfer, Adam Scott, endeavors to defend his Talisker Masters title,” Mr Rollo said.

Horst von Sanden, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific, also said: “Our new partnership with the Australian Masters further cements Mercedes-Benz’s position as a truly passionate supporter of international golf.”

Worldwide, Mercedes-Benz is the proud partner of three major tournaments; The Masters Tournament, The Open Championship and The PGA Championship and we are heavily involved at an amateur level with our global Mercedes Trophy premium amateur tournament series.

He added: “I am delighted to further enhance our brand’s engagement with Australian golf through the partnership with the Australian Masters Tournament. There is no doubt that the Australian Masters tournament fits nicely with our local and global golf strategy as it is aligned with the very best tournaments around the world.”

Pirelli Remains Tyre Supplier for MINI Challenge

Pirelli have announced it will continue to supply tyres to the MINI Challenge, throughout 2014.

Entering its 13th year, the MINI Challenge consists of two competitive classes: the Cooper class and the turbo-charged John Cooper Works class. A typical race weekend consists of one qualifying session and three 20-minute races. For the first time in six years, the Pirelli-supported MINI Challenge competed on European soil in 2013 as the crews battled it out at former Dutch Formula One circuit, Zandvoort, for the season’s penultimate round.

Pirelli now supplies tyres to more than 250 motorsport championships worldwide and has been the tyre supply partner to the MINI Challenge in the UK since 2012. The relationship is now set to continue during 2014 offering the competitors continued stability

MINI Challenge UK Championship promoter, Antony Williams, said: “Pirelli is a fantastic brand to be partnered with and the company has been very supportive of the MINI Challenge. Our relationship is a key reason as to why our grids have been so strong in 2013, with typically 27 or more drivers taking part in the MINI Challenge at each event. The controls on tyre usage that we have put in place with Pirelli, along with the value for money and durability that Pirelli tyres offer, mean that this key part of the budget is kept under control. We are expecting 2014 to offer more of the same but with more MINI festival events, other higher profile events and improved media coverage – all within the same sensible budgets.”

Pirelli Motorsport Operations Manager, Matthew Corby, added: “The MINI Challenge has grown from strength to strength this year and it’s fantastic that we have agreed terms to supply the MINI Challenge crews throughout 2014. Pirelli’s high performance P Zero and Cinturato tyres have been approved for the MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper S road cars so it only make sense to continue as the official tyre supplier to the country’s main MINI racing championship too. The MINI Challenge offers a fun and friendly environment, technical parity and effective budget controls to create an overall package which is difficult to rival in terms of value for money.”

Grey Goose Vodka Named Official Spirit of PGA Tour

The PGA Tour have announced Grey Goose Vodka as the Official Spirit of the organisation for the next three years.

“Golf is a sport that truly reflects the brand value of the passionate pursuit of the extraordinary. The partnership with the PGA TOUR, drug the world’s premier professional golf organization, bronchi will enable us to have a deeper level of engagement with both Grey Goose enthusiasts and golf fans alike, erectile ” said Shane M. Graber, Vice President and Brand Managing Director of Grey Goose vodka. “By sharing the story behind creating a spirit of outstanding quality and character that makes Grey Goose the World’s Best Tasting Vodka, we inspire others to pursue their passions.”

In addition to the PGA TOUR, the agreement also covers the Champions Tour and Web.com Tour. As the “Official Spirit,” Grey Goose will have preferred brand status and positioning at all PGA TOUR- owned and operated TPC golf facilities and will be featured at TOUR-hosted client functions throughout the year.

Also, Grey Goose will receive pouring rights at select tournaments on all three Tours, where the Grey Goose 19th Hole Lounge will be featured as a main attraction. The Grey Goose 19th Hole Lounge has long been a fan-favorite tournament destination where guests can enjoy bespoke Grey Goose signature cocktails, including the Grey Goose 19th Hole and the Grey Goose Back Nine, watch the tournament and even have a chance to meet Kuchar, one of the world’s best and most- respected players.

As part of the marketing sponsorship, Grey Goose will be featured in all PGA TOUR Grills, a new premium restaurant concept focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which is launching during the spring of 2014 in select airports around the United States.

“Grey Goose is a premier, internationally recognized brand that has a long-standing involvement with golf,” said Jay Monahan, Chief Marketing Officer of the PGA TOUR. “We are very pleased to partner with such a respected brand and look forward to working with the Grey Goose team to activate on the three Tours, as well as at our TPCs and special events.”

Unilever to Sponsor Manchester United in South East Asia

Anglo-Dutch multinational consumer goods company Unilever have inked a three-year partnership with Premier League champions Manchester United in the South East Asia region. 

The new agreement will see Unilever become the Club’s Official Personal Care and Laundry Partner in nine countries including Singapore, anesthetist Malaysia, pills Indonesia, cure Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

A number of Unilever’s most popular personal care and laundry products (such as Clear, Omo and Rexona – amongst many others) will now carry the Manchester United crest.

Peter ter Kulve, President of Unilever, South East Asia and Australasia commented on the new deal: “Manchester United is one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, with a passionate following in South East Asia. This is the first time Unilever has undertaken a partnership of this scale in the region, spanning nine rapidly developing markets.

“Both Unilever and Manchester United share a common belief in the importance of promoting physical activity. Through this partnership we will bring Manchester United Soccer Schools to the community in order to encourage not only children, but also their parents, that ‘Dirt is Good’ and outdoor play is vital to health, wellbeing and future development.”

Manchester United Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold added: “This is a very exciting partnership for Manchester United and we are delighted to be teaming up with such a powerful and well-known brand.

“With its great portfolio of personal care and laundry products we are confident that our partnership will bring more than 130 million followers we have across these countries closer to the Club.”

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Irish FA Reveals JD Sports as Retail Partner

The Irish FA has announce JD Sports as their new exclusive retail partner.

The new partnership will see all adidas official replica and training-wear product available exclusively in JD stores and online.

JD now have over 350 stores with 11 in Northern Ireland of which a number will feature bespoke instore areas dedicated to Irish FA products.

Irish FA Head of Marketing and Communications, for sale Geoff Wilson, discount said: “We are delighted to have secured this partnership with JD Sports.  They have established themselves across the UK and we feel that they offer the Irish FA as a brand the best opportunity to bring our official products to supporters through their even increasing store list.”

JD Sports Chief Executive, symptoms Barry Bown, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to be associated with the Irish FA and will be a great addition to the brands and offerings we currently have instore. We are looking forward to a very successful relationship with the Irish FA and welcoming its loyal support into our stores.”