Team Penske Seals Quicken Loans Sponsorship for 2013 Season

IndyCar’s Team Penske has announced that Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc., the nation’s largest online mortgage lender and third-largest mortgage lender in the country, has signed on as a sponsor for the 2013 season.

As part of the new multi-year agreement, Quicken Loans will be featured on the cockpit of both the No. 3 Team Penske Dallara-Chevrolet IndyCar driven by three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, and also on the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske machine driven by three-time series road course champion Will Power. This marks the return of Quicken Loans as a sponsor of Team Penske. During the 2003 season Quicken Loans was a sponsor of the team that saw Gil de Ferran earn the 13th of Team Penske’s record 15 Indianapolis 500 wins.

“We are very excited to have Quicken Loans back as a partner of Team Penske,” said Penske Racing president Tim Cindric. “Quicken Loans’ remarkable record of success and growth makes it a great company to be affiliated with and we look forward to building our relationship in the future.”

Quicken Loans has also been announced as the presenting sponsor of the IndyCar doubleheader race weekend at the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. The Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans will feature the first Izod IndyCar Series races held on back-to-back days, June 1-2, 2013, at Detroit’s redesigned Raceway at Belle Isle Park street circuit.

“As a Detroit-based company, we are looking forward to partnering with Roger Penske, who has a tremendous legacy in our hometown, as well as his amazing race team,” said Jay Farner, president and chief marketing officer for Quicken Loans. “Through this sponsorship we are aligning ourselves with great drivers and great people, and in the case of the Belle Isle Grand Prix, doing great things for the city of Detroit.”

Magneti Marelli to Sponsor Don Schumacher Racing for 2013 NHRA Season

Mopar’s aftermarket partner, cough Magneti Marelli, denture is expanding its relationship with Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts, and customer-care brand as well as its involvement in the NHRA Drag Racing Series.

The international automotive parts supplier will partner with Mopar as primary sponsors of Don Schumacher Racing’s Dodge Charger R/T driven by Matt Hagan for multiple races during the 2013 season.

Race fans will notice a fresh new look to Hagan’s Funny Car beginning this weekend at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals as a Magneti Marelli Quality Auto Parts Offered by Mopar primary paint scheme will be highlighted on the Dodge Charger R/T entry. The same scheme will soon be displayed on the team’s transporter as well as driver and crew uniforms.

“2013 is a very important year for us to educate the aftermarket world that Magneti Marelli stands for quality automotive parts for all vehicle makes, and we are very proud to partner with Don Schumacher Racing and Matt Hagan to build that awareness,” said Pietro Berardi, Magneti Marelli CEO of Global Aftermarket, about the partnership expansion. “It’s a perfect match since Magneti Marelli has a long history of motorsports involvement, and we are excited to expand our reach within the NHRA racing. We are looking forward to a successful season with Matt Hagan as well as Allen Johnson, who we also sponsor.”

Mopar and Magneti Marelli’s racing alliance began at the start of last season with the associate sponsorship of the DSR team and that of 2012 Pro Stock champion Johnson. After exploring the opportunity to be more closely involved with Mopar in NHRA, the choice to increase Magneti Marelli’s participation and promote both brands’ passion for racing and quality parts was an easy one to make.

“We are excited to continue and expand our relationship with Matt Hagan and Don Schumacher Racing by including our partnership with Magneti Marelli and continue to raise awareness for our brands and quality products,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts, and customer-care brand. “Along with our Mopar fans, we look forward to watching and supporting Matt and his hardworking team as they compete for another championship. The extension of our partnership with Magneti Marelli to include this primary sponsorship bolsters our collective commitment and support of NHRA Drag Racing.”

San-Ei to Supply Tables for Rio 2016 Table Tennis Event

Japanese Table Tennis manufacturer San-Ei has been confirmed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) as the official table provider for the table tennis event at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The deal will see San-Ei provide all the competition and practice tables for the table tennis event Games of the XXXI Olympiad and the 15th Paralympic Games, which will both be held at the Riocentro pavilion.

ITTF President Adam Sharara stated: “The bidding for the Table for 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games was the most competitive since I became ITTF President.

“It would seem that being the Table supplier for the Olympics has increased in value tremendously, as table manufacturers compete to get this prestigious right. The ITTF is delighted that San-Ei of Japan is the successful bidder for Rio 2016. San-Ei’s reputation as a world class table manufacturer is well known.”

“San-Ei has also sponsored World Championships before, so it is no surprise that San-Ei has the confidence to provide to the ITTF and Rio 2016 a unique design, whilst maintaining top quality. Our long time partner, Double Happiness (DHS), will be the ball provider, so we are sure that both companies, San-Ei and DHS will ensure top quality equipment for top performance by the athletes” added Mr Sharara.

“All of us at San-Ei, are proud of being selected as the official table supplier for Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games” stated San-Ei President Shin Miura.

“We are sure our fantastic tables will be a perfect fit for not only the first Olympic and Paralympic games in South America, but also fast growing table tennis family in Brazil, which is one of the fasting growing table tennis areas in the world. We promise to do everyone proud,” concluded Mr Miura.

Dunlop Renews World Squash Federation Sponsorship

The World Squash Federation (WSF) have announced a sponsorship extension with racquet brand, drugs Dunlop.

The deal will see the leading international sports brand extend its status as the governing body’s official ball supplier into a fifth decade.

The agreement reinforces Dunlop’s status as the world’s number one squash ball. The agreement will see Dunlop supply the exclusive ball at all sanctioned WSF events around the globe. Additionally, order Dunlop will support the WSF as they push for squash to be included in the Olympic Games in 2020.

“We are delighted to renew our association with Dunlop,” commented WSF President N Ramachandran. “We are partnering an iconic sports brand and look forward to working closely with Dunlop to grow our sport’s presence and passionate fanbase as we continue our bid for a place at the Olympic Games.”

Sunny Singh, Head of Sports Marketing for Dunlop, added: “We are extremely pleased to have renewed our partnership with the World Squash Federation. We believe our new deal with the WSF will contribute towards the upward trend we are seeing in the global popularity of the sport.”

Saxo Capital Joins Asian Tour as Official Statistics Partner

Saxo Capital Markets, troche the specialist in multi-asset online trading and investments, denture has signed on to become the Official Statistics Partner of the Asian Tour.

Through the sponsorship, clinic Saxo Capital Markets, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saxo Bank A/S, will have the opportunity to leverage its brand and promote its diverse services across the Asian Tour’s global platform. This includes branding exposure via television broadcasts that reaches 200 nations and 650 million homes and the Tour’s official website.

Saxo Capital Markets will also have access to unique client engagement experiences such as the Pro-Am, golf clinics, ticketing and Corporate Hospitality.

Kazuaki Takabatake, Chief Executive Officer of Saxo Capital Markets, Asia Pacific, said: “Since launching the first SaxoTrader platform in 1998, Saxo Bank has become known for its innovation and determination to be the leading online trading venue for investors. Saxo Bank is therefore a very keen supporter of Team Saxo Tinkoff, a professional cycling team from Denmark, because cycling mirrors traders’ needs, with both activities requiring the best tools, precision, and perfect timing to progress and succeed.

“Golf requires very similar skills, and like cycling it is an entertaining and exciting sport millions enjoy to watch. It is therefore our pleasure to be in partnership with the Asian Tour as the Official Statistics Partner and we look forward to an exciting year of tournaments around the region.”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded the new partnership with Saxo Capital Markets, which is the second major corporation to take up a sponsorship position with the region’s premier Tour in the past two weeks. The Asian Tour is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.

“The Asian Tour is looking forward to an exciting partnership with Saxo Capital Markets which will enjoy a raft of benefits across our diverse platform. It is fantastic that leading international companies such as Saxo Capital Markets continue to support professional golf at the highest level in Asia,” said Han.

“On behalf of our talented players, I would like to express our appreciation to Saxo Capital Markets for its support and I look forward to a long and successful partnership as we take the Asian Tour to greater heights. The level of interest in the Asian Tour is at an all-time high as we celebrate our 10th season since launching as a players’ organisation in 2004.”

Saxo Capital Markets first established its presence in Asia Pacific in 2006 through the opening of the regional Singapore hub. Over the years, Saxo Capital Markets has experienced ongoing business growth and now has offices in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia, directly serving thousands of online traders across various time zones.

Last month, Canon joined the Asian Tour’s stable as Official Imaging Partner. Other existing partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper).

LUKOIL to Sponsor Two WTCC Teams for 2013 Season

Russian Oil company, doctor LUKOIL has revealed it will sponsor both RML and Lada in this year’s World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

The Russian firm will back Yvan Muller’s title challenge at RML, shop as well as title sponsorship of the LADA Sport LUKOIL racing team.

After two years in the WTCC with SEAT, sale LUKOIL now splits its support across two teams. With Yvan Muller at RML, LUKOIL will guarantee its name will be at the front of the grid as the three-time champion fights for a fourth title in the WTCC, whilst LUKOIL will also support the home-grown Lada team as the Russian manufacturer makes its return to the Championship – fielding two Granta Sport WTCCs for two-time BTCC champion James Thompson and three-time Russian Winter Track Series champion Aleksei Dudukalo.

“Every year we try to improve our positions,” said Evgeniy Malinovskiy, Lukoil Racing Director. “Having started in WTCC with a private team, we signed contract for technical support with SEAT Sport, extended our partnership with Gabriele Tarquini and won title for the independent teams in 2012. Our next important step – participation as manufacturer team, a joint effort with our Russian partner – AVTOVAZ.

“Supporting Yvan Muller will reignite title intrigue in WTCC and guarantee a solid approach towards title aspirations.”

Also joining the LUKOIL family this year will be Yvan Muller. The Frenchman was left without a drive after Chevrolet announced its withdrawal from the Championship in July of last year. Whilst team-mates Rob Huff and Alain Menu have found drives at Münnich Motorsport in the WTCC and FACH Auto Tech in the Porsche Supercup respectively, Muller will join with LUKOIL and remain in the title-winning Chevrolet Cruze this season at RML, and is expected to be the chief foil for Honda as the Japanese marque joins the Championship in the hunt for the title.

“After a long winter, I’m especially eager to start new season,” said Muller. “As LUKOIL support our team, we have a beautiful opportunity for LUKOIL and me to fight for the world champion title, even if competition will be difficult. This year, there are a lot of fast drivers and good teams in WTCC. Honda with their official program are favourites. We will be focused at 100% to be the first.”

Driven Racing Named Official Racing Oil of New Jersey Motorsports Park

New Jersey Motorsports Park today announced a new partnership with Driven Racing Oil, erectile naming the North Carolina-based outfit used widely throughout the racing community, cure as the “Official Racing Oil” of the Millville facility.

The Driven Racing Oil brand grew from the need to advance engine and driveline performance. Since its introduction, price order it has been used by teams winning 8 NASCAR championships, 6 World of Outlaw championships, and numerous winners in NHRA, SCORE, Grand-Am and USAC. 

“Partnering with NJMP provides a perfect fit for Driven. Our products deliver performance and protection for the performance minded enthusiast, and NJMP provides the facility for those enthusiasts. From the beginning karter to the car show cruiser, NJMP offers something for everybody who loves cars and going fast, so we couldn’t pick a better place to make our performance products available.” said Lake Speed, Jr., general manager of Driven Racing Oil. 

Driven, born from Joe Gibbs Racing, offers a wide range of race-winning products that deliver performance, protection and value. Over the last 10 years, Driven has enabled JGR to win over 100 races in NASCAR competition. 

“We developed Driven Racing Oil to fix our flat tappet camshaft problems,” said Mark Cronquist, Head Engine Builder for Joe Gibbs Racing. “Just changing to our BR Break-in Oil from the off-the-shelf products, we virtually eliminated break-in failures. Every engine we build uses Driven Racing Oil because it delivers power and durability.” 

As part of the relationship, the popular fourth Friday events at the Finish Line Pub will be rebranded as the “Driven Racing Oil Fourth Friday Cruise Night”. 

“Driven Racing Oil is proven in so many motorsports environments, this partnership makes perfect sense. We are excited to welcome a North Carolina-based company that shares our commitment to performance to the New Jersey Motorsports Park family of sponsors,” New Jersey Motorsports Park general manager Brad Scott said.

GoBowling.com to Title Sponsor NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Pocono Raceway

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono Raceway will be renamed following a two-year sponsorship deal between NASCAR and GoBowling.com.

The race will be renamed the “GoBowling.com 400”. 

In addition to the renaming of the GoBowling.com 400, Pocono Raceway and Strike Ten Entertainment, the sponsorship activation arm of the bowling industry, will deploy an integrated sponsorship campaign that will extend across multiple platforms including traditional marketing, digital and social media as well as event activations.

The program will include the GoBowling.com 400 “Stop Your Thirst & Start The Race” Sweepstakes, which will provide one grand prize winner with an opportunity to be selected as the ‘Honorary Race Starter’ for the GoBowling.com 400 on August 4, 2013 at Pocono Raceway, earning the right to wave the green flag that will officially start the 400-mile race. The contest will kick off May 15, 2013 across approximately 2,100 participating bowling centers nationwide with the winner to receive round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations and VIP tickets to the race.

The partnership program will also include a series of GoBowling.com-themed bowling league promotional contests and in-center marketing elements, as well as other initiatives to be rolled out across the more than 4,000 participating bowling centers.

“We are thrilled to welcome GoBowling.com to the Pocono Raceway family,” said Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President and CEO. “This partnership literally hits home with me and my family, as bowling is an activity my daughters, wife and I truly enjoy together. Being able to bridge something that peaks interest levels both off and on the track is especially exciting for my family and our entire Raceway staff.”

“Just like the thrill of rolling a perfect strike, the adrenaline rush of watching a NASCAR race at the Pocono Raceway, is an exhilarating experience, both from a sporting perspective and a marketing standpoint,” said Frank DeSocio, President of Strike Ten Entertainment. “We are so proud and excited to forge this historic partnership and bring together two of America’s greatest and most beloved pastimes, bowling and racing.” 

The Pocono Raceway, also known as “The Tricky Triangle,” is a superspeedway located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania at Long Pond. It is the site of two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races held just weeks apart in June and August. According to Strike Ten Entertainment, there are more than 600 bowling centers located within 250 miles of the Pocono Raceway.

NHRA Extends Buffalo Turbine Sponsorship

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has announced a multi-year renewal with Buffalo Turbine, medical a leading manufacturer of track blowers, viagra ed to extend its sponsorship as the preferred track blower of NHRA.

As a preferred sponsor, Buffalo Turbine can leverage the NHRA brand in its advertising and promotional campaigns in support of the preferred-status program, including point-of-sale materials. The company also will participate in a sweepstakes promotion.

“We are excited to continue to be the preferred track blower of NHRA,” said Paul Syracuse, general manager of Buffalo Turbine. “It has been a very successful partnership, and this extension reaffirms our commitment to NHRA and its member tracks for many years to come.”

Other benefits afforded Buffalo Turbine include targeted advertising within NHRA’s member-track website and public-address announcements and bannering rights at NHRA divisional events around the country.  The relationship between NHRA and Buffalo Turbine began in 2010.

Steggles Sponsors NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys

Australian poultry industry brand Steggles has joined up with NRL’s North Queensland to be the Community Corner program sponsor at all Cowboys home games in 2013.

Community Corner presented by Steggles Charity Nest will promote the work of 12 charities, organisations and programs during the NRL season, starting with Cancer Council Queensland at Saturday night’s blockbuster against the Melbourne Storm at 1300SMILES Stadium.

Steggles Charity Nest has been operating since 2002 and is more than a fundraising initiative for the almost century-old company.

“Charity and community is a big part of the Steggles brand and something that our owners and staff are very proud of,” Steggles spokesperson Celeste Moroney said.

“Our partnership with the Cowboys fits in incredibly well with our objectives.

“We have over 10 charities Australia-wide, including the Townsville Ronald McDonald House and 11 other Ronald McDonald houses around Australia and the Children’s Health Foundation Queensland at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.

“Our target for the Steggles Charity Nest this year is to raise $1 million and we’re looking forward to growing our involvement in Townsville and North Queensland.”

In Community Corner this season, Cowboys members and supporters will be able to learn more about the important work performed by Cancer Council Queensland, PCYC Time for Kids, Just for Kids Charity (J4K), Women in League, Red Cross Blood Service, State Libraries – Dads Read, Leukaemia Foundation, the Department of Child Safety’s Foster Care Promotion, ACT For Kids, Camp Quality, North Barrier Branch Surf Lifesaving Qld and The Cure Starts Now.

Cancer Council Queensland will highlight their message “I Can, U Can, We Can For Cancer” on Saturday night.

“Together we can beat cancer,” spokesperson Toni McGregor said.