AJ Foyt Racing Renews ABC Supply Sponsorship Deal

Indycar’s AJ Foyt Racing have extended their sponsorship agreement with ABC Supply Co. Inc. through the 2015 season.

The relationship between ABC Supply’s and motorsports legend A.J. Foyt’s racing team is the second-longest in the series.

“We have had such great success with our sponsorship program so far it wasn’t a tough decision to keep it going,” said David Luck, president and chief executive officer of the company. “One of the core values of our company is to work hard and have fun, and sponsoring A.J.’s team and being a part of the IZOD IndyCar Series has allowed us to entertain a large number of customers and associates across the country giving us an exciting  opportunity to do just that.”

The Beloit, Wisc.-based company has been an active supporter of the team and of the IZOD IndyCar Series since 2005.

“Personally, I’m thrilled that we’re able to continue our relationship with ABC Supply because they have been a very loyal and supportive sponsor, not just of our team but also of the (IZOD) IndyCar Series,” said Foyt, whose team is the only one that has competed in every IZODIndyCar Series event since its inception in 1996. “While they are always professional in their dealings with us, they feel more like family to me. We have a lot of fun at the track and at their company events. Their support has meant a lot to me over the years.”

In addition to entertaining associates and customers at race events,  ABC Supply maintains two Indy show cars that have made more than 124 appearances at their store events and trade shows and logged nearly 60,000 miles in 2012—a figure that will certainly increase in 2013.

“Being with A.J.’s team gives our guests an up-close and personal experience that can’t be duplicated and we are really looking forward to seeing Takuma Sato behind the wheel of the ABC Supply car this year,” Luck said. “Takuma joined us on our recent customer cruise and he was great with our guests. It’s going to be an exciting and fun year.”

SunPower Named Exclusive Solar Technology Partner of San Francisco 49ers

SunPower Corp., thumb the Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the San Francisco 49ers today announced that SunPower has been named the official and exclusive solar technology partner of the San Francisco 49ers and the new Santa Clara Stadium. 

SunPower will supply 400 kilowatts of its high efficiency solar panels that will be used to generate enough electricity over the course of a year to offset the power consumed by the stadium during 49ers home games. 

SunPower solar panels will be featured in three solar array-covered bridges, a solar canopy above the green roof on the suite tower portion of the stadium and over the 49ers training facility. The solar panels will be produced at SunPower’s Silicon Valley manufacturing facility.

“We are pleased that SunPower’s industry-leading solar technology will be an integral part of our innovative and sustainable vision for the stadium,” said Jed York, Chief Executive Officer, San Francisco 49ers. “As we strive to create a sports and entertainment venue that embodies all that is special about the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, it is fitting that SunPower, with its global headquarters less than two miles from the new stadium, will be providing us with its high-efficiency solar panels.”

“SunPower is excited to have the opportunity to help power the new stadium with clean, reliable solar power, and to join the 49ers in a commitment to top performance, whether it is on the football field or in the solar market,” said Tom Werner, president and CEO, SunPower. “This is an ideal partnership for SunPower, as we deliver the world’s highest-efficiency solar panels for the new iconic, state-of-the-art facility.”

Yeo Extends S-League Sponsorship

Local food and beverage giants Yeo’s have renewed their sponsorship for the South Korean S-League for another three years.

The announcement was made this afternoon at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) headquarters at Jalan Besar Stadium, clinic continuing a partnership that began in 2004.

The new three year deal, bronchi for an undisclosed seven-figure amount, will also see Yeo’s playing a bigger role in developing women’s football in Singapore.

Said S-league chief executive officer Lim Chin: “Women’s football is one area that we have not put enough resources into previously. It’s good that Yeo’s have taken on this endeavour.

“We are talking about maybe organising a tournament with the matches played as a prelude to S-League games this season.

“We are very excited for it to take off and for S-League to work together with Yeo’s and ITE to support women’s football.”

FAS president Zainudin Nordin hailed Yeo’s commitment to the local league, describing it as a perfect example of a partner that not only provides financial support but is also actively involved in the development of the game through its several talent grooming initiatives.

“YEO’s could have easily given the financial resources asked for and walked away, knowing it had done its part for Singapore football,” he said.

“However, not only did YEO’s provide us with generous financial support, it is also actively working with us to develop the next generation of footballers through its many initiatives.”

Yeo’s group chief executive officer Tjong Yik Min said: “Football is a national sport that brings a community together and helps foster social integration. It is a sport that can positively contribute to strengthening national pride and national identity.

“The league does not just provide a platform to develop sports talents, but also give an opportunity for friends and family to experience the great emotions of supporting their favorite team during matches.

“We hope the 2013 season will bring forth a breath of new life. Being a home-grown Singapore company, we are glad to work with FAS to reignite the fans’ passion for our very own Singapore League.

“We are confident that S.League will continue to soar to unparalleled heights in time to come.”

Williams F1 Team Adds PPG to Growing List of Sponsors

The Williams F1 Team have announced that PPG Industries, the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company, will continue its sponsorship of the Williams F1 Team for an eleventh consecutive year.

PPG’s automotive refinish business has devised a customised paint system that enables the Williams F1 Team to achieve an impressive 30% reduction in the weight added to the car during the painting process when compared with the conventional painting process.

“Formula One demands the best and expects excellence,” explains Jérôme Zamblera, Marketing Director, PPG Automotive Refinish EMEA. On every aspect of the car, from the electronics inside to the exterior paint, teams are always looking for materials that provide consistency and excel in performance. It speaks well for PPG’s quality that we and the Williams F1 Team are continuing our partnership for an impressive eleventh year.”

The PPG paint system designed for the team combines the use of a colour-matched primer to minimise the usage of the basecoat colour before clear coating. Using this process, the speed of paint application is increased in conjunction with a reduction in the total volume of the coatings. The lower film build also helps reduce the stone damage to the FW35 making the excellent finish more manageable throughout the season. The PPG paint process also makes local repairs easier, which is ideal for ‘flyaway’ races, when small repairs may be required after race cars are flown on transport planes.

Sir Frank Williams, Williams F1 Team Principal, commented: “PPG is a long-standing partner and very much a part of the Williams F1 Team family. Strong partners are fundamental to success in Formula One and together we are looking forward to the next season ahead.”

This follows deals with Kemppi, Withuri, Experian, Randstad and Oris.

Shoe Company On to Equip Sauber F1

Swiss running shoe company On is now equipping the Sauber Formula 1 team.

“We’re particularly pleased to be working with another Swiss company, advice ” says Monisha Kaltenborn, CEO of the Sauber F1 Team. “On is a young, innovative enterprise and an excellent fit for us, especially as many of the team use their brief periods of free time during race weekends to keep fit by jogging around the circuit.”

“Sauber F1 is all about innovation, speed and precision – attributes that running shoes have lacked for a long time to this degree,” says Olivier Bernhard, six-times Ironman champion and co-founder of On. “The radical new sole developed by On helps elite athletes to set new personal best times and run more efficiently. And countless amateur runners have also experienced a new running feeling with the shoes and are simply having more fun. 

“On AG is a young Zurich-based running shoe company on a simple mission: the team strives to elevate running to a sport that is not just healthy but fun, too. The company was founded in 2010 and success has been quick to follow; leading elite athletes such as Ironman Vice World Champion Caroline Steffen run in On shoes. 

The stand-out feature of On shoes is their unique CloudTec sole, which provides a soft landing and powerful takeoff. This patented technology was engineered in Switzerland and enables athletes to run more efficiently. 

Florida Atlantic University Agrees Sunrise Sports & Entertainment Partnership

Florida Atlantic University and Sunrise Sports & Entertainment (SSE) have announced a dynamic and innovative marketing partnership that features SSE securing events and concerts for GEO Group Stadium.

As part of the agreement, the BB&T Center potentially will host an FAU non-conference basketball game or tournament during the 2013-14 season and the University will have an increased presence at Florida Panthers home games in Sunrise, Fla.

Opened in 2011 on the University’s Boca Raton campus, the 29,419-seat stadium is home to the Owls football team and is the only college football venue in the country with a view of the ocean.

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting and unique new partnership with Florida Atlantic University,” said Michael R. Yormark, SSE president. “FAU is a university on the rise with a growing athletic program and an incredible new football stadium that gives us the opportunity to attract quality programming to their venue. Our staff at SSE is excited about the opportunity to work with FAU, President Mary Jane Saunders, Athletic Director Patrick Chun, and their staffs to help fulfill their grand vision for this incredible university.”

FAU will receive exposure through BB&T Center signage and a variety of SSE’s internal media assets, including radio, television, upper-level billboards and LED ribbon boards during all BB&T Center concerts, shows and Panthers games. FAU students will be able to take advantage of discounted tickets available one hour prior to every Panthers regular-season game and select BB&T events.

In addition, the Panthers will host FAU Owls Nights. As part of the festivities, members of the FAU community will be able to take advantage of ticket, drink and food specials by presenting their Owl Card; the FAU mascot, “Owlsley,” and cheer/dance team will greet fans and perform during intermissions; and FAU messaging will dominate game-day platforms such as the center ice scoreboard and in-game announcements on television and radio.

SSE is also offering semester-long internship programs for FAU students in the music business administration and sports management curriculum, while SSE executives will serve as guest speakers for FAU classes and events.

“This is an innovative partnership,” said Chun, who oversees an athletic department featuring 19 varsity sports and nearly 450 student-athletes at FAU. “Michael Yormark and the Sunrise Sports & Entertainment team are well-respected not only in this market but throughout the entire sports industry. We are excited about the partnership and look forward to working together.”

Auto-Plus to Title Sponsor Inaugural NHRA Event at New England Dragway

Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus network of automotive retail stores have acquired title-rights sponsorship of the inaugural National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event at New England Dragway in Epping.

The Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals is scheduled for June 20-23 and represents the first event in the New England area for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the expansion of our partnership with NHRA, adiposity ” said Brent Windom, impotent Uni-Select senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Our growth in participation with NHRA saw more than 5,500 customers attend our events last year. We are excited to be an integral part of bringing NHRA Drag Racing to the New England market.”

Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus brand also serves as title-rights sponsor of the 29th annual Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals, Oct. 3-6, at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading. In addition, the company holds naming rights to historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Auto-Plus is also the official auto-parts store of Atlanta Dragway, an NHRA-owned and -operated facility, as well as Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk.

“We’re thrilled to bring the excitement and power of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing to New England and to have a great partner like Auto-Plus on the inaugural event,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Advance sales for the event continue to be extremely strong, and we look forward to working with Auto-Plus to create a memorable event for NHRA fans in the region.”

“Uni-Select and its Auto-Plus network is the industry’s gold standard,” said Joe Lombardo, New England Dragway general manager. “This partnership makes them an integral part of NHRA history in the New England marketplace.”

Ramsdens Renews Kit Sponsorship of Middlesbrough

English Championship club, Middlesbrough Football Club have announced a five-year sponsorship extension with Ramsdens making it the longest running sponsor in the club’s history.

Ramsdens, the UK’s largest independent pawnbrokers, have signed a substantial seven-figure contract to extend their existing kit sponsorship deal.

The new contract means Boro’s shirts will continue to sport the Ramsdens’ name through to the end of the 2017-18 season. 

Ramsdens began their existing Boro deal in March 2011 following an initial four-month spell as shirt sponsors from October 2010. 

Ramsdens Executive Chairman Stewart Smith, a past winner of the North-East Business Executive of the Year, said: “Like the Boro, Ramsdens is a proud Teesside success story and we’re excited to extend our association with the football club through to 2018. 

“By then, we aim to have doubled the size of Ramsdens through ambitious expansion plans that will see us significantly increase our branch network across the UK. 

“Our existing sponsorship deal has not only helped to substantially raise the profile of Ramsdens and our wide range of financial services here on Teesside but has also gained more recognition for the Ramsdens brand in the many other areas in which we have branches, including Leeds, Sheffield and Cardiff.

“With a Teesside chairman, Teesside manager and so many Teesside coaching staff and players, it’s appropriate that the club’s sponsors should remain an ambitious company with their roots firmly embedded here on Teesside.” 

Lifelong Boro fan Stewart added: “Naturally, we hope to play our part in helping Boro become a Premier League side once again. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than seeing my company sponsoring my club in the top flight and I’m sure Steve Gibson and Tony Mowbray will get us there. 

“We want to help the club as much as we can, enabling Middlesbrough FC to be as successful as possible. Our partnership has proved a great success over the last two years and we’re working closely with the football club to see how we can forge even stronger bonds with the club and the supporters.” 

Middlesbrough FC Chief Executive Neil Bausor said: “We are delighted to be extending our hugely-successful partnership with Ramsdens through to 2018.

“This new contract is testament to the successful relationship both parties have enjoyed while working together over the last two seasons.

“It demonstrates how the club are able to work hand-in-hand to deliver value and to ensure an outstanding return for Ramsdens.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Stewart and his team at Ramsdens over the past two years and this new deal is hugely important to us as a club.

“It provides us with the opportunity to continue and strengthen our relationship with one of the region’s leading companies.”

Trespass to Supply Uniforms for Glasgow 2014

Trespass, an outdoor clothing manufacturer, will design and supply uniforms for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games workforce, it has been confirmed.

The firm will also provide outfits to be worn by the Games’ army of 15,000 volunteers, and by those accompanying the Queen’s Baton Relay.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “I am delighted to welcome such a well-known brand and great Glasgow success story into the Glasgow 2014 family of sponsors.

“We were hugely impressed not just with the quality of the designs that Trespass presented us with but with their passion and enthusiasm to be part of our journey.”

Trespass co-founder Afzal Khushi added: “The year 2014 was always going to be special for us since we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Trespass brand.

“We can think of no better way to mark this landmark date in our history than to help show the world what our home city has to offer.”

The Glasgow-based company originated in 1938 as Jacobs and Turner Limited. It is now managed by brothers Afzal and Akmal Khushi, who established the Trespass brand in 1984. Trespass currently has 140 stores across the UK, with a further 40 due to open in the next 12 months.

Sydney Roosters Extend Steggles Sponsorship Ahead of New NRL Season

With the 2013 NRL season set to get underway, the Sydney Roosters have announced that major sponsor Steggles has reaffirmed their commitment to the club by renewing their agreement for a further two seasons.

Steggles first joined the Roosters in 2010 and as part of the agreement, Steggles will continue their partnership as Roosters major sponsor adorning the front of the Roosters playing and training strips.

Both Steggles and the Sydney Roosters have a long and proud Australian history with a drive to assist the community and charities, and a key component of the successful arrangement is the Steggles Roosters Charity Nest initiative that has raised more than $800,000 for Australian children’s charities in the last three years.

“We are over the moon to make this announcement on the eve of our season getting underway. We have made numerous changes here at the Roosters in the pre-season, from top to bottom, and its fantastic that our major partner Steggles have seen the change, bought into our vision and have committed until at least the end of 2015,” said Sydney Roosters Chief Operating Officer, Commercial, Ted Helliar.

“The Sydney Roosters have wholeheartedly embraced the Charity Nest and are proud to represent all that it entails, and with more than $800,000 already raised for charities, we’ve set ourselves the target of hitting the $1 million mark in 2013,” he added.

Simon Camilleri, Managing Director, Steggles, said: “The Steggles and Sydney Roosters brands have worked closely together in what is more than a sports sponsorship; it is a total community initiative.

“Steggles and the Roosters have a shared commitment to the community. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the entire team at the Roosters to raise the funds and awareness for the Steggles Roosters Charity Nest.”