Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced that TranSystems Inc., sales a global engineering transportation firm, has become an “Official Team Partner” as well as an associate sponsor of the No. 15 Indy car driven by Graham Rahal in the IZOD IndyCar Series for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

“All along I have said that one of our goals is to attract the best companies in the world to our team and TranSystems certainly qualifies as one of them,” said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan. “Having met with Brian Larson, their CEO, on several occasions it’s clear that this is a well-led company being directed by a guy with a passion for his business and what the future can bring. We look forward to working with him to achieve the goals that he has set forth in this program. We welcome TranSystems with open arms and look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

“It’s a pleasure indeed to join forces with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” added Brian Larson, CEO and Chairman of the Board of TranSystems “RLL brings exactly what we were looking for to craft a partnership in the racing world: a storied history, a forward lean, a commitment to both ALMS and IndyCar and, with Mike Lanigan, a solid understanding of our business world. Those synergies are what drove us to join RLL.” 

Four-time Olympic triathlete Simon Whitfield has signed a sponsorship deal with American Bicycle Group (ABG) for the next three years.

Whitfield is one of the most decorated Canadian triathletes in history, adiposity with a gold and silver medal in the Olympics, ailment medals at the Pan American Games, cialis Commonwealth Games and too many ITU races to list. He is transitioning this year to longer distance racing and will ride the Quintana Roo (QR) Illicito triathlon bike in non-drafting triathlons and a Litespeed C-Series road bike for any draft-legal racing.

“Simon has proven himself over the years and his results speak for themselves,” said Mac McEneaney, Director of Sales for QR and Litespeed. “But, he also has a creative side to him that excites his fan base in social media. Look at the public support in Canada for Simon to carry the country’s flag during the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.”

Whitfield didn’t take the decision to switch brands lightly. “I spent time researching the QR and Litespeed product lines after hearing some really positive feedback from some trusted pro friends who are familiar with the brand,” said Whitfield. “Now that I’ve had some time on the bikes, I’m looking ahead to a career-changing season.”

In 2013, Whitfield will make the jump to Rev3 events and 70.3 races, with the goal of winning the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and the HyVee 5150 US Championship.

“Simon likes to win, and is thoroughly dedicated to making that happen,” noted Peter Hurley, CEO of American Bicycle Group. “His feedback is going to be important as we move forward with new product developments.”

Litespeed, founded in 1986, produces and manufactures high-quality road bicycles and bicycle frames. 

International Polo Club Palm Beach has announced for the sixth consecutive year, luxury Swiss watchmaker, PIAGET, will be sponsoring the esteemed USPA Gold Cup.

As the exclusive watch and jewelry sponsor, and the official timekeeper of the International Polo Club Palm Beach and the Palm Beach Polo Season, PIAGET salutes the club’s 10th Anniversary Season with the launch of their new, luxury Polo FortyFive Black watch, which will join their highly successful iconic collection of polo watches introduced in the late 1970s.

“PIAGET brings to IPC and our upcoming 2013 season, the style, panache, and world-renowned cachet commensurate with their brand and international polo,” said John Wash, IPC president. “IPC has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with PIAGET, and we are honored to have them involved with our organization. Their reputation for excellence makes them an ideal sponsor.”

“Having our brand aligned with the nation’s most prestigious polo club makes this the perfect partnership,” said Larry Boland, president of PIAGET.

First played in 1974, the 26-goal USPA Gold Cup is a symbol of professionalism, good sportsmanship, and high-goal polo at its finest. The tournament has been played at various polo clubs across the nation, but found a home at the International Polo Club (IPC) in 2007.

Tthe Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and G-Force Racing Gear announced that the Georgia-based motorsports safety products manufacturer will expand its support of the ARCA Racing Series.

G-Force will become the title sponsor of the tours’ Safety Team and presenting sponsor of the ARCA Safety Initiative. The new three-year agreement will officially kick off during ARCA’s 50th visit to Daytona International Speedway on February 16 for the Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real.

“We are excited to continue the strong relationship we have built with ARCA and pleased to be able to extend our support of the ARCA Safety Initiative through the 2015 season,” said Jeremy Curtis, director of sales and marketing for G-Force.

The ARCA Safety Initiative was launched in 2006 in an effort to explore, examine and react to the elements that comprise the safety environment in the sport. The plan came out of a desire to achieve a higher level of responsibility of safety in the ARCA sanctioning body.

Today, ARCA strives to provide the safest environment possible for the drivers, teams and race fans through education, information, emergency planning and industry certification. As a title and presenting sponsor, G-Force joins the core of that safety effort for the sport.

“G-Force has long been a strong and loyal supporter of ARCA,” said Mark Gundrum, vice president of business development and corporate partnerships for ARCA. “Their willingness to increase their involvement to become the presenting sponsor of the ARCA Safety Initiative and title sponsor for the Safety Team means a lot to us, the sanctioning body, but even more to the participants.”

G-Force Racing Gear was founded by sportscar racer, Bob Postell in the 1990’s. G-Force is based on the core principles of providing the best safety gear for the best prices. The tagline, “Quality, Innovation and Value” has a staple of business for G-Force Racing Gear. Today, G-Force Racing Gear is distributed and throughout the world to both novice and professional racers by a worldwide network of speed shops, trackside sales and other retail outlets.

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading and most diverse auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has announced a multi-year partnership with Monster Beverage Corporation, denture naming Monster the Official Energy Drink of the track.

In addition to becoming the exclusive energy drink provider of Mid-Ohio, Monster will have its own unique brand of facility presence and signage. Bringing added excitement to Mid-Ohio fans will be the MonsterFreestyle MX team, performing at a selected event this summer.

“Monster’s partnership activation is among the strongest in motorsports, especially within NASCAR. With the addition of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200 to our already packed schedule, Monster will bring a lot to the table for our fans and facility,” said Craig Rust, Mid-Ohio president.

The multi-year deal begins immediately, meaning fans will see the Monster impact beginning at the track’s first 2013 event, the Diamond Cellar Classic, on June 14-16.

“We’re pumped to expand our motorsports footprint to include one of America’s great road courses. Congratulations to Mid-Ohio on securing the NASCAR Nationwide Series and we can’t wait to get things rolling there in 2013,” said Eric Johnson with Monster Energy.

Based in Corona, Calif., Monster Beverage Corporation is the leading marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages.

Marussia F1 have announced that they have extended and expandedtheir existing relationship with CarPlan, medicine who continue as official car care supplier for the 2013 season.

CarPlan, the leading automotive valeting brand from Tetrosyl, will ensure the presentation of our new MR02 race car is immaculate every time it appears on track in view of the sport’s global TV audience. CarPlan will supply a range of their multiple award-winning products to suit every car preparation need.

CarPlan will benefit from a continuation of their brand presence on the sidepods of the new MR02 race car and our trackside environment at the 19 Grands Prix on the Formula 1 calendar this season.

Andy Webb, Chief Executive Officer, Marussia F1 Team, said:  “We have started 2013 on a very positive footing with a successful track debut for the MR02 and two commercial announcements in its wake. Our renewed relationship with CarPlan is a further example of the faith our Partners have shown in our ability to keep pushing forward in pursuit of our ambitions. CarPlan needs no introduction and we are pleased to benefit from an association with their brand and the use of their products within our trackside operations.”

Peter Schofield, Group Chairman, Tetrosyl Group, added: “Tetrosyl is the largest manufacturer of car care in Europe, selling to 76 countries around the world. The CarPlan brand is growing substantially in Russia, and the Marussia F1 Team is the first Anglo-Russian team competing in Formula One. Tetrosyl will feature one of the team’s 2011 F1 cars outside its offices in Bury, Lancashire and the F1 team will be a component of the Tetrosyl Group’s marketing communications programme, including media campaigns. We would like to wish the Team the very best of luck for the new season with its new drivers.”

Leading multisport accessories provider FuelBelt has signed Canadian pro triathlete Angela Naeth to its all-star roster of sponsored athletes.

Naeth, herbal who is coming off an impressive 2012 season, bronchi has signed a multi-year deal with FuelBelt, capsule ‘the leader of hydration belts and accessories to the run and triathlon channels’.

“I’m so happy to be joining the FuelBelt team for 2013,” said Naeth. “I like that they really get it. I mean, FuelBelt is the world leader in hydration innovation for a reason. They make amazing products that are designed for athletes, which, I think, is why so many top pros use FuelBelt. It’s definitely why I train with their products, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of their team.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Angela Naeth has joined the FuelBelt race team,” said Vinu Malik, FuelBelt Founder and CEO.

“Angela is one of the most grounded, hard-working and successful triathletes in the world. She fits the profile of what we look for in our athletes and is an incredibly positive role model for athletes of all abilities. We look forward to a big year ahead together!”

In 2012, Naeth had five first place finishes including two course records at Syracuse 70.3 and St Croix 70.3. Naeth, who is coached by 6-time Hawaii Ironman winner, Mark Allen, is well known for her power on the bike, frequently posting the fastest bike splits of the day. Most recently, Naeth was named Triathlete of the Year by Triathlon Magazine Canada.

Apparel and equipment maker Asics America Corp. will be title sponsor of the LA Marathon, thumb replacing Honda.

The event, arthritis scheduled for March 17, ask has been renamed the Asics LA Marathon. The race typically attracts tens of thousands of runners who run a course that starts at Dodger Stadium and ends near the Santa Monica Pier, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators and broad coverage from local media.

The cost of the sponsorship is expected to be a multimillion-dollar investment, an Asics America spokesperson said.

It will be the first time for Asics as the top sponsor of a U.S. race. The company is title sponsor of the Stockholm Marathon, and also is involved to lesser degrees with races in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

Asics, part of Japan-based Asics Corp., first became involved in the Los Angeles race last year, when it was the official apparel and shoe sponsor.

“Our experience in Los Angeles last year showed us first-hand that this race is a crown jewel, so we are thrilled to be the title sponsor and have this long-term association,” said Asics America Chief Executive Kevin Wulff in a statement.

Australian car dealership, Suttons has come on board as National Rugby League’s (NRL) South Sydney Rabbitohs official car partner.

Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson is delighted to be welcoming Suttons South Sydney to the Rabbitohs family.

“We’re very excited to have Suttons South Sydney on board with the Club in a new sponsorship agreement,” Mr Richardson said.

“The team at Suttons have a similar philosophy to our Club in that they strive to be the best in every department, and we’re looking forward to working with them to help them promote their brand and increase sales of cars in the South Sydney district.”

Cameron Fraser, General Manager of Suttons South Sydney, said: “Suttons South Sydney, including both the Rosebery and Arncliffe dealerships, is proud to partner with the Rabbitohs.

“We are looking forward to a long relationship with Souths’ partners, Members and supporters alike.

“Suttons South Sydney will also contribute $250 to the Souths Cares charity for each vehicle sold to South Sydney Rabbitohs Football Club Members.

“With ten big brands at two convenient locations, let Suttons South Sydney do you a deal.”