For months the question has been who would supplant IZOD as the title sponsor of the IndyCar series. That question has been answered resoundingly with telecommunications giant Verizon coming aboard for 2014 by virtue of a multi-year deal believed to be worth $10 million annually. Needless to say, all the principles at 16th and Georgetown are ecstatic.
“There’s just so much technology involved in IndyCar and the precision, and that is exactly where our brand is going,” said Brian Angiolet, vice president of marketing for Verizon, participating in a recent teleconference announcing the deal. “It is Verizon’s long term commitment to grow the sport.”
Locally, the enthusiasm resonated loudly as well. “The partnership takes the sport to another level,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman Co., the parent of both IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Verizon as an institution is one of the most compelling companies in this country.”
Those sentiments were echoed by J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well. “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 have long been recognized as a technological proving ground, and an association with Verizon positions the racetrack with the global leader in technological innovation and communications,” Boles said in a statement released from his office.
What none of the aforementioned principals pointed out is this deal breathes new life into a exciting, yet financially challenged series, and could not have occurred at a better time. Verizon will look to connect with those in attendance at events in an attempt to enhance the overall experience with a number of products tailored for race fans.
The sponsorship takes effect March 30 as the series kicks off with the first race of the 2014 season in St. Petersburg, Fla., which can be seen in Indianapolis on ABC.
Pit Notes: While they are new to the series as a title sponsor, Verizon is no stranger to the sport as it currently serves as a primary sponsor for Penske Racing and driver Will Power.
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Gary Bettenhausen, veteran IndyCar driver and member of the famous Bettenhausen racing family, passed away recently at the age of 72. He competed in multiple Indy 500s and was an open wheel phenom in both midget and sprint cars. His infectious smile will be sorely missed.
Danny Bridges, who as a kid watched Gary Bettenhausen dominate the 1972 Indy 500 before dropping out late to mechanical woes, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
