Bombardier, the world’s third-largest manufacturer of civil aircraft, has entered a multi-faceted sponsorship agreement with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League that includes naming rights to the Speedway’s landmark Pagoda control tower, Speedway officials announced March 12.
The five-year, multi-million dollar agreement marks the first time a major aerospace company has entered the open-wheel racing sponsorship arena.
In addition to the naming of the Bombardier Pagoda and signage on the 13-story, 50,000 square-foot building, Bombardier has been named an Official Sponsor of the Indy Racing League and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Bombardier Aerospace will sponsor the $50,000 Indy Racing League Rookie of the Year Award and contribute to the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race’s lucrative prize fund.
Bombardier Recreational Products will kick off the relationship with the event entitlement of the Bombardier ATV Copper World Indy 200 this week at Phoenix International Raceway. Bombardier will be the title sponsor of one Indy Racing event per year.
‘With the facility entitlement of the Bombardier Pagoda, we are excited to add our presence to one of the most recognizable landmarks at any sports facility in the world and at the most storied racetrack in the world,’ said Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft.
‘Just as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment and the Indy Racing League is the world’s greatest open-wheel, oval-track racing series, Bombardier is a world leader in the manufacture of aviation, transportation and recreation products.
‘This announcement holds great growth potential for all parties involved.’
The company will maintain a presence at all Indy Racing League events for the duration of the agreement, including display space, advertising and other promotions.
‘The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League are truly excited about our deepening relationship with the Bombardier family,’ said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
‘The Bombardier Pagoda is perhaps the most significant landmark at the Speedway today, so we would not enter this agreement with just anyone. We recognize Bombardier as an innovative, enthusiastic and successful participant, and we look forward to years of mutual success.
‘With the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and SAP United States Grand Prix at IMS and the Indy Racing League in 14 major U.S. markets, Bombardier has an unparalleled platform to display its wide array of quality products and services.’
Bombardier also is a sponsor of one of the IRL’s major teams – Kelley Racing. Kelley’s relationship with Bombardier pre-dates the team’s founding in 1998. When Kelley helped secure a ride for Mark Dismore in the 1997 Indianapolis 500 with PDM Racing, Bombardier was on the car.
‘I’m glad that I was able to help put Bombardier together with the IRL and Indianapolis Motor Speedway,’ said Tom Kelley, team owner. ‘Bombardier has been a great partner for Kelley Racing since 1997 and I’m very pleased that they have increased their involvement in Indy Racing.’
In addition to the design and manufacture of innovative aviation products such as the well-known Learjet* brand of private aircraft and the pioneering CRJ family of regional jetliners, Bombardier Aerospace also offers Bombardier Flexjet* fractional ownership, Skyjet on-line, real-time reservation service, aircraft charter and management, technical services, aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Recreational Products is known for its line of Sea-Doo* watercraft, Ski-Doo* and Lynx-brand snowmobiles (Lynx is sold in Europe only), and Bombardier all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and service company based in Montreal, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It also provides financial services and asset management.
Bombardier employs 79,000 people in 24 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Its revenues for its fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2001, totaled C$16.1 billion.
The company joins Chevrolet, Firestone, Coors Light, Reebok and MBNA as companies that have inked Official Sponsor relationships with the Indy Racing League since the end of the 2001 season.
For further information please contact:
Fred J. Nation, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, (317) 484-6780, fnation@brickyard.com
Leo Knaapen, Bombardier Business Aircraft, (514) 855-7988