Penske Racing announced today that Meijer will join Team Penske as a sponsor of its three-car IZOD IndyCar Series program, beginning with the 2011 season. Coca-Cola will play an integrated role in this sponsorship as they are a key supplier to Meijer and a sponsor with Penske Racing.
Meijer, which operates nearly 200 retail stores in the Midwest, will be a major associate sponsor on the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske IndyCar driven by Will Power next season.
“I’m excited to welcome Meijer to Team Penske and I look forward to representing their brand,” said Power, who produced series-high five wins and a series-record eight pole positions while finishing second in the IZOD IndyCar Series championship in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car last season. “I’ve always enjoyed shopping at Meijer stores since I came over to the U.S. from Australia. Now, I’ll be doing my best to get Meijer to Victory Lane with Team Penske.”
Meijer will also be an associate sponsor with three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves and championship contender Ryan Briscoe of Team Penske.
“Meijer is thrilled to work with Team Penske, the most successful team in the history of IndyCar racing,” said Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman and CEO of Meijer. “We hope to be a part of many race wins and championships with Will, Helio and Ryan and we know they and the Penske team will be great ambassadors for Meijer and all of our associates.”
Both Meijer, which opened its first store in 1934, and the Penske Corporation are based in Michigan. Under a multi-year agreement, both organizations will now work together for future success on the race track and on the retail floor.
“Meijer is a terrific company and we are proud to represent such a premiere organization,” said Roger Penske. “We are excited to develop this new relationship and we believe Meijer will be a key partner for Team Penske, beginning in 2011.”
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