MainGate holds an exclusive license to make and sell Patrick’s IRL-centric merchandise, and is
now in negotiations with New York-based IMG to get part of her NASCAR-related business.
The show held in Indianapolis Dec. 3-4 is picking up speed much faster than event organizers and local
convention and tourism officials expected. But the nation’s biggest motorsports trade show, Performance
Racing Industry Show, is considering competing with the local show head-on in 2010.
Last week, Patrick signed a three-year contract extension with Andretti Autosport to stay in the IndyCar series, but its schedule
gives her enough time to also try NASCAR.
The inaugural show opened Dec. 2 at the Indiana Convention Center, and is expected to draw more than
10,000 attendees.
The team moved just a few suites down from its Park 100 facility, but officials said it’s a big move
for the Indianapolis-based Indy Racing League operation.
Race track’s new chief information officer previously worked at NCAA, Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Speedway officials broke ground Thursday morning on the first phase of a $500 million redevelopment project they hope will transform the small town into a year-round racing-themed destination.
A delegation of business and community leaders led by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard departed for Europe Nov. 14 on a nine-day
economic
development mission to help grow the city’s motorsports industry.
Izod IndyCar Series driver Sarah Fisher recently renewed her contract with AAA Hoosier Insurance. AAA will continue to
be a personal sponsor of Fisher and will remain an associate sponsor on Fisher’s No. 67 car for the 2010 and 2011 Indianapolis
500s.
A source at Indianapolis Motor Speedway said IMS laid off 40 employees Wednesday, mostly from its human resources department,
in a cost-saving move.
Izod IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher shows how taking a hammer to work every day is better used to build yourself up, not tear
others down. AAA signs with popular driver for two more years.
Izod officials said they signed their title sponsorship deal despite the fact that the series’ iconic leader Tony George was
shown the door during negotiations.
Jeff Belskus, CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, called the sponsorship deal “one of the most significant announcements
in the history
of the IndyCar series.”
The IndyCar Series’ new title sponsor brokered one wild element in its new deal. They’re putting a fan in front of the starting
grid of each race.
IndyCar officials are expected to announce Thursday that clothing maker Izod will become the series’ title sponsor next season.
Carmel-based Telamon Corp. rose to become one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the area largely by serving telecommunications giants. Now it is veering off its traditional course to supply racing teams with an ethanol-based fuel made from Indiana corn.
Ten years ago, the Indiana Pacers sold out their 69 Conseco Fieldhouse suites and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
barely touched a phone to sell its 120 luxury boxes. But entertaining at luxury suites is out of vogue
now, thanks to the recession and companies keeping a closer eye on spending.
New NASCAR start times may cause Indy Racing League to choose between pleasing its TV partner or local promoters.
John Force is pleased to be growing his Brownsburg facility. He said central Indiana has everything a National Hot Rod Association
team could want. But nothing makes him happier than the new Dunkin Donuts there.
Tony George and his wife, Laura, have put up for sale their 12-acre, wooded estate at 8030 Spring Mill Road on the north side
of Indianapolis.
