In Tuesday's edition of this fine newspaper, I wrote extensively about the generally positive buzz about Indy Car racing leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. That story takes a broad look at the Indy Racing League, but I though it might be fun to use this space to examine how some of the drivers and teams are financing their seasons. Some of the sponsorship tie-ins are pretty intriguing.
Dan Wheldon: As a member of the Target/Chip Ganassi team, he is not want for support. His sponsorships include Target (obviously), Energizer batteries, Polaroid and my personal favorite, the Commit nicotine lozenge. The Commit lozenge has been big in NASCAR, where the company gives out a cash prize to the driver who leads the first lap of a race. The award is known as the "Commit to Win" Award.
Danica Patrick: On media day in New York on Monday, it seemed like every driver had an iPhone. But not Danica; she's Motorola head-to-toe. Danica also has a big sponsorship with GoDaddy.com, appearing in a racy (pun!) commercial during the Super Bowl.
Tony Kanaan: A member of Andretti Green Racing, Kanaan has long been supported by 7-Eleven. But unfortunately, there's no cupholder in an Indy Car to hold a 64 ounce Slurpee.
Marco Andretti: The grandson of 1969 Indy 500 winner Mario Andretti will have the name "Indiana Jones" splashed alongside his car for Sunday's race. Duh Duh-Duh-Duh! Duh Duh-Duh! Duh Duh-Duh-Duh! Duh Duh-Duh! Duh! Duh!
Tomas Scheckter: This Indy vet has a deal with Symantec, the Internet security company. On carb day, Scheckter will sign autographs and fix all the problems with your copy of Windows Vista.
Townsend Bell: His chief sponsor is William Rast, the clothing company founded by pop star Justin Timberlake and designer Trace Ayala. Other drivers will wear flame retardant jumpsuits. Bell will wear a t-shirt with a pair of $220 stone-washed denim jeans.
Graham Rahal: The former Champ Car driver and son of 1985 Indy winner Bobby Rahal is a member of the Newman/Haas/Lanigan racing team, which was co-founded by actor Paul Newman. Rahal's chief sponsor is Hole in the Wall Camps, Newman's main charity, which provides summer camp experiences for seriously ill children.
Alex Lloyd: The former Indy Pro Series champion is sponsored by Wii Fit, the video game system that encourages players to get off their duff and get some exercise.
Will Power: We've heard of sponsorships with Budweiser and the like, but this former Champ Car driver is supported by Aussie Vineyards, which hails itself as the "newest goldmine of exceptional wines."
John Andretti: Want a good deal a trip to Las Vegas? Well, just call 1-800-LAS-VEGAS, the number plastered alongside Andretti's car.
