The deal marks the sport’s first title sponsorship since 2001. Under the agreement Izod will also retain its label of official apparel partner of the Indy Racing League, which began in 2008.
“The combination of young, dynamic drivers representing over 14 countries, events in key domestic and global markets and its strong American racing heritage make the IndyCar Series a perfect fit for the sport-spirited IZOD brand lifestyle,” said Allen Sirkin, president and COO of Phillips-Van Heusen, Izod’s parent company.
“Our involvement with the IRL began shortly after the unification of U.S. open-wheel racing and, despite the recession, we have seen growth and sense the potential for even greater opportunity as the sport is re-energized on the American sports landscape, as well as abroad.”
The signing of a title sponsor is considered a key step in helping IndyCar racing maintain popularity against the likes of NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series and the National Hot Rod Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
