Arrow Electronics to Sponsor SPM, Hinchcliffe in 2015

Photo Courtesy of INDYCAR

NDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – March 5, 2015 – During each Arrow Electronics Internet of Things Immersions event, Verizon IndyCar Series team owner Sam Schmidt relays his experience of working with Arrow on machine-to-machine technologies – the same technology that enabled him to drive a modified 2014 Chevrolet Corvette at more than 100 mph on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval last May.

The former Indy car driver, who suffered a spinal cord injury in a 2000 practice crash that left him a quadriplegic, says it was one of the most exhilarating days of his life.

Earlier today, Schmidt announced that Denver-based Arrow Electronics will be the primary sponsor of the No. 5 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda driven by James Hinchcliffe during the Verizon IndyCar Series season. The livery will be unveiled tonight at Arrow’s Internet of Things Immersions event in San Jose, Calif.

Arrow’s IoT Immersions tour brings together technology leaders to discuss comprehensive IoT building blocks and how businesses can leverage Interconnected Intelligence. Innovation led to Schmidt getting behind the wheel of a car again and is at the core of Arrow Electronics and INDYCAR.

“Having Arrow Electronics as a primary team sponsor is just another step in this dream come true,” said Schmidt, who co-owns the team with Canadian businessman Ric Peterson. “The company’s vision is perfectly aligned with SPM and INDYCAR’s key focal points: speed, innovation and technology. We look forward to an exciting race season and a great partnership for years to come.”

The season starts March 29 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which will feature the competition debut of innovative aerodynamic bodywork kits supplied by Chevrolet and Honda.

“Our partnership with Sam Schmidt has helped bring to life how technology can help people become the drivers in their own lives,” said Aiden Mitchell, vice president of semiconductor marketing for Arrow Electronics. “Working with Sam and sharing the technology behind our modified Corvette C7 in our Immersions series has been a pivotal element in demonstrating the power of M2M technologies and the Internet of Things. We look forward to taking this next turn with SPM and helping to spread the word with a wider Arrow audience.”

Hinchcliffe, new to Schmidt Peterson Motorsports for the upcoming season, is a three-time race winner with Andretti Autosport and the 2011 series Rookie of the Year. The team’s car number will also be new, as today’s announcement confirms a switch from No. 77 to No. 5.

“I’m very excited to drive the No. 5 Arrow Electronics car this season and set our sights on victory lane,” said Hinchcliffe, 28, of Toronto. “Although the No. 77 has been part of SPM since 2011, we have an incredible opportunity to spread the word about Arrow’s Five Years Out initiative, and coincidentally, we were lucky that the No. 5 was available to further Arrow’s brand story.

“The Five Years Out philosophy shows that Arrow sets the bar high and that’s exactly what we want to do in the Verizon IndyCar Series,” Hinchcliffe added. “Competing in the most versatile racing series in the world means we’re focused on technology, which makes this partnership a natural fit.”

James Jakes, who also made his Verizon IndyCar Series debut in 2011, will drive the No. 7 SPM Honda.

NFL Star Vincent Jackson named St. Pete grand marshal

Organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg have named Vincent Jackson, three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as grand marshal for the 2015 event, taking place March 27-29.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as grand marshal for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg,” said Jackson. “I have the utmost respect for all of the drivers, crew members and teams that will be competing at the event, and can’t wait to join them on the track. It’s a great chance to showcase not only the city of St. Petersburg, but the entire Bay Area on a national stage, and I am excited to help represent Tampa Bay as the Verizon IndyCar Series kicks off its season.”

Since joining the Buccaneers in 2012, Jackson has recorded three straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving and compiled 17 touchdowns. For the past two years, Jackson has been named the team’s Man of the Year – honoring his leadership both on the field and in the community – and at the conclusion of the 2014 season was named one of two league finalists for the NFL’s prestigious Salute to Service Award presented by USAA.

“We are delighted to have Vincent join us as the grand marshal for the race,” said Kevin Savoree, co-owner, president and COO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “The grand marshal role at any race is an important but exciting part of the spectacle and festivities during the event weekend. We’re looking forward to welcoming Vincent and the Buccaneers organization to the track.”

Tickets to the 2015 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg are available now and can be purchased online at www.gpstpete.com or by phone at (877) 725-8849.

Mann on the run

Verizon IndyCar Series driver Pippa Mann will be the team captain for Pippa’s Pink Posse for the Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure. Funds raised by the team and others for theApril 18 event in Indianapolis will be directed toward continued breast cancer research and support individuals battling the disease. Join the team for the run/walk or make a donation here.

Of note:

Ticket holders to the March 7 Indiana Fuel hockey game at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis have the opportunity to have their picture taken with a Verizon IndyCar Series car from 5-7 p.m. in the Grand Hall building as part of “Racing Appreciation Night.” … Carlin’s Ed Jones and Max Carlin topped the time chart in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Open Test on March 3 at Barber Motorsports Park. It was the final series test session before the season-opening doubleheader March 28-29 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. … Verizon IndyCar Series race winner Justin Wilson will co-drive the Michael Shank Racing Prototype in the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring on March 21