The Hitachi Group has extended its sponsorship program with Team Penske in the Verizon IndyCar Series.
Story By: MITCH ROBINSON / INDYcar SERIES MEDIA
Photos By: DAVE DALESANDRO / RACERSGUIDE.COM
MOORESVILLE, N.C. –November 11, 2016- Team Penske and the Hitachi Group announced Thursday that they will continue their Verizon IndyCar Series partnership next year.
The familiar Hitachi branding will continue aboard the No. 3 Dallara/Chevrolet Indy car driven by three-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves for eight races next season. Additionally, Hitachi will continue to serve as an associate sponsor on each of Team Penske’s other Verizon IndyCar Series entries for drivers Simon Pagenaud, the 2016 series champion, Will Power, the 2014 title winner, and newcomer Josef Newgarden.
“Our partnership with Hitachi has evolved into a highly-integrated relationship that extends across multiple business platforms,” said Roger Penske. “Hitachi continues to work in conjunction with Chevrolet on the fuel injection systems in the Chevy Indy cars so they are truly engaged with our on-track performance. Beyond the track, the relationship with Hitachi continues to grow and we are proud of the success we have shared through our joint marketing and promotional initiatives.”
The partnership between Team Penske and Hitachi began prior to the 2012 IndyCar season and grew to include primary sponsorship of the car driven by Castroneves the following season.
“Partnering with Hitachi and representing their brand is a true honor,” said Castroneves. “Continuing to have Hitachi on the car is both exciting and motivating. They are so much more than a partner to me. They’ve become part of the family.”
The partnership with Team Penske has also provided the opportunity for Hitachi to showcase its fuel injection technology, incorporate social media integration with Castroneves and the No. 3 Hitachi team and entertain customers with unique at-track experiences.
“We are looking forward to our sixth season with Team Penske,” said Rob Sharpe, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas. “Placing first, second and third in the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series championship demonstrates Team Penske’s outstanding organization and strong focus on performance and technology. Hitachi welcomes this ongoing collaboration—both on and off the track.”
