IZOD becomes primary sponsor of Vision Racing's #21 for Ryan

23 May '09

3 min read

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation announced that its IZOD brand will be the primary sponsor of Vision Racing's #21 car for the Indianapolis 500 and the Milwaukee Mile during the 2009 IndyCar Series. The IZOD car, driven by IZOD spokesperson and 2008 Indy 500 Rookie-of-the-Year Ryan Hunter-Reay, will make its debut today on "Miller Lite Carb Day" at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in preparation for Sunday's Indy 500.

"We are thrilled to be expanding our role with Ryan and the IndyCar Series," says Mike Kelly, Executive Vice President of Marketing for PVH. "Partnering with Vision Racing as the primary sponsor for the #21 car was a natural evolution in our ongoing involvement with IndyCar racing. We're excited to see the IZOD brand being driven on the most historic track in auto racing this weekend at the Indy 500."

"I couldn't be more excited to have IZOD as the primary sponsor of my car for the Indy 500 and Milwaukee Mile," says Ryan Hunter-Reay. "Having my personal sponsor take a more prominent role in my team just reinforces the successful partnership we have together. I'm proud to be driving the #21 IZOD car for Vision Racing."

Earlier this month, IZOD rolled out the black-and-white checkered carpet in New York City to welcome to Macy's Herald Square the historic exhibit "In Pursuit of FAST: 100 Years of Indy Racing, Fashion and Design" to mark the kick-off to the Centennial Era -- Indy Racing League's three-year celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis Speedway in 2009 and the Indianapolis 500 in 2011.

The exhibit brings to life a century of American racing through visual displays of archival elements such as hundreds of original photos, graphic designs and artwork from artists such as Leroy Neiman, as well as millions of dollars in vintage cars and memorabilia that tell the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis 500.

In addition, on May 18th, Macy's and IZOD literally stopped traffic on Broadway in Manhattan to welcome the 33-driver Indy 500 field to New York for their annual photo and interview opportunity. Drivers dressed in their race day uniforms and hailing from a multitude of countries appeared in the traditional Indy 500 line up in front of the world famous Macy's Herald Square store. The following day, May 19th, Indy legends Al Unser, Jr., Rick Mears and Johnny Rutherford, along with Ryan Hunter-Reay, hosted a meet-and-greet for racing fans and New Yorkers at Macy's.

In July 2008, the IZOD brand became the official apparel of the IndyCar Series, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Firestone Indy Lights. As the official apparel sponsor, the IZOD team designed custom uniforms for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League, inspired by the uniquely American heritage of IndyCar racing and designed to address the performance needs on and off the track.

In celebration of the Centennial Era of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy 500, PVH launched its IZOD collection of vintage, race-inspired and modern performance clothing commemorating the anniversary. In addition, with access to 100 years of Speedway and Indy 500 artwork, the IZOD team designed distressed, vintage look-and-feel short sleeve polo shirts and tees.

The Indy 500 is scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation

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