18.APR.02
Blair
Racing and Rayovac team up for Indy Racing League Sponsorship
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (April 18, 2002) -- Blair Racing announced today
that Rayovac, one of the world's leading battery and lighting device
companies, will be the primary sponsor for Blair's entry in the 2002
Indy Racing League (IRL). Alex Barron, a dynamic, up-and-coming star
of open wheel racing, will drive the Rayovac-Blair Dallara Chevrolet
powered by McLaren. Blair Racing has competed in the first three of
the 15 scheduled events in the IRL series. Rayovac will be the
team's major sponsor for the remaining 12 races of the 2002 IRL
season.
 |
 |
| |
L
to R: Chris Brooks, Rayovac VP North American Sales;
Alex Barron, Rayovac-Blair Racing driver; Larry
Blair, Team owner; Merrell Tomlin, Rayovac Executive
Vice President of Sales. |
|
|
"We are extremely happy to team up with Blair Racing and
driver Alex Barron for this exciting IRL season," said Merrell
Tomlin, Rayovac's executive vice president of sales. "We were
impressed with the racing credentials of Alex and the
professionalism and competitiveness demonstrated by the entire Blair
Racing Team. This partnership allows Rayovac to showcase the power
and performance of our products with the power and performance of
IRL racing."
Tomlin added that Rayovac had been looking for a marketing
vehicle to help launch the company's new long-lasting, Maximum Plus™
alkaline batteries, which are just starting to ship into
retailers nationwide. "The Blair Racing sponsorship gives us
great brand visibility with die-hard race fans, most of whom are
great users of portable, battery-operated devices. We believe this
marketing endeavor will have a major impact on promoting the Rayovac
brand in 2002."
Blair Racing team owner Larry Blair echoed Tomlin's statements.
"Blair Racing is honored to be Rayovac's racing and marketing
partner. Rayovac's sponsorship enables us to concentrate our efforts
on the business of racing and to develop a top-notch winning team.
They are joining other fine sponsors that are campaigning in the
IRL," said Blair. "We have made dramatic changes to
develop Blair Racing into the team it is today and to be competitive
in the IRL, the top level of open-wheel racing. My goal for Rayovac
and Blair Racing is to increase sales and make this a powerful and
successful marketing team as well as a winner at the checkered flag.
We are charged up as we prepare for the fourth race of the season
and the penultimate in racing, the Indy 500."
Blair Racing is in its second year; Blair already has established
a name for himself as an owner willing to take the extra step in
building a strong race team. For this season, the Blair Racing team
moved to enlarged facilities on the north side of Indianapolis.
Powerful facts about Rayovac:
Rayovac is one of the world's leading battery and lighting device
companies. Rayovac also markets the number-one selling rechargeable
brand of battery in the U.S. with nearly a 70 percent share. In
addition, the company is the world leader in hearing aid batteries
with a 60 percent worldwide share. Rayovac trades on the New York
Stock Exchange under the ROV symbol.
Rayovac markets a variety of batteries including alkaline and
heavy duty batteries; lithium coin cells; zinc air hearing aid
batteries; and rechargeable alkaline and nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
batteries and chargers. The company also markets a broad line of
battery-operated flashlights and lanterns.
More information about Rayovac can be found at www.rayovac.com.
www.BlairRacing.com keeps fans up-to-date with all the latest
team news and information. Fans can also visit Alex Barron's web
site at www.alexbarron.com
More information on the Indy Racing League Series can be found at
www.indyracing.com.
|
TEAM
NEWS