IRL inks moving, scooter sponsor

The Indy Racing League and Firestone Indy Lights recently finalized two new sponsors for the 2009 season—and beyond. DB Schenker is the official freight logistics sponsor of the IRL, and KYMCO USA is the official scooter and off-road utility vehicle of the IRL and Firestone Indy Lights.

DB Schenker is a worldwide logistics company with operations in approximately 2,000 locations and 130 countries. The IRL will coordinate logistics via DB Schenker’s American operation based in Freeport, N.Y., and the company’s Sports Event Group.

Overall, the company will arrange transportation logistics for the series’ four Honda Accord safety cars at events across the United States and Canada in a specially designed and branded transporter.

The safety cars include the car driven by three-time Indy 500 winner Johnny Rutherford that paces all IRL series events. The other safety cars are used for VIP and special guest hot laps at all events as well as being on display in the IRL paddock.

In addition to coordinating logistics for the league’s safety car program, DB Schenker will assist in logistics for the series annual visit to Japan and other potential international venues in the future.

Terry Angstadt, president of IRL’s commercial division, told IBJ in March, the deal with DB Schenker was imminent. Apparently, it took a while to consummate.

KYMCO USA, which specializes in fuel-efficient scooters, motorcycles and ATVs, has teamed up with the IRL and Firestone Indy Lights in a multi-year partnership. Throughout 2009, IRL personnel will use KYMCO Super 8 150cc scooters and UXV 500 4×4 utility vehicles at race venues as well as at its headquarters in Indianapolis.