Officials for the Indy Racing League on June 29 announced they have signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with New Jersey-based Avis to be the official rental car company of the IRL and Firestone Indy Lights Series.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Indy Racing League officials hope Avis is the first of a string of new sponsors they’ll announce this year. (AP Photo)

Avis will take an active role in promoting both series through e-mail campaigns, displays at select airports, and other large-scale promotions, company officials said. It also will offer a national sweepstakes program, which will provide a VIP experience for fans during an IRL race weekend.

Avis operates 2,200 car rental locations worldwide.

Included in the partnership is a discounted car rental rate that will be offered to members of IndyCar Nation, the official fan club of the open-wheel race series.•