Ryan Hunter-Reay at Times Square
Ryan Hunter-Reay at Times Square

DALLAS, Jul 12, 2008 / FW/ — Izod has been named the official apparel of the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking the brands entrance to the very popular sport of car racing. Its commitment also includes the sponsorship of two drivers, Ryan Hunter-Reay of the IndyCar Series and Logan Gomez of the Firestone Indy Lights, as well as the Guthrie Racing Team.

As part of being the official apparel, Izod apparel will be provided to Indy Racing League and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials and staff that work on and off the track for the remainder of the 2008 season.

Beginning with the 2009 season, an exclusive Izod fashion collection, inspired by the heritage of American racing and designed to address the performance needs of League’s executives and crew will also be made available to the Indy Racing League.

The partnership between the IndyCar Series and IZOD includes promotional, merchandising and co-branding opportunities at and away from the Series’ racing venues, as well as online.

Phillips-Van Heusen, which owns the Izod label also announced that Izod would sponsor two drivers, Ryan Hunter-Reay of the IndyCar Series and Logan Gomez of the Firestone Indy Lights, as well as the Guthrie Racing Team.The IZOD sponsorship made its official debut this past weekend at the Camping World Grand Prix at the Glen at Watkins Glen International.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, who drives the #17 Ethanol entry for Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by 1986 Indy 500 winner and three time Indy car champion Bobby Rahal and late night talk show host David Letterman, burst onto the racing scene in the late 1990’s winning six National Karting Championships before graduating to open-wheel formula cars.

In 2007, Ryan earned the Rookie-of-the-Year title in the IndyCar Series, and followed that by winning the Indy 500 Rookie-of-the-Year title in 2008.

“IZOD is a perfect fit for me since the style and dedication to high quality for which the brand is known delivers the ultimate in performance for my very active lifestyle,” stated Ryan, adding, “It is an honor to have IZOD as a personal sponsor of mine and I am looking forward to representing the IZOD brand on and off the race track for many years to come.”

Logan Gomez made his professional racing debut in 2006 while only 17 years old. A consistent top finisher in both karts and open-wheel cars, Logan is building a reputation as a leading contender for checkered flags in the Firestone Indy Lights.

In 2007, Logan recorded his first career victory in the season finale at Chicagoland, beating champion Alex Lloyd in the closest finish in series history. “Since this is the beginning of my open-wheel racing career, the support of IZOD gives me the extra motivation and confidence to know that great things are ahead in my future,” stated Logan.

Recognizing the importance of teams in the sport of professional racing, IZOD will also sponsor Guthrie Racing, the team that Logan Gomez drives for. Owner Jim Guthrie stated, “I am very privileged to be a part of the entry of IZOD into the motor sports arena and I look forward to a successful future for both organizations, on and off the track.”