Hitachi Joins Team Penske as Sponsor of No. 2 IndyCar
March 29, 2012
Hitachi Automotive will serve as a primary sponsor on the No. 2 Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet IndyCar driven by Ryan Briscoe this season. The No. 2 machine will proudly carry the Hitachi name and be branded at eight IndyCar Series races this season, beginning this weekend in Birmingham, Ala., and subsequent races in Long Beach, Calif., Sao Paulo, Brazil, Detroit, Mich., Toronto, Canada, Edmonton, Canada, Qingdao, China and Sonoma, Calif. Hitachi will also serve as an associate sponsor on the No. 2 car during the balance of the IndyCar races this season.
"Hitachi is a well-known and industry-leading global company with expertise in the automotive industry and we are excited to welcome them to Team Penske," said Roger Penske. "Chevrolet and Ilmor Engineering have worked closely with Hitachi Automotive Systems on the development of the direct injection systems in the Chevrolet IndyCar engines and we look forward to growing our relationship with Hitachi as a sponsor of the No. 2 car."
Hitachi Automotive will also be a sponsor of Team Penske IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves and Will Power in 2012.
"Hitachi Automotive Systems is proud to become part of the winning Team Penske IndyCar program," said Rob Sharpe, Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc., Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We recognize the tradition and high standard of excellence associated with Team Penske and we look forward to the opportunity to build upon their already strong legacy. Hitachi Automotive is thrilled about being part of the growth of the IZOD IndyCar Series and its global appeal to leverage the Hitachi brand."
The Hitachi brand actually competed with Team Penske last season, as the company's name adorned the sidepods of both the Team Penske cars driven by Briscoe and Castroneves at the race in Motegi, Japan in 2011.
"It will be great to race with Hitachi on board as a sponsor of the No. 2 IndyCar in 2012," said Briscoe. "It's an honor and privilege to represent the Hitachi brand and we will do our best to make sure they find their way to Victory Lane this season."
About Penske Racing
Penske Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced 352 major race wins, 413 pole positions and 23 National Championships. The team has also earned 15 Indianapolis 500 victories. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.
About Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd
Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is engaged in the development,?manufacture, sales and services of automotive components, transportation related components, industrial machines and systems, and offers a wide range of automotive systems including engine management systems, electric power train systems, drive control systems car information systems, and providing leadership within Hitachi Automotive Systems' global operations as the regional headquarters in the Americas For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/en/.