With both CART and IRL signing new title sponsorship
deals before this season, with FedEx and Pep Boys,
respectively, SPEEDNET's Bill Koenig writes that Pep Boys
seems to "be a little more active, at least initially" in
its sponsorship activation. Koenig reports that IRL themes
"have figured into some Pep Boys advertising and
promotions," although the company said it "is still learning
what works and what doesn't." IMS VP/Sales & Marketing John
Newcomb said that IRL officials "have been happy" with Pep
Boys' efforts, and added that IMS is in "very serious
discussions" with the auto parts and service chain about
licensing it the name Gasoline Alley. Should that occur,
Koenig writes that Pep Boys "would create a Gasoline Alley
section in its stores." FedEx says that "it is taking a
slow but steady course" on its promotional efforts. FedEx
has provided package shipping services for CART teams and
sponsors, and recently "has expanded its presence, with a
new FedEx transporter truck at CART events." FedEx said
that it sees the first year of its deal as a "learning
period." CART President & CEO Andrew Craig: "With any long
term relationship, it takes time for programs to be
developed" (Bill Koenig, SPEEDNET, 7/22).
