In L.A., Chris Erskine reports Angels LF Mike Trout yesterday at Angel Stadium was "making his first solo commercial, a follow-up" to the Super Bowl ad he appeared in for Subway. The new spot "has to do with Trout ordering his favorite sandwich in a rather novel way." Subway Dir of Sports Marketing, PR & Partnerships Paul Bamundo said of Trout, "We're getting him known to the general population" (L.A. TIMES, 6/6).
SNEAKER HEADS: In N.Y., Mark DeCambre reports former NBAer John Starks has "invested in a startup basketball-shoe maker, called Ektio, whose designs are aimed at preventing ankle injuries to players." Starks and Basketball HOFer Rick Barry, who "also owns a piece of the company, will serve as spokesmen for the brand." The shoes are currently "only available online and cost $130" (N.Y. POST, 6/6).
DEVIL WITH A CAUSE? In Detroit, David Goricki reports apparel maker Made in Detroit and American Badass Beer, both owned by musician Kid Rock, will sponsor the Detroit APBA Gold Cup hydroplane races this summer, enabling the event "to return the Free Friday to kick off the three-day weekend" July 12-14 (DETROIT NEWS, 6/6).
BOX OF RAIN: Richard Childress Racing announced that Rain-X will serve as the primary sponsor for the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Brian Scott's No. 2 Chevrolet at the July 5 Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona Int'l Speedway (RCR).
