SI.com's Tim Newcomb noted tennis player Andy Murray on Wednesday worked with Under Armour to "test the brand's new product, CoolSwitch," which he and Sloane Stephens will "debut at this year's Australian Open." Using the new CoolSwitch technology, UA "built a kit specifically for Murray’s use in the Australian Open." UA Senior VP/Global Product Creation Glen Silbert said that with Murray "choosing function over style," UA has "worked to perfect his interests around comfort, everything from his short length to pocket depth." He will also "now wear Under Armour shoes exclusively moving forward." For the Australian Open, Murray will "don grays, black and white in sleeveless and short-sleeve looks with a hat -- the CoolSwitch tech also appears in accessories, such as the band on the cap" (SI.com, 1/13).
GETTING CREATIVE: AD AGE's Jeremy Barr noted Conde Nast on Thursday kicked off an initiative, titled "Create. Connect. Conde Nast," with a series of short videos on social media channels. On-camera celebs in the spots include golfer Jordan Spieth and UFC fighter Ronda Rousey. The company has "so far published three representative, 60-second supercuts, along with a 15-second video for each media brand." Thirty-seven "influencers" agreed to "promote the Condé Nast videos on their social media channels, using the hashtag #CreativityIs" (ADAGE.com, 1/14).
CHASING CARS: Team Penske and Autotrader on Thursday announced a multiyear extension that will see the brand featured on both the No. 2 and No. 22 Fords driven by Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, respectively, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Keselowski will race the Autotrader car on Feb. 28 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and again on Aug. 20 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Logano will have the orange No. 22 Autotrader design in the April 17 event at Bristol. Logano will also run an Autotrader/Shell-Pennzoil co-branded car at the July 9 event at Kentucky Speedway. Autotrader will continue to be featured as an associate sponsor on both cars throughout the course of the season (Autotrader).
