In Rochester, Jeff DiVeronica reports Mattel yesterday debuted a new Barbie doll featuring the likeness of retired soccer player Abby Wambach "wearing her white Team USA uniform and No. 20 jersey." The Wambach doll is the latest "bold move" by Mattel, which last month announced it is "going to be more mindful of the body image and make Barbies of all shapes and sizes." The doll was revealed at The Makers Convention, which "brings together organizations and educational institutions to showcase and discuss successful and exceptional women and female leaders" (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 2/4).
HERE COMES THE SUN: Solar energy company SunEnergy1 has agreed to a three-year deal serve as the primary sponsor for four NASCAR Sprint Cup races annually for Hendrick Motorsports' No. 24 Chevy driven by Chase Elliott. The deal also includes an associate-level sponsorship. With SunEnergy1, Hendrick has sold primary sponsorship for the entire '16 season for Elliott. Other companies with primary deals include Napa Auto Parts (24 races), 3M (five), Kelley Blue Book (two) and Mountain Dew (two) (HMS).
SPIRIT SQUARE: The IndyCar Grand Prix of Boston has signed sponsorship deals with MillerCoors and local alcohol distributor Burke Distributing Corporation, which will be "advertising and promoting the race ahead of" the Sept. 4 event. They join a "roster of more than 30 sponsors" for the first-time race (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/3).
