NASCAR Exec VP & Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell said the governing body is in "aggressive conversations" with new manufacturers. O'Donnell: “We want to make sure that they come in similar to how Toyota did and it’s really changed the sport. They’ve done a tremendous job and really helped the industry. Those conversations are ongoing. It’s a tough process. There’s a lot to consider doing this’’ (NBCSPORTS.com, 7/10).
FOREHAND WINNER: WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY's Lisa Lockwood reported Fila has "released a special collection" in honor Kim Clijsters amid her induction into the Tennis HOF. The line "will be available exclusively" at the HOF in Newport, R.I., beginning July 17. Retail prices "range from $16 for the wristbands to $90 for a jacket" (WWD.com, 7/11).
LEADING THE PACK: Alaska-based Northrim Bank has signed on as a lead dog sponsor for the '18 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, becoming the official bank of the event (Iditarod). In Alaska, Suzanna Caldwell noted Wells Fargo in May "dropped its longtime sponsorship" (ADN.com, 7/9).
LIFE'S A BEACH: Healthy lifestyle brand Hint has signed to be the exclusive water and sunscreen sponsor of the World Series of Beach Volleyball, held July 13-16 in Long Beach, Calif. Gold Medal-winning U.S. volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings will be wearing the Hint logo during the competition (Hint).
