Schmidt Peterson Motorsports will put James Hinchcliffe's sponsors "on the team's other two entries -- Robert Wickens' No. 6 car and Jay Howard's No. 7" -- for the Indianapolis 500 if a deal is not reached to get Hinchcliffe into a car for the race. In Indianapolis, Ayello & Guskey noted if a ride does not materialize, some have "suggested that ABC should consider incorporating the charismatic driver and former 'Dancing with the Stars' standout into its broadcast." A position with ABC "might be a good way for him to promote himself, his sponsors and his team." It is also "not unreasonable to expect that he might perhaps prefer to spend Race Day with his team and help" Wickens "prepare for his 500 debut" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 5/22).
CITY REPRESENTATION: In Ft. Worth, Mac Engel noted the PGA Tour Ft. Worth Invitational "is 'back,' and here for one year only" after Dean & DeLuca pulled out of its sponsorship of the Colonial golf tournament this year. All shirts, hats and other pieces of memorabilia on sale at the tournament "will feature 'Fort Worth' in front of a facade of Colonial Country Club." Fans "will notice giant banners around the course reading, 'Thank you, Fort Worth' along with the names of the main sponsors, American Airlines, AT&T, BNSF and XTO." Event organizers are "expecting/planning for the new limited merchandise to sell" (STAR-TELEGRAM.com, 5/21).
BET ON IT: San Manuel Casino has partnered with LAFC in a deal that will include pre-match Fan Fest activation experiences and presenting sponsorship of the team's private club and loge box seating, the City View Club. San Manuel Casino will also present postgame highlights via in-stadium "Thrill of the Match" broadcasts (San Manuel Casino).
