IndyCar Talking To Firms About Title Sponsorship For '19

The IndyCar Series will no longer have Verizon as title sponsor in '19, but IndyCar CEO Mark Miles is "hoping" to fill the position "maybe even within the next 90 days," according to Jim Ayello of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Miles said that a "pair of serious suitors have emerged and have made proposals." The inventory includes NBC Sports benefits and spots, "confirming that NBC is a partner at the negotiating table." Miles "would not elaborate on the prospective sponsors." He said that it is "possible things fall through with both, prompting a return to the market." However, Miles was "optimistic about reaching an agreement with one." He noted that included in conversations with potential sponsors are the "possibilities of securing a 'technology partner' as well as a presenting sponsor for the 500 and the IndyCar Grand Prix." There are "more avenues for sponsorship to be explored, but those are the series' primary focuses at this point" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 6/18).