Fuzzy's Vodka has sponsored Ed Carpenter Racing since the team's inception in '12GETTY IMAGES
Fuzzy’s Vodka is not renewing its full-season deal with IndyCar Series team Ed Carpenter Racing, nor its pact with Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fuzzy’s had a significant presence in Indianapolis in May, including signage and selling its spirits throughout the track, which is now in the hunt for a new spirits partner. Fuzzy’s former co-Owner and ECR investor Stuart Reed had recently left the company, which is believed to have played a part in Fuzzy’s move away from racing, but Reed is expected to continue to help fund ECR’s operation (Adam Stern, THE DAILY). Carpenter said, "I don’t see it being a setback right now. It’s never ideal, but we’re positioned well enough right now to where it won’t affect us. We’ve got some work to do to fill the space, but it’s been something we’ve been working on. There’s been far worse times to be in this situation, but we’re in good shape and there’s no concerns about our future plans being affected by it.” RACER.com's Marshall Pruett noted Carpenter is "confident the higher profile achieved by ECR with its numerous wins and multiple pole positions at the Indy 500 will help in its quest to land a new title sponsor" (RACER.com, 10/29).
POUR ONE OUT: In Indianapolis, Jim Ayello notes Fuzzy's was one of IndyCar’s "most recognizable brands" and "sponsored ECR since its inception" in '12. As IndyCar's lone driver/owner, Carpenter was "adamant that Fuzzy’s departure should not be viewed as a reflection on the state of the team or IndyCar." ECR had known Fuzzy's "might not be part of the team’s future for some time, yet their plans have not altered." ECR recently partnered with the Scuderia Corsa team, which will "combine with ECR" to field Ed Jones' No. 20 car at street and road circuits in '19. While Carpenter is aware of the optics of such a move just before the departure of a longtime sponsor, he said that Fuzzy's "looming departure had no impact on the team's decision to partner with Scuderia Corsa." Carpenter confirmed that Reed would "remain an ECR team owner despite no longer being affiliated with Fuzzy’s" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 10/30).
