Three-time F1 champion Jackie Stewart "has ended one of the longest personal business relationships in Formula One by moving to Just Marketing International" after 45 years with IMG, according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. Stewart said, "I've been with IMG since 1968. Mark (McCormack) signed me up and they've done very well for me over the years but they are not in Formula One and haven't been in Formula One now for a good long time." JMI said that "they will also represent the commercial interests" of Austrian triple world champion and Mercedes non-Exec Dir Niki Lauda. Unlisted JMI, founded by American former professional driver Zak Brown, "was acquired by British sports marketing group Chime Communications PLC" in October for $71M. They "arrange sponsorship, hospitality and rights deals in F1, NASCAR and IndyCar." Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon "is also on their books." Stewart: "I am much more interested in the business side than I am on the motor racing side. So it makes sense, at this time, with the connections I have and the access I have, to be with a company that also has that same access" (REUTERS, 12/2).
