Sunoco currently is also the official fuel of NASCAR, though the future of that deal is now unclearGETTY IMAGES
Ohio-based Speedway LLC will replace Sunoco as the official fuel and convenience store of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway next year. Sunoco's deals expire at the end of this calendar year, and the move to leave the open-wheel series is not a surprise. It has sold virtually all of its convenience stores in '17 and now largely sells fuel directly to gas stations and other companies, thereby negating the need for consumer marketing. Financial terms were not disclosed for Speedway's new multiyear deal. The company will supply fuel to all teams and the AMR IndyCar Safety Crew. Speedway also will get signage at IMS and an advertising presence on NBC Sports' coverage of the series. Speedway is owned by Marathon Petroleum Corp. and is the second largest convenience store chain in the U.S. with nearly 4,000 locations in 35 states. There will be 11 IndyCar races held next year in states where Speedway has a presence. It is unclear if Speedway is working with an agency; Sunoco worked with MKTG on its motorsports marketing before taking things in house last year. Sunoco currently is the official fuel of NASCAR and NHRA, and it was not immediately clear whether the company intends to renew those deals or end them when they expire.
