©1997 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.
Federal Express Corp ("FedEx") and Championship Auto Racing Teams(CART) today announced details of a new title sponsorship agreementbased on the many synergies between the two organizations. The newlyestablished "FedEx Championship Series" aligns two strong globalbrands recognized for their teamwork, technology, speed andreliability.
"The FedEx Championship Series represents an excellent opportunity toshowcase the FedEx brand to a unique segment of the market," saidDavid Shoenfeld, vice president, marketing, U.S. and Canada, FederalExpress. "It's a natural fit. Both organizations rely onhigh-performance teamwork and leading-edge technology to beat thecompetition."
The FedEx Championship Series will allow FedEx and CART simultaneousbrand-building opportunities through promotions, advertising andcustomer entertainment programs on a local, national andinternational level.
"The stature of FedEx lends credibility and awareness to CARTracing," said Andrew Craig, President and CEO, CART. "This agreementwill enable both organizations to help each other strengthen ourbrands around the world."
As part of this relationship, FedEx will become the officialtransportation company of the FedEx Championship Series. In a sportin which timely delivery and accessibility is vital, FedEx willtransport critical parts and equipment to each race of the series-infive countries on four continents. FedEx will deliver the cars forraces in Asia and Latin America. Federal Express and CART reached athree-year agreement with an option for a fourth year to establishthe FedEx Championship Series. This agreement bolsters Fed Ex'ssports sponsorship portfolio, which includes the FedEx Orange Bowl,the FedEx St. Jude Golf Classic and the Benetton Formula One RacingTeam.
CART's 800-plus horsepower championship cars are capable of speedsexceeding 240 miles per hour and are driven by some of the world'sleading drivers, including Michael Andretti, Al Unser, Jr., BobbyRahal, and 1997 champion Alex Zanardi.
The 19-race FedEx Championship Series season begins March 15 inFlorida.
Federal Express connects areas that generate 90% of the world's grossdomestic product in 24-48 hours with door-to-door, customs-clearedservice with a money-back guarantee. The company's unmatched airroute authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largestexpress transportation company, providing fast and reliable servicesfor more than 2.9 million items in 212 countries each working day.The company employs approximately 137,000 people and has more than42,500 drop-off locations, 590 aircraft and 38,500 vehicles in itsintegrated global network. FedEx maintains electronic connectionswith more than 750,000 customers via FedEx Powership., and FedExinterNetShipSM.
Federal Express reported revenues of $11.5 billion for its fiscalyear ended May 31, 1997.
Note: Federal Express press releases are available on the World WideWeb at www.fedex.com.
Source: CART News Service