CHAMP
CAR GRAND PRIX OF CLEVELAND July 1-3, 2004
CLEVELAND, Apr 29, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Reaffirming a successful partnership
that has blossomed over the last eight years, officials from the Champ Car Grand
Prix of Cleveland announced today that U.S. Bank will return to the annual Roar
by the Shore summer event as presenting sponsor in 2004.
"We are extremely happy to be renewing our partnership with U.S. Bank," said
Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland General Manager Rena Shanaman. "Over the years
U.S. Bank has proven its commitment to both the City of Cleveland and the Grand
Prix in its unwavering support. The event could not ask for a better partner as
we work toward the 23rd running of this Cleveland summertime celebration."
The U.S. Bank Presents the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland will be held at
Burke Lakefront Airport July 1-3.
"This is the eighth year U.S. Bank has been a part of this world-class sporting
event," said Kurt C. Treu, U.S. Bank president in Northeast Ohio. "We are revved
up to be the presenting sponsor of the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland because
it showcases our community to race fans across America and around the globe."
U.S. Bank will enhance its promotional partnership with the Grand Prix of
Cleveland this year creating some exciting opportunities for U.S. Bank customers
with special events and promotions featured in bank branch locations.
Grand Prix officials were also proud to announce today that the event has
renewed a sponsorship agreement with one of the most respected companies in the
automotive industry - Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC. A longtime
sponsor of the Grand Prix of Cleveland, Bridgestone, which is also the
presenting sponsor of the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series
Powered by Ford again highlighting the competition at this year's race, will
serve as an associate sponsor for the U.S. Bank Presents the Champ Car Grand
Prix of Cleveland. As part of its sponsorship, Bridgestone will introduce an
extensive retail store promotion in Ohio that will include a "free Thursday"
Grand Prix ticket coupon for fans available at Bridgestone retail outlets.
"We're delighted that Bridgestone will play an expanded role in the Grand Prix
of Cleveland, as an associate sponsor and official tire of the event," said Al
Speyer, Executive Director of Bridgestone Motorsport. "This race is annually one
of the most exciting on the Champ Car schedule, plus Cleveland is a very
important market to us. There are a great number of loyal Bridgestone retailers
in the region, not to mention more than 1,300 employees nearby at our Technical
Center in Akron and credit card facility in Brook Park. The opportunity to
sponsor the race as presenting sponsor of the Champ Car World Series and as
official tire of the Grand Prix allows us to further showcase our success in
motorsports to those deserving employees and associates, as well as the great
racing fans of the Cleveland area."
Another well-established partner of the Grand Prix of Cleveland renewed its
commitment to the event with today's announcement that Labatt Blue will return
as the official beer of the 2004 race. Labatt will be entering its fifth year as
a sponsor of the Roar by The Shore.
"This is a fantastic event for the city of Cleveland and Labatt Blue is proud to
once again be the official beer sponsor of the Grand Prix of Cleveland," said
Tim Jenzen, Labatt Field Marketing Manager. "Labatt Blue is dedicated to help
make 2004 the best year yet for the Grand Prix."
After a popular debut at last year's Grand Prix of Cleveland, Labatt will once
again be bringing the Labatt Outfitter mobile unit to this year's event. Local
bands will perform live at the Outfitter in the midway area at the Burke
Lakefront Airport, entertaining fans all weekend long.
"It's incredible to see the amount of support that the Grand Prix has generated
from the local business community," added Shanaman. "Renewing a trusted
partnership with U.S. Bank is certainly significant to this year's event and
we're also very excited to welcome back Bridgestone and Labatt as well. All of
these alliances are important because not only will all of these companies serve
as official sponsors in their respective areas, but they will also work to
promote the race in their local branches, retail stores and distributors. This
type of support certainly demonstrates just how important the Grand Prix of
Cleveland is with local businesses and the benefits and value they can enjoy by
being associated with the event. We can expect to see more announcements in the
coming weeks where other local companies will also be coming on board to reap
these benefits."
Tickets are currently on sale for the 2004 U.S. Bank Presents the Champ Car
Grand Prix of Cleveland July 1-3 at Burke Lakefront Airport. Call 888-817-RACE
for ticket information or visit the Galleria Box Office, located at 1301 East
9th Street in downtown Cleveland.
For more information visit the event's official website
www.grandprixofcleveland.com.
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), with assets of $192 billion, is the 7th largest
financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates
2,275 banking offices and 4,472 ATMs in 24 states and provides a comprehensive
line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment
services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is
home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key
banking benefits and services or customers will be paid for their inconvenience.
U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web
at usbank.com.
Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC is a subsidiary
of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone
Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops,
manufactures, and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and
private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment
markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road,
agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.
SOURCE: U.S. Bank
CONTACT: Grand Prix of Cleveland
Steve Legerski, 216-436-3587
Merrill Cain, 586-630-1474
Customize your Business Wire news & multimedia to match your needs.
Get breaking news from companies and organizations worldwide.
Logon for FREE today at www.BusinessWire.com.Copyright (C) 2004 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: U.S. Bank
