TW Steel Ambassador Dario Franchitti Wins Indianapolis 500

Amsterdam, May, 31 2010: TW Steel, the Dutch brand ‘Big in Oversized Watches’, would like to congratulate Scotland’s Dario Franchitti on winning the ‘2010 Indianapolis 500’ today after the reigning IZOD IndyCar Series Champion dominated the 33-car field at the illustrious Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Franchitti was announced as a TW Steel brand ambassador last month at the Long Beach Grand Prix in California and just last week, having secured a front-row qualifying slot for today’s ‘Indy 500’, Franchitti was present in Indianapolis for the unveiling of his very own TW Steel execution – the ‘TW Steel Dario Franchitti’, available in 45mm (TW607) and 48mm (TW608) – set to retail in early July.

Franchitti led 155 laps out of 200 on a blistering hot Sunday in Indiana to capture his second ‘Indianapolis 500’ victory following his maiden success back in 2007 – the same season he captured his very first IndyCar Series Championship title.

TW Steel’s Head of Global Sponsorship, Harry Gibbings, was on hand to witness Franchitti’s victory and was suitably delighted with the Scotsman’s performance:

“It’s just absolutely incredible to see Dario lead his team to victory here today,” said Gibbings. “We know Dario is an exceptional driver, his record speaks for itself, but he was utterly dominant today and the only deserving winner of the race! On behalf of everyone at TW Steel I’d like to officially congratulate Dario on his second ‘Indy 500’ win.

“He was obviously pretty happy to qualify on the front-row last Saturday and we were delighted he joined us here in Indianapolis that night at Reis Nichols for the unveiling of his own TW Steel edition. To follow that up a week later with such a commanding performance and another victory is tremendous. Dario is a fantastic ambassador for TW Steel and to share in his success today is something truly special.”

Speaking immediately following his win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Franchitti commented; “To drink the winners milk here in victory lane again tastes just as good as it did the first time two years ago. Up until ten laps to go the race was pretty relaxed but then it all went a bit crazy with having to save fuel and so on.

“The #10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car was the dominant car today and I have to thank everyone on the team and of course all the fans for coming here to watch the race. It feels great! To come back to the IndyCar Series after a year away in 2008 and then to win the championship last year and the Indy 500 again this year is amazing!”

TW Steel, celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2010, continues to develop and lead the oversized watch market. A family-owned company, headed by 27-year-old Chief Executive Officer and co-owner, Jordy Cobelens, ‘The Watch in Steel’, has emerged as an innovative, bold lifestyle brand – now available in over 50 countries worldwide.