TRANS AM: Johnson Controls to Sponsor Long Beach Race
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
March 31, 2001
Miami - Johnson Controls, a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control, has been named the title sponsor of the upcoming Johnson Controls 100 on April 8 in Long Beach, Calif., for the third consecutive year. In addition, Johnson Controls will again be an Associate Sponsor of the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Tires Cup.
“We’re very pleased with the continued support Johnson Controls has shown with its sponsorship of the Trans-Am Series,” said executive director John Clagett. “The Johnson Controls 100 is one of our most prestigious races of the season, and Johnson Controls’ involvement makes it possible for us to enhance the presence of the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Tires Cup at one of the premier motorsports events, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.”
Johnson Controls is in its fourth season as the primary sponsor of Rocketsports Racing. Paul Gentilozzi, driver of the #3 Jaguar XKR, finished second to Brian Simo in the 2000 BFGoodrich Tires Cup Championship. A two-time Series champion, Gentilozzi is one of the Trans-Am Series’ premier drivers. He is the All-Time leader in Races (163), Top-Five finishes (79) and Fastest Race Laps (26) and Earnings.
“Johnson Controls is proud to be the sponsor of the Trans-Am Series race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach,” said Bob Ellis, vice president of product marketing and brand development for Johnson Controls. “This sponsorship is a natural extension of the pursuit of excellence we strive toward in the automotive business, and it demonstrates the commitment it takes to be a winning player in the Trans-Am Series.”
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business employs more than 77,000 people at 285 facilities worldwide, achieved $12.7 billion in sales for the 2000 fiscal year. In model-year 2001, Johnson Controls will supply interior products for approximately 23 million vehicles.
In the automotive market, Johnson Controls is a major supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services, energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee.
Text provided by David Lang
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