CENTRIX Financial Establishes Stronger Presence in Auto Racing
Company Balances Three Major Initiatives Over Summer
DENVER, May 20 -- Denver-based CENTRIX Financial's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert E. Sutton, is shuttling back and forth between Indiana and Colorado this month, working on his company's efforts in the Indianapolis 500 and the CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver.
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CENTRIX Financial has made a major commitment to auto racing for the 2004 racing season. In addition to sponsoring the Grand Prix of Denver for the second year, the financial services firm is also sponsoring car number 17, a Honda G-Force driven by Victor Meira of the Rahal/Letterman team, in this May's Indy 500 race. Then, on the last weekend in June, CENTRIX makes its debut as a competitor in NASCAR, fielding a team with MB2/MBV Motor sports at the Dodge Save Mart 350 in Sonoma, driven by Boris Said.
"I think it's fairly rare to have the situation CENTRIX is now enjoying. Motor sports is something that has long been close to my heart and to the hearts of many people at CENTRIX," said Sutton. "So, to some extent, this is a labor of love for all of us. But in addition to that you have the business case, and there is something very substantial there. We get to tell the story of our business through the speed, technology and teamwork involved in racing, and are able to forge new partnerships from the community that surrounds it."
CENTRIX's motor sports initiatives began in 2002 when the Company entered its first cars in the legendary Baja 1000. Now, with two consecutive Baja victories in the books, CENTRIX counts the Grand Prix of Denver, the Indy 500 and its position as the Official Auto Finance Company of NASCAR as parts of its portfolio.
Through it all, the Grand Prix still holds a special place for Sutton. "Of everything we are involved in, the Grand Prix is the only one that takes place in the community I live in and that CENTRIX grew from. That's why it was so important to me that this event move forward, and why we are putting such a tremendous effort into taking it to the next level. It's a way for us to say thank you to Denver while giving the city a platform to show off the best it has to offer."
"Bob Sutton reminds me of people like Stan Kroenke," said John Frew, the Denver Grand Prix's general manager, "in that he is able to multitask effectively in the world of major league sports, and be successful while having fun doing it."
The CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver will take place from August 13th through August 15th. "2003 was a great event, with three drivers in contention for the win during the final lap. I knew then we wanted to be a stronger auto race supporter this year. After all, it's a world-class event in our own backyard, and, this time around, we've gotten off to an early start. All indications suggest it will be the best Denver race ever," adds Sutton.
Indy 500 and Grand Prix race-goers can purchase tickets online or find local ticket outlets at www.ticketmaster.com.
About CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver, LLC (CFGPD)
CFGPD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Denver-based financial services and management firm, CENTRIX Financial. CFGPD was created, and has been contracted by Champ Car, to provide management services for the 2004 CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver. CENTRIX Financial specializes in the development and management of unique auto finance lending and investment products. The Company currently manages a $1.7 billion dollar loan portfolio and provides services across the country. In addition to its involvement with the Grand Prix of Denver, CENTRIX is the Official Auto Finance Company of NASCAR, serves as team sponsor with Rahal/Letterman Racing at the Indy 500, is an associate sponsor with MB2/MBV Racing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, runs a multi-car team in the Baja 1000 and sponsors Team USA in the Race Of Champions Nations Cup.
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