IMG AND JOHN FORCE RACING TEAM UP FOR EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE MARKETING AND REPRESENTATION PACT

IMG AND JOHN FORCE RACING TEAM UP FOR EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE MARKETING AND
REPRESENTATION PACT

 

Will Pursue Endorsement and Publishing Opportunities for Drivers and
Serve as Exclusive Sales Agent for New Team Sponsorships  

 

NEW YORK, February 11, 2009-IMG Sports & Entertainment and legendary
racing family John Force Racing (JFR) today announced they have  entered
into an exclusive, worldwide marketing and representation agreement.
Led by 14-time Funny Car Champion John Force, the team of drivers
includes Robert Hight, 2008 rookie of the year Mike Neff, 2007 NHRA
rookie of the year Ashley Force, and her sisters Brittany and Courtney.
With 175 professional tour victories, JFR is motorsports' most dominant
and successful professional drag racing team

 

Under the terms of the agreement, IMG will represent John Force Racing
and its drivers in endorsements, publishing endeavors and personal
appearances worldwide.  IMG will work with JFR to develop and expand the
JFR brand and pursue new sponsorship, endorsement, branding and
licensing opportunities across a wide array of media, online and mobile.
In addition, IMG has been appointed by JFR as its exclusive sponsorship
sales agent.

 

In making the announcement, George F. Pyne, President of IMG Sports and
Entertainment said, "IMG is excited to partner with the legendary John
Force Racing family and to expand JFR's business around the world. As a
leader in the motorsports industry, we see significant potential in
growing the team brand as well as the brands John, Ashley and the other
drivers have built already."

 

"I'm excited NHRA president Tom Compton worked to extend the ESPN
television relationship through 2016 and brought in IMG which has opened
the doors for many professional teams to get involved and build their
own programs," said JFR president John Force. "I am glad to be one of
many team owners to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity for my
racing family and teams."

 

"One of the biggest advantages IMG brings to all of NHRA is the chance
to look for outside opportunities beyond drag racing. George Pyne has
shown he knows how to build a major sponsorship program because he did
it with NASCAR and I am encouraged about the progress we all can make
together for the NHRA."

 

The addition of JFR further solidifies IMG's position as a premier
Motorsports agency.  IMG currently works with the National Hot Rod
Association and the Moto GP World Championship, represents successful
racing teams including the Williams F1, produces the Gold Coast 300, and
distributes media for the Le Mans event in France.  IMG also manages the
business affairs of sports icons including Jackie Stewart, Jeff Gordon
and Danica Patrick.  IMG Consulting currently advises The Coca-Cola
Company and Allstate on their NASCAR sponsorships.

 

About John Force Racing Inc. (JFR)

John Force Racing, Inc., based in Yorba Linda, Calif., and Indianapolis,
Ind., is a professional sports dynasty, one that has earned 15 POWERade
championships and claimed 175 professional tour victories.  Led by team
owner and driver John Force, a 14-time Auto Racing All-America selection
and 1996 Driver of the Year for all of American motor racing, JFR is
additionally comprised of Robert Hight, driver of the Auto Club Ford
Mustang and 2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year; Ashley Force, driver of the
Castrol GTX Ford Mustang and 2007 Rookie of the Year; and Mike Neff,
driver of the Ford Drive One Mustang and 2008 Rookie of the Year.
Brittany and Courtney Force also represent JFR and BrandSource in the
Top Alcohol Dragster division. 

 

About IMG Sports & Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse
businesses include: product and brand licensing; consulting services;
event ownership and management; collegiate marketing, media and
licensing; fashion events and models representation; golf course design;
and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers,
European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and
action sports.  IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport
training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training
experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and
professional athletes each year.  More information is available at 
www.imgworld.com <http://www.imgworld.com/> .

 

###

 

Contact:

Jim Gallagher

IMG

(212) 774-4419

Jim.Gallagher@imgworld.com 

 

 

Elon Werner

John Force Racing

(214) 244-1184

elon@johnforceracing.com