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SCCA: Johnson Controls renews sponsorship with RocketSports Racing for 2000 BFGoodrich Trans-Am Series

25 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--Johnson Controls , under its HomeLink brand, has renewed its primary sponsorship with Lansing, Mich.-based Rocketsports Racing for the 2000 BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series season.

Paul Gentilozzi, of Lansing, Mich., won back-to-back BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series Drivers' Championships in 1998 and 1999 and will again handle the driving responsibilities in 2000. The 2000 season marks Johnson Controls' third season with Rocketsports Racing in BFGoodrich Tires Trans-Am Series competition.

HomeLink, Johnson Controls' electronic communications system that activates garage doors as well as home lighting, security, gate, and door-locking systems, will enter its second season as the primary sponsor with the team.

"Johnson Controls has become an integral team player on the Rocketsports team and in the Trans-Am Series," said Gentilozzi. "Our success can only be achieved with the support of a partner who shares our passion for excellence. We're privileged to have a major sponsor the caliber of Johnson Controls and we are pleased to play a role in their marketing efforts."

"Racing is a great example of the team work, dedication, and commitment to automotive performance that Johnson Controls brings to the 23 million vehicles we supply each year with automotive interior products," said Michael Suman, group Vice President for advanced sales, marketing and development worldwide for Johnson Controls. "Paul and the entire Rocketsports team have been great to work with and we look forward to a third winning season."

HomeLink is one of the most successful brand-name products for Johnson Controls and the industry overall, available on more than 100 different 2000 model year vehicles.

"Racing has been a great outlet to increase consumer awareness and interest for the HomeLink Transceiver," added Suman.

The HomeLink Universal Transceiver from Johnson Controls can be integrated into a vehicle's overhead console, visor or rear-view mirror. Future versions of HomeLink will enable drivers to remotely check tire pressure and will integrate remote keyless entry devices.

The Plymouth, Mich.-based automotive business of Johnson Controlswhich employs more than 65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwideachieved $12 billion in sales for the 1999 fiscal year. In 2000, it will supply interior products for more than 23 million vehicles.

Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it 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, Wis. Its sales for 1999 totaled $16.1 billion.

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