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CART: Simple Green named primary sponsor for CART safety team

24 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

DETROIT- Championship Auto Racing Teams announced today that it has entered into a three-year agreement with Simple Green, the non-toxic cleaning formula, to serve as the primary sponsor of the CART Safety Team. Beginning in 2001, the elite group will be recognized as the Simple Green CART Safety Team.

Simple Green also joins CART's list of official partners as the "Official Cleaner and Degreaser" of the FedEx Championship Series, the Dayton Indy Lights Championship and the Toyota Atlantic Championship.

"We are delighted to have Simple Green join CART as the primary sponsor of the CART Safety Team," said interim CART President and CEO Bobby Rahal. "Safety is a priority at both CART and Simple Green and it's great to have a company like Sunshine Makers, Inc., and its Simple Green product line join the CART family to raise the awareness for CART racing and our shared commitment to safety."

Simple Green first entered motorsports this season with the sponsorship of the SCCA Trans-Am Series Rapid Response Team. The Simple Green family of products, manufactured and sold globally, are non-toxic cleaning solutions currently used both in the home and for industrial purposes. The partnership will reinforce the strong commitment to safety held by both CART and Simple Green.

"We are very proud to announce this partnership with CART," said Mark Carter, Director of Marketing for Simple Green. "The one-of-a-kind Safety Team that CART fields provides an outstanding podium for Simple Green to promote its industry-leading cleaning solutions and our absolute commitment to safety. We view this as a truly winning combination."

The Simple Green CART Safety Team will be seen around the track at every race next season. Since its inception in 1984, CART's Safety Team has been providing state-of-the-art safety, rescue and medical services to the FedEx Championship Series. The group is comprised of highly-trained doctors, nurses and emergency response personnel who are trackside at every event. They operate CART's $1 million modern mobile trauma and physical therapy unit and a fleet of Toyota Tundra rapid-response vehicles that rush immediately to the scene of an incident. Officials, drivers and race team members have credited the CART Safety Team with significant contributions toward improvement of the sport's safety record.

"This partnership offers Simple Green one of the most unique marketing platforms in sports," added John Rowady, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ISL United States. "Simple Green's sponsorship of the CART Safety Team will generate a push for both their popular consumer and

industrial brands. The CART Safety Team is a diamond in the rough, unique property utilizing specially fitted Toyota Tundras that are seen by millions of fans each year. We congratulate Mark Carter and Simple Green for having the marketing savvy to take advantage of this opportunity."

Simple Green was developed over 25 years ago as a cleaner/degreaser with the fundamental principles in mind to create a safer, more effective, less expensive cleaning solution, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals and solvents.

Text provided by Lisa Ramsperger

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