Goodyear is Title Sponsor for 62nd Soap Box Derby
23 February 1999
Goodyear is Title Sponsor for 62nd Soap Box Derby
AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 19 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
hopes to help continue the process of rekindling America's passion with the
All-American Soap Box Derby by taking an active role as national title sponsor
for the 62nd running of the championship race at Derby Downs here on
July 31st.
The championships, and the preceding regional events will be positioned as
the "International Soap Box Derby presented by Goodyear," according to
officials from Goodyear and the International Soap Box Derby, Inc.
"The Soap Box Derby has been gaining momentum over the past several years,
and we are extremely pleased to take an active role in helping to take that
spirit to even higher levels," said Marco Molinari, Goodyear's vice president
of sales and marketing for the North American Tire operations. "On behalf of
all our associates, many who have served as either Derby participants or
volunteers, we are proud to announce this alliance as a natural extension of
Goodyear being No. 1 in racing."
The addition of Goodyear's title sponsorship will create greater awareness
of the event, and support the organizers' drive to attract Derby fans and
participants, said John Piscitelli, chairman of the International Soap Box
Derby, Inc.
As title sponsor, Goodyear has agreed to provide financial support and
assist with marketing and promotional expertise. Goodyear will use its
company-owned retail stores and network of independent tire and service
outlets across the country to promote the Derby.
Portable promotional kits soon will be sent to Goodyear retailers and
dealer stores in approximately 120 regional markets that hold Derby qualifying
races. Further Goodyear involvement includes the supply of registration forms
and order blanks for kit cars at the company's retail stores in local race
city areas. Also, many outlets will host kit-car giveaway contests for youths
in their individual regions.
Piscitelli is happy to welcome Goodyear's sponsorship and the national
impact the company might have on expanding the reach of the Derby.
"Adding the Goodyear name to our Derby this year -- from brochures, to
signage at Derby Downs, to advertising and even to the T-shirts worn by the
champions -- brings a lot of prestige to this event," Piscitelli said.
"Sponsorship by an Akron-based company that is a leader on a global basis is a
perfect fit. I'm sure our other corporate sponsors will agree that the
addition of Goodyear as the lead national sponsor can do nothing but boost the
recognition of the Soap Box Derby."
Goodyear and Derby officials signed the title sponsorship agreement
Jan. 15. The agreement runs until Sept. 30, but as title sponsor, Goodyear
has the option to extend such sponsorship through 2001.
As part of the 1999 agreement, the Goodyear logo/name will appear on all
Derby advertising, on the bridge over the finish line at Derby Downs, and on
various collateral materials sent to participants. Goodyear also will host
the VIP Hospitality Tent on the day of the Derby.
The agreement to join forces with the International Soap Box Derby is
consistent with Goodyear's culture in support of youth. Goodyear officials
have talked about the importance of tapping the potential of today's youth by
guiding and assisting them to career opportunities.
"These young boys and girls who come to Akron each year for the Derby
already have achieved success as hometown winners. Our wish is to further
contribute to a positive and rewarding experience for them," Molinari noted.
More than 300 boys and girls from nearly 120 different locations
throughout the country, along with representatives from other nations, will
arrive in Akron on July 26, for Derby Race Week. They will stay at Camp
Christopher for five days of fun and relaxation. Then, on July 31, they will
compete on the racetrack at Derby Downs.
This year's events in Akron will showcase a series of improvements to
Derby Downs. Included in the $1 million-plus renovations are track
resurfacing, a new finish-line bridge and reconstructed spectator grandstands.