DETROIT – INDYCAR announced on Tuesday that global information technology and communications leader NTT has signed a multiyear agreement to become the entitlement sponsor of what is now officially named the NTT IndyCar Series.
In addition, NTT becomes the official technology partner of INDYCAR, the NTT IndyCar Series, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. The announcement came during media days for the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center.
“Having a strong technology partner is critically important to INDYCAR’s continued growth, so we are thrilled to welcome NTT as our new title sponsor,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO of Hulman & Company, which owns INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “INDYCAR’s rise in popularity is a testament to the fact that we’ve made the sport as accessible as possible to our fans, and we plan to continue in that mission.
“We have a history with NTT through NTT DATA’s involvement in the sport with Chip Ganassi Racing. We know this partnership will help us attract the next generation of fans to what remains the most competitive racing program on the planet.”
NTT has a 150-year history in technology and communications, dating to its roots in 1869 when the telegraph was first introduced in Japan. NTT was established in 1952 as a government-owned corporation and privatized in 1985. The company is globally a top-five IT services provider and generates more than $106 billion in annual revenue. NTT DATA, a U.S.-based NTT subsidiary headquartered in Plano, Texas, has been a sponsor with Chip Ganassi Racing in the NTT IndyCar Series since 2013.
Under the new agreement, INDYCAR and NTT will partner to deliver digital innovations for sanctioning body INDYCAR and its events. This includes evolution of the INDYCAR mobile application and integration of NTT’s proprietary Smart Platform to support the most diverse and challenging series in motorsports and its racing venues.
“NTT is proud to be associated with INDYCAR and accelerate the future of smart racing,” said Jun Sawada, president and CEO of NTT. “Technological innovations have the potential to change the sport and fan experience drastically.
“NTT, along with our partners, aims to bring the Smart World to life as we have done for Smart City, Smart Entertainment, Smart Mobility and Smart Manufacturing. Based on our lengthy and successful experience, including work in mobile applications, analytics and user experience, we will help to create the next generation of fans globally who aspire to enjoy racing through a more digital experience with INDYCAR.”
The NTT IndyCar Series puts many of the best racers in the world on the most demanding variety of tracks to decide the season champion and recipient of $1 million and the Astor Cup. Competition takes place on temporary street circuits, permanent road courses, short ovals and superspeedways like the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2019 season consists of 17 races, starting with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 10, including the 103rd Indianapolis 500 on May 26 and concluding with the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey on Sept. 22.