PPG Expands Sponsorship Of Team Penske
 |
Bringing new opportunities to one of the most enduring partnerships in racing, Team Penske announced today that PPG is expanding its relationship with the organization in 2018.
Team Penske and PPG will celebrate their 34th season together in 2018 with the company reaffirming its commitment by becoming a primary sponsor of the team’s No. 12 Ford Fusion driven by Ryan Blaney in six Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) races next season.
As part of the enhanced program, PPG will also serve as an associate sponsor for Blaney – one of NASCAR’s up and coming young stars – and the No. 12 Ford for the balance of the MENCS season. The company will also continue as an associate sponsor on all Team Penske cars competing in the Verizon IndyCar Series and both DJR Team Penske entries racing in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
“PPG has been a trusted and valued partner with Team Penske for over 30 years as one of our longest-tenured sponsors," said Roger Penske. “It has been exciting to see the partnership grow over the last three plus decades and we will work together as we continue to build the PPG brand through an increased presence with our team in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series."
The No. 12 PPG Ford Fusion will compete with Blaney in the 2018 MENCS races at Auto Club Speedway, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the road course events at Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International, the NASCAR Playoff opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the fall Playoff event at Phoenix International Raceway.
“Having Ryan Blaney behind the wheel of a Team Penske car sponsored by PPG is going to make for a thrilling season – one we’re really looking forward to," said John Outcalt, PPG, vice president, global automotive refinish. “Penske and PPG have always had a winning tradition. Together we’ve shown we’re a force to be reckoned with. And with Ryan on the track, we’re looking to add to our joint legacy."
Team Penske and PPG established their partnership in 1984 through PPG’s participation in motorsports and sponsorship of the PPG Cup from 1979 to 1999 in the CART Series, where Penske Racing teams competed. The opportunities between the two companies started with PPG providing paint for Penske’s race cars. Over the years, the relationship has grown and PPG has become Penske Corporation’s largest supplier of refinish coatings for its racing, truck leasing and automotive collision repair subsidiaries.
“It’s great to see some of our current partners step up and become a part of the No. 12 team for next year and beyond," said Blaney, who will turn 24 during the off-season. “PPG is a name and that everyone recognizes. They’ve been a part of Team Penske for a long time, so it’s great to see them strengthen their support of our group. I’m excited to see the PPG car on the track the first time."
The 2018 NASCAR Cup Series regular season begins with the 60th anniversary running of the Great American Race, the Daytona 500, on February 18. PPG’s first primary race will be the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, March 18.