PNC Bank to back Dixon’s IndyCar in 2018

Dixon to be backed by PNC Bank, while the NTT Data sponsorship goes on the Ed Jones car

PNC Bank and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), today announced an agreement designating PNC as the primary sponsor of the Chip Ganassi Racing No. 9 Honda for the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season. The sponsorship represents an expansion of the PNC-CGR relationship that dates back to 2013 when PNC Bank became an official sponsor of Chip Ganassi Racing.

Driven by four-time IndyCar Series champion, Scott Dixon, the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda will appear in eight markets within the PNC footprint. Most notably, Dixon and the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda will be seen competing in the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27. The PNC entry will be well traveled during the season as it is transported more than 80,000 miles to races across the country.

"As a Pittsburgh native, PNC was a trusted brand I grew up with. I opened up my first account as a teenager and that relationship later expanded to include my business financing," said Chip Ganassi, Team Owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. "Our racing team has enjoyed a formal relationship with PNC since 2013 where we have created opportunities to introduce our love of the sport of racing to PNC and their clients. Today's announcement allows us to expand the fan experience at race tracks across the U.S. and take our two winning brands to a global viewing audience."

"Expanding our association with Chip Ganassi Racing and champion driver Scott Dixon brings together two organizations specializing in innovation, determination and a commitment to excellence," said PNC Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer William S. Demchak. "As we debut the No. 9 PNC Bank Indy car this season, the global brand visibility and the unique race track experiences we can offer clients around the country will bring new opportunities for us in an industry that attracts an estimated 54 million fans."

The paint scheme color combination is quite eye-catching

Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 30 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world. Today his teams include two cars in the Verizon IndyCar Series, two cars in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, one car in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, two factory Ford GT's in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and two factory Ford GT's in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Overall his teams have 18 championships and 200 victories, including four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400, eight Rolex 24 At Daytonas, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis, and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh. For more information log onto www.chipganassiracing.com

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.