IndyCar sponsor Verizon uses NASCAR driver, Not IndyCar driver in ads

This proves Verizon IndyCar sponsorship is just a Penske B2B deal

Verizon today unveiled a new digital spot around its #weneedmore campaign that supports STEM technology and features several famous athletes, including NASCAR driver Joey Logano. The digital-only ad accompanies a TV spot starring LeBron James that debuted this past weekend.

It is the first consumer-facing interaction between Team Penske's NASCAR operation and Verizon (Penske's longtime IndyCar sponsor) since the telecom category opened back up in NASCAR this year. Such activation would not have been possible under Sprint's exclusive deal.

The spot, shot by R/GA, N.Y., shows Logano, Saints QB Drew Brees, T'Wolves C Karl-Anthony Towns and other stars imploring young viewers to focus more on science and technology jobs than trying to turn pro in sports. The spot has a large ad buy behind it and will be shown on YouTube and other digital outlets. Adam Stern/SBD