Marco Andretti gets new sponsor for 2012

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. and Andretti Autosport announced today that RC Cola will power Andretti Autosport's No. 26 entry for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season, driven by Marco Andretti, as part of a multi-year partnership.

Since its launch in 1905 (then know as "Royal Crown Cola"), RC Cola has been a soft drink that embodies individuality and entrepreneurial spirit. RC's crisp, clean taste distinguishes it from other colas and has become a favorite of cola drinkers throughout America.

Car livery and additional details on the partnership will be unveiled at a later date. The No. 26 Team RC Cola car will debut at the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season-opener March 23-25 on the Streets of St. Petersburg. 2012 will be the sixth year Andretti Autosport and Dr Pepper Snapple Group have joined together to field an IndyCar.

RC Cola is part of the Dr Pepper Snapple Group based in Plano, Texas. Dr Pepper Snapple Group is the leading producer of flavored beverages in North America and the Caribbean. In addition to their flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, the company's portfolio includes Sunkist soda, 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Crush, Mott's, Squirt, Hawaiian Punch, Peñafiel, Clamato, Schweppes, Venom Energy Drink, Rose's and Mr & Mrs T mixers.

Andretti, winner at Iowa Speedway in June, is currently battling for a position in the top-five in the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series point standings. The Nazareth, Pa. driver currently ranks seventh, just 25 points out of fifth place. The 24-year-old third-generation star has recorded three top-five finishes and six top-ten placings already this year in 11 events. Andretti's first IZOD IndyCar Series victory came in 2006 at Infineon Raceway, Andretti's rookie year on the IndyCar trail.