Tequila Patr¢n will return as title sponsor
“Welcoming Tequila Patr¢n back as the title sponsor of our Long Beach round for the second straight year marks a significant reunion, one that proved last year to be a very successful collaboration," said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series. “Tequila Patr¢n has become a benchmark example of a marketing partner that aggressively activates its involvement on and off the track. Southern California is arguably the most important market for all of the American Le Mans Series’ stakeholders, and Tequila Patr¢n’s investment at Long Beach will enable all involved to benefit from the unparalleled atmosphere and major market impact associated with this world-class event."
The Patr¢n Spirits Company, known for the finest top-quality spirits, including its signature Patr¢n tequila line, proudly fosters its identity as an innovative leader and a world-class brand. Synonymous with that of the American Le Mans Series and its host city, Tequila Patr¢n further enhances the prominence and premier value esteemed by the spectators and corporate partners attending the racing event.
“Tequila Patr¢n became involved with the Grand Prix of Long Beach to establish a stronger relationship with the one of North America’s most diverse and affluent markets," said Ed Brown, President and CEO of the Patr¢n Spirits Company. “The consumers that support Tequila Patr¢n and the spectators that attend the American Le Mans Series at Long Beach are one in the same."
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| Patr¢n Highcroft Racing and Acura have moved to P1 for 2009. |
Tequila Patr¢n is continuing its prominent activation program with the American Le Mans Series in 2009. It will bring back Club Patr¢n to all Series events, providing a high-end stop for social entertainment on event weekends. Tequila Patron is the primary sponsor for Acura’s Patr¢n Highcroft Racing that claimed its first Series victory in LMP2 last year at Long Beach. It went on to win three additional times in class including an overall win at Lime Rock Park.
For 2009, Patr¢n Highcroft Racing has transitioned from the LMP2 class to LMP1 in an ARX-02a and returns with drivers David Brabham and Scott Sharp. Dario Franchitti joined them at the recent 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida.
The Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg is the second round of the 2009 American Le Mans Series. The green flag is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 4 from the St. Petersburg street circuit. ABC Sports will televise the race live beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET Live Timing & Scoring and American Le Mans Radio can be found at the new americanlemans.com. Satellite radio subscribers can hear the race live from 1 to 3:30 p.m. ET on XM Channel 244 and Sirius Channel 126.