Hitachi, Lowe’s to sponsor Vision car for rest of 2007
“It is our great pleasure to welcome Hitachi Power Tools and Lowe’s to the Vision Racing team for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing," team co-owner, Tony George, said. “Hitachi’s reputation for developing the latest in high-tech power tools, commitment to speed, precision and durability as well as its strong consumer appeal makes them a great fit for our team, for the Indianapolis 500, and the IndyCar Series."
The agreement between Vision Racing and Hitachi Power Tools for the 2007 season brings a great new partner to the paddock. Hitachi is the only tool manufacturer that offers a complete line of electric, cordless and pneumatic power tools as well as a full line of accessories and fasteners. Hitachi is keenly focused on producing the most technologically advanced tools on the market. Their commitment to technological excellence has resulted in making Hitachi Power Tools superior in the industry and a perfect fit for the demanding tool-intensive IndyCar Series.
It is that very drive and ability that will push Vision Racing to new success at Indianapolis this year.
Hitachi Power Tools Director of Marketing, Tim Young, said, “IndyCar is the most technologically advanced form of racing in North America. We are proud to support a team and League that breed the same dedication to excellence as we do and offers great visibility to an audience that appreciates superior technology and performance."
Hitachi is utilizing the Vision Racing marketing platform as a new foundation for in-store promotions and as an extension of its relationship with Lowe’s.
There is no mistaking a Hitachi Power Tool. The unmatched performance and bright green color make it noticeable around the house or on any job site. The same can be said for the No. 20 machine this month as it will too be graced with the vibrant Hitachi Power Tools green. Veteran driver and Indianapolis resident, Ed Carpenter, will race the No. 20 Hitachi Power Tools Vision Racing special on the 2.5-mile oval for the third straight season.
Carpenter led his Vision Racing teammates at Indy last year with an 11th place finish, matching his finish from the year before. He started the 2006 affair from the 12th spot, also his highest starting position for that race. In the 2006 race, he ran as high as eighth place. He is currently in his third season with Vision Racing and fourth overall in the IndyCar Series.
He said, “I live for Indy and the month of May, so to have Hitachi Power Tools and Lowe’s on the car and with the team this year will be a huge asset to our Indy 500 effort. I’m hungry for better results at Indianapolis and now we’ve got the right tools to make it happen. Not to mention, this is a cool sponsor and I’m a big fan of their line of tools."
The partnership is between Hitachi Power Tools, Lowe’s and the No. 20 machine is a match made in heaven for Carpenter. An avid home-repair junkie, Carpenter recently hung up the hammer at a long-time family home as he and wife, Heather, moved to a new home in Indianapolis leaving behind a home full of blood, sweat, tears and plenty of history.
A do-it-yourself mentality provided Carpenter plenty of time to practice his craft in home repair as he remodeled his former Speedway, Ind. home. Carpenter still owns the home which is something of a relic in the Hulman-George family. Just blocks from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Carpenter’s former residence was purchased as new in 1955 by stepfather Tony George’s parents, Elmer and Mari George. Tony grew up in the home as a boy and for a time, drivers A.J. Foyt and Roger McCluskey lived in the basement. He’s keeping his home improvement skills fresh as he is currently renovating another property he hopes to sell in the near future. Of course, Hitachi Power Tools and Lowe’s are an essential part of Carpenter’s home repair ventures.
Joining Carpenter and the No. 20 Hitachi Power Tools Vision Racing for the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 includes team sponsors Lowe’s, CardioChek, HP, Bombardier Learjet, and MSC Seating Corporation.
“We’ve got a great group of partners behind us for this year’s race, George noted. “That kind of commitment to success will undoubtedly reap dividends for Vision Racing in 2007."