PaddockTalk

December 29, 2006

Grand-Am Partnership Support Reaches All-Time High in 2006

The new and existing series partners, many of which also support teams in the Rolex Series and KONI Challenge, look toward 2007 with the goal of maximizing their exposure. Opportunities to do so may never be better, as sponsorship value in the Rolex Series alone increased by nearly $11 million over 2006 according to Joyce Julius and Associates, Inc.

The dollar value based on cost per 30 seconds totaled $27,945,255 in 2006, an increase of $10,855,035 over the previous year's total of $17,090,220. The numbers increase was supported by SPEED replays of 10 events in 2006, whereas in 2005, only one event was aired more than once.

Among Rolex Series corporate partners, Pontiac and Rolex led the way for the second consecutive year in 2006, both totaling more than $2.3 million in value. Manufacturers Lexus and Porsche and Daytona Prototype constructor Riley Technologies also totaled huge numbers in exposure value. In the team sponsor category, SunTrust, Crown Royal Special Reserve and TRG were joined in the top-five by 2006 Rolex Series newcomers Ruby Tuesday and Playboy.

Exposure times were based on graphics running order, vehicle identity, windshield identity, driver identification graphics, series title graphics, event title graphics, in-car cameras, driver and crew uniforms and starting lineup graphics.

On-track activity for both the Rolex Series and KONI Challenge gets underway next week with the annual Daytona Test Days, scheduled for Jan. 4-6 at the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway road course. Fans wishing to get up close to all of the action at Daytona Test Days are in for a treat, as the inaugural “Roar Before the Rolex 24” will give fans access to the paddock and the NEXTEL FanZone at Daytona on Friday and Saturday. As part of the “Roar”, the track is hosting a series of 30-minute forums both days, providing fans the opportunity to ask questions of their favorite drivers. Admission for the “Roar Before the Rolex 24” is $5 at the gate and children 12 and under are free.