Verizon, which became the world’s largest wireless provider with its $5.9B acquisition of Alltel, will sponsor a Penske Racing car in the Nationwide Series this year, industry sources say. The Verizon marks are expected to adorn Penske Racing’s #12 Dodge driven by Justin Allgaier.(Sports Business Journal)(1-16-2009)
UPDATE: Penske Racing announced that it will team with Verizon Wireless to field a full-season entry in the 2009 Nationwide Series. The #12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger will be driven by Justin Allgaier, the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series champion. (Penske Racing PR), see an image of the car on the #12 Paint Schemes page.(1-19-2009)
UPDATE 2: The agreement with Penske Racing, which also includes associate sponsorship of two cars in the Indy open-wheel racing league, came about after Verizon Wireless acquired Alltel, which had a nine-year agreement with Penske Racing. As part of its foray into racing, Verizon Wireless is also setting up a new channel on its V Cast video subscription service. Through the channel, racing fans will be able to get behind-the-scenes interviews with drivers, recaps of races, highlights and other racing information. The company plans to have wrapped vehicles emblazoned with the Verizon Championship logo at the Daytona 500 as well as hospitality tents and interactive activities touting Verizon Wireless.(Media Post)(1-19-2009)
