NTT becomes IndyCar Series title partner

Announced during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Japanese NTT, the global information technology and communications leader, has signed a multiyear agreement to become the IndyCar Series title partner. It replaces Verizon that announced that it would not be renewing its contract after the 2018 season. In addition, it becomes the official technology partner of IndyCar, the IndyCar Series, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Brickyard 400.

IndyCar will partner with NTT to deliver digital innovations that enhance the fan experience. These innovations include the evolution of IndyCar’s mobile application and adoption of NTT’s proprietary Smart Platform to support the sport and its venues in delivering better insights into the racing series. Part of IndyCar’s agreement with NTT will be remaking the series’ mobile app.

“NTT is proud to be associated with IndyCar and accelerate the future of smart racing,” said Jun Sawada, president and CEO of NTT. “Technological innovations have the potential to change the sport and fan experience drastically. “NTT, along with our partners, aims to bring the Smart World to life as we have done for Smart City, Smart Entertainment, Smart Mobility and Smart Manufacturing. Based on our lengthy and successful experience, including work in mobile applications, analytics and user experience, we will help IndyCar create the next generation of fans globally who aspire to enjoy racing through a more digital experience.”

“Having a strong technology partner is critically important to IndyCar’s continued growth, so we are thrilled to welcome NTT as our new title sponsor,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO of Hulman & Company, which owns IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “IndyCar’s rise in popularity is a testament to the fact that we’ve made the sport as accessible as possible to our fans and we plan to continue in that mission. We have a history with NTT through NTT DATA’s involvement in the sport with Chip Ganassi Racing. We know this partnership will help us attract the next generation of fans to what remains the most competitive racing program on the planet.”

NTT is also extremely interested in IndyCar having a presence outside of the United States, Miles said. “That opportunity, our strategy of having a couple international races that are impactful is attractive to NTT,” he said. “They do business in a huge number of countries. They recognise us as a global brand.”

The 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season consists of 17 races, starting with the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg on 10 March, including the 103rd Indianapolis 500 on 26 May and concluding with the Indycar Grand Prix of Monterey on 22 September.