American motor racing series IndyCar has announced that clothing company Izod will conclude its title sponsorship of the championship at the end of the current 2013 season.
Izod joined the IndyCar Series in 2008 as its official apparel provider before taking on the naming rights two years later.
In explaining the decision to discontinue the partnership, Mark Miles – chief executive at IndyCar’s parent company Hulman & Co – cited a change in the series’ commercial focus.
“We are combining and strengthening our commercial functions at IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which will allow us to more aggressively pursue new opportunities for our sport,” Miles said. “Our on-track competition is at an all-time high and IndyCar offers a unique activation platform with brand attributes of speed, technology and innovation.”
He added: “With changes we've made to our overall company structure and the master facility plan underway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we're heading into discussions with some very creative opportunities.”
Meetings at Reliant Park in Houston, Texas and the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California conclude the 2013 IndyCar Series next month.