PNC Bank to Sponsor Dixon for 2018 IndyCar Season

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

Chip Ganassi Racing announced that PNC Bank will be the primary sponsor the No. 9 Honda, driven by Scott Dixon, for the upcoming Verizon IndyCar Series season.

The announcement brings an ease to lingering questions about sponsor woes, which began after longtime partner Target left their Indy car involvement with the team at the end of 2016.

The full release can be seen below.

— PNC Bank and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), today announced an agreement designating PNC as the primary sponsor of the Chip Ganassi Racing No. 9 Honda for the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season. The sponsorship represents an expansion of the PNC-CGR relationship that dates back to 2013 when PNC Bank became an official sponsor of Chip Ganassi Racing.

Driven by four-time IndyCar Series champion, Scott Dixon, the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda will appear in eight markets within the PNC footprint. Most notably, Dixon and the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda will be seen competing in the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27. The PNC entry will be well traveled during the season as it is transported more than 80,000 miles to races across the country.

“As a Pittsburgh native, PNC was a trusted brand I grew up with. I opened up my first account as a teenager and that relationship later expanded to include my business financing,” said Chip Ganassi, Team Owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. “Our racing team has enjoyed a formal relationship with PNC since 2013 where we have created opportunities to introduce our love of the sport of racing to PNC and their clients. Today’s announcement allows us to expand the fan experience at race tracks across the U.S. and take our two winning brands to a global viewing audience.”

“Expanding our association with Chip Ganassi Racing and champion driver Scott Dixon brings together two organizations specializing in innovation, determination and a commitment to excellence,” said PNC Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer William S. Demchak. “As we debut the No. 9 PNC Bank Indy car this season, the global brand visibility and the unique race track experiences we can offer clients around the country will bring new opportunities for us in an industry that attracts an estimated 54 million fans.”