What began in 2008 as an experimental model between INDYCAR and Apex-Brasil has blossomed into a $1 billion partnership that is forecast to bear more fruit in the years ahead.  

On Race Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard announced an extnsion of the agreement with Apex-Brasil -- the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotions Agency -- to continue as an official partner of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights through 2014.

Apex-Brasil promotes exports of Brazilian products and services in more than 80 sectors, contributing to the internationalization of Brazilian companies and attracting foreign investment into Brazil.

"Brazil is a very important piece of business for INDYCAR. More importantly, we look at Apex-Brasil as a family member," said Bernard, who noted the Brazilian drivers in the IZOD IndyCar Series and Mazda Road to Indy along with the successful Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 run in April.

The extension will see Apex-Brasil continue to leverage its promotion of Brazilian products by activating its sponsorship through Business to Business relationships at INDYCAR events and elsewhere. Along with the Indianapolis 500 -- the marquee event on the IZOD IndyCar Series calendar -- most recently Brazilian products and fashion are being featured in Macy's stores across the nation.

“The presence and active involvement of Apex Brasil has contributed to the great success of the IZOD IndyCar Series both domestically and in Brazil over the past four years, and we hope this will continue for the next two seasons and create many more B2B opportunities that can be mutually beneficial,” Bernard added.

"Corporate involvement is essential if you want to make it as a sports property. This relationship is one of those that is more like a family. What we need to do is continue to grow the export business for Brazil, which helps everybody."

The partnership is unique in professional sports.

“We at Apex-Brasil are very excited with this opportunity to extend our relationship with INDYCAR for two more years," Apex-Brasil president Mauricio Borges said. "Of course, we knew when we started all this back in 2008 that this was going to be a very fruitful partnership. But the results exceeded our expectations generating so far over two billion dollars in new businesses for Brazilian exporters and at every race we see more  great results and discover more potential for growth.”