Schmidt Peterson Motorsports announced on Sunday, May 3 that Smithfield Foods will be the primary sponsor of Conor Daly's car for the Indianapolis 500.
Bob Weber, Vice President of Corporate Marketing for Smithfield Foods, said in the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports press release, “Motorsports has proven to be a dynamic and productive marketing tool for our brands; we have brought our associations to the store and fans have responded phenomenally. IndyCar represented the next horizon for us, and our partnership with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and driver Conor Daly, whom I have monitored since his days in karting, is a very special opportunity. I’m not sure how we could make our debut into this sport at a better venue than at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!”
Team owner Sam Schmidt added, “It will be great to be associated with such an iconic brand as Smithfield, having enjoyed their products on a regular basis.”
Daly said, “I am ecstatic to partner with Smithfield and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500. I have had a great relationship with Sam Schmidt since driving for him in Indy Lights and I’ve always wanted a shot with his Verizon IndyCar Series team. It’s an honor to make my second attempt at running the Indy 500 representing a company like Smithfield who have a great passion for motorsports. I can’t thank everyone enough who have put in the hours to pull this program together. I am confident we will all benefit from this relationship going forward and I can’t wait to get to work on track!”
The No. 43 car, decked out in Smithfield's blue, red and white racing colours, is likely to be a hit with fans, especially as it is reminiscent of the iconic blue livery associated with the late Greg Moore. Practice for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 begins on Monday, May 11, with the race itself taking place on Sunday, May 24.