7-Eleven to sponsor Franchitti, Tracy at Indy.

Team Green has announced that world-renowned convenience store 7-Eleven Inc. will be the primary sponsor for the entries of Dario Franchitti and Paul Tracy in the 86th Indianapolis 500 on 26 May.

Both Franchitti's and Tracy's cars will display the 7-Eleven logo and Big Gulp brand, and the Dallara-Chevrolets will be formally known as the Team Green 7-Eleven entries.

"We're thrilled to partner with Team Green, Dario and Paul for 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing'," said Mike Gade, senior vice president of merchandising for 7-Eleven Inc.

"As one of the world's most prestigious, well-attended and widely watched television sports events, the Indianapolis 500 provides a perfect platform to showcase one of our most prominent brands, Big Gulp, to our customers."

7-Eleven selected Big Gulp to be the featured brand because Memorial Day marks the start of the summer selling season, with warmer weather contributing to fountain sales. The 32oz Big Gulp, one of 7-Eleven's most well established brands, was launched in 1976 and began the introduction of 7-Eleven's family of proprietary Gulp cups.

As the first retailer to offer self-serve fountain drinks, 7-Eleven has long been considered America's favourite beverage destination, offering one of the largest selections of cold beverages with freedom of choice at the fountain machine. 7-Eleven will launch two new TV commercials during the Indianapolis 500 to promote its growing fresh food business. The ads will feature Big Bite hot dogs and new Go-Go Taquitos.

"We couldn't be happier to welcome our newest partner, 7-Eleven, to the Team Green family," said Barry Green, founder/owner of the now combined CART/IRL outfit, "Speaking for Paul, Dario and all of our team-mates, I can assure you Team Green will do
its level best to get back to Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this year."

The 2002 Indianapolis 500 will be 7-Eleven's first open wheel racing sponsorship since the 1986 season, when Kevin Cogan won the first race of the year at Phoenix and finished second at the Indianapolis 500. In addition to 7-Eleven, Klein Tools and Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation also will support the Team Green 7-Eleven entries.

The 2002 Indianapolis 500 will be Tracy's fifth start at the famed 2.5-mile oval while Franchitti will be a rookie, although he will not be required to complete an IRL Rookie Test due to his CART FedEx Championship Series experience. The cars will be officially unveiled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on 5 May.