iRise backs series, PKV.

Software company iRise has revealed that it will launch a two-pronged marketing programme via the Champ Car World Series in 2007, having agreed to become a backer of both the series and leading outfit PKV Racing.

First seen as a sponsor of TRG's Pontiac GT entries in the Grand-Am Rolex Series, iRise has signed a long-term agreement to be an official sponsor of the Champ Car
World Series - becoming the official business software simulation supplier to the championship - and will also appear on the PKV Racing cars run by series co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven, Dan Pettit and 1996 series champion Jimmy Vasser.

As part of its sponsorship, iRise will host a series of CIO Round Table events at the Champ Car meetings in Las Vegas, Toronto, San Jose and Mexico City, providing a unique backdrop to discussion on IT topics and networking opportunities.

"We're proud to be a sponsor of the Champ Car World Series," said chief marketing officer Mitch Bishop, "The parallels between high performance racing teams and high performance businesses are obvious. Moreover, Fortune 1000 CIOs with limited time have found that iRise CIO Round Tables eclipse the value of traditional CIO conferences since they provide unmatched access to peer-based content and the chance to build life-long relationships. Our goal is that these events will become the leading networking and content venue for CIOs, delivering incredible value for the time invested."