Lincoln Electric named official welder of IRL

Lincoln Electric, the world leader in welding technology and products, has been named the Official Welder of the Indy Racing League and a sponsor of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race in a five-year agreement announced Jan. 21 by Speedway and Indy Racing officials.

Lincoln Electric will sponsor the prestigious Indianapolis 500 'Hard Charger Award,' presented to the driver who gains the most positions from the start to the end of the race, and also will provide Indy Racing League teams and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with welding equipment and services.

"Lincoln Electric is proud that the Indy Racing League and Indianapolis Motor Speedway have decided to partner with us," said Carl Peters, director of motorsports for Lincoln Electric. "Our approach is to contribute to the series through equipment and technical support in an effort to make it a safer and more competitive sport."

Lincoln's professional welding staff will be on site at select Indy Racing events and all three IMS races - the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race and the SAP United States Grand Prix.

"Lincoln has a long history in motorsports in general and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in particular," said Jeff Fernandez, assistant vice president of marketing partnerships for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We can't think of a better partner in the industry to accompany us as the Indy Racing League continues to rise in popularity."

Cleveland-based Lincoln Electric also will participate in the new Indy Racing League Leaders Circle program by providing welding equipment and supplies at no cost. The value is $15,000 per team.

Lincoln Electric enjoyed consolidated sales in 2000 of more than $1 billion. The company employs 7,000 with manufacturing sites in 18 countries.