Marsh, IMS sign three-year deal.

Marsh Supermarkets and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have signed a three-year contract expanding their relationship, giving Marsh a greater presence at the two largest-attended sporting events in the world, the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series event.

Under terms of the new contract, Marsh is designated the 'Official Supermarket' of both motorsports events and is the provider of the 'Official Box Lunch' for both events. Marsh also will be the presenting sponsor of the Plaza Chalets, an infield hospitality complex with a capacity of approximately 1800 persons used for both events. It is the first time presentation-naming rights have been assigned to the Plaza Chalets.

"We are excited about the new opportunities this partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway creates for both our customers and our store locations," said Don E Marsh, chairman and CEO of Marsh Supermarkets, "Marsh, being the hometown grocery retailer since 1931, feels honoured to align with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Hulman-George family hosts three of the greatest auto racing events in the world, and we look forward to being their partner for exciting Indiana traditions: the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and the United States Grand Prix."

The growing relationship also calls for a major marketing presence associated with both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.

Marsh will be the local presenting sponsor of the 500's Pole Weekend, scheduled for 11-12 May, including Saturday's Pole Day when the fastest qualifier takes the top starting position for the 86th Indianapolis 500 on 26 May.

Marsh Mother's Day is Sunday 12 May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is also the second day of qualifying for the 500, when Marsh will play host to a public Mother's Day brunch at the Marsh Plaza Chalets from 1000-1400hrs. An advance-purchase combo ticket for the brunch and admission to the Speedway grounds on Mother's Day is available at Marsh Supermarket locations for $20. Tickets for the brunch also will be available at the Plaza Chalets for $16 on 12 May.

"Marsh's commitment to expand their promotional efforts around the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 via creative retail initiatives is what makes this relationship work," said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, "This new, long-term partnership reflects Marsh's position as central Indiana's leading supermarket and is further evidence of their dedication to our community."

Marsh has partnered with Pepsi, the official soft drink of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for the IMS Legends Bobblehead Promotion, and will be the retail outlet for the free bobblehead dolls of four-time Indianapolis 500 winners AJ Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears.

Customers of Marsh will receive a free bobblehead doll with the purchase of two cases of Pepsi at Marsh locations throughout Indiana. Bobbleheads also will be given to the first 5000 fans attending qualifying days and practice on Pepsi Fun Day 18 May.

Marsh also is providing customers with the opportunity to purchase qualification tickets at all Indiana Marsh store locations. Additionally, customers may receive a free Checkered Flag box lunch, the Official Box Lunch of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with each qualification ticket purchased.

Lyn St. James, one of only three women to compete in the Indianapolis 500, will make special appearances for Marsh on 12 May, speaking at the Marsh Mother's Day brunch and sign copies of her new book, Ride of Your Life.