Smith & Wesson to sponsor Arie Jr at Indy.

Arie Luyendyk Jr, currently leading the polls as the most popular driver of the 2003 Infiniti Pro Series season, has been handed a double boost for Saturday's historic Freedom 100 with the news that the legendary Smith & Wesson gun making firm will provide personal sponsorship while current associate backers Grill 2 Go will elevate their interest to a primary role.

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, parent company of the legendary 151-year-old handgun maker Smith & Wesson Corp., will sponsor IRL Infiniti Pro Series driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. in the inaugural Freedom 100 on May 17 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The partnership marks the first time Smith & Wesson has sponsored a driver since the 1970s, when Smith & Wesson sponsored NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt.

"We are pleased to announce the signing of Smith &Wesson as a sponsor for the Freedom 100," Luyendyk said. "As the world's largest manufacturer of handcuffs and restraints, with their emphasis on safety and security, I couldn't be more pleased to have one of the 50 most-recognizable brands on our car for this historic race."

Said Corey Lambrecht, executive vice president of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, "It's an outstanding opportunity to get the Smith & Wesson brand exposed to the auto racing demographic that is clearly in alignment with our brand attributes of quality, craftsmanship, safety and security."

In addition to the support from Smith and Wesson, Grill 2Go, the team's associate sponsor for the 2003 season, will serve as primary sponsor of Luyendyk's No. 5 Dallara/Infiniti/ Firestone for the Freedom 100.

"It's nice to have such a great product behind me," Luyendyk said. "Without Grill 2 Go's support, this season wouldn't be possible, and having them step up to be a major sponsor for the Freedom 100 is an added bonus."