IMG signs deal with John Force

IMG Sports & Entertainment and legendary racing family John Force Racing (JFR) today announced they have entered into an exclusive, worldwide marketing and representation agreement. Led by 14-time Funny Car Champion John Force, the team of drivers includes Robert Hight, 2008 rookie of the year Mike Neff, 2007 NHRA rookie of the year Ashley Force, and her sisters Brittany and Courtney. With 175 professional tour victories, JFR is motorsports' most dominant and successful professional drag racing team

Under the terms of the agreement, IMG will represent John Force Racing and its drivers in endorsements, publishing endeavors and personal appearances worldwide. IMG will work with JFR to develop and expand the JFR brand and pursue new sponsorship, endorsement, branding and licensing opportunities across a wide array of media, online and mobile. In addition, IMG has been appointed by JFR as its exclusive sponsorship sales agent.

In making the announcement, George F. Pyne, President of IMG Sports and Entertainment said, “IMG is excited to partner with the legendary John Force Racing family and to expand JFR’s business around the world. As a leader in the motorsports industry, we see significant potential in growing the team brand as well as the brands John, Ashley and the other drivers have built already."

“I’m excited NHRA president Tom Compton worked to extend the ESPN television relationship through 2016 and brought in IMG which has opened the doors for many professional teams to get involved and build their own programs," said JFR president John Force. “I am glad to be one of many team owners to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity for my racing family and teams."

“One of the biggest advantages IMG brings to all of NHRA is the chance to look for outside opportunities beyond drag racing. George Pyne has shown he knows how to build a major sponsorship program because he did it with NASCAR and I am encouraged about the progress we all can make together for the NHRA."

The addition of JFR further solidifies IMG’s position as a premier Motorsports agency. IMG currently works with the National Hot Rod Association and the Moto GP World Championship, represents successful racing teams including the Williams F1, produces the Gold Coast 300, and distributes media for the Le Mans event in France. IMG also manages the business affairs of sports icons including Jackie Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Danica Patrick. IMG Consulting currently advises The Coca-Cola Company and Allstate on their NASCAR sponsorships.