National Guard, Delphi to back Meira

National Guard, Delphi announce backing for Vitor Meira

Vitor Meira will have about 500,000 more fans rooting for his first victory. "That kind of support will help take me to Victory Lane," the veteran IndyCar Series driver said during a news conference to announce that the Army National Guard will be a co-primary sponsor with Delphi of the red, white and blue No. 4 car prepared by Panther Racing.

There are about 350,000 men and women in the Army National Guard. Combined with about 150,000 Delphi employees worldwide, the third-year Panther Racing driver will have a strong fan base. "It's fantastic," said Meira, who has 25 top-five finishes in 76 IndyCar Series career starts. "I mean, we've been working on this for the whole off-season. It really paid off. It's really, really good to have National Guard on board with us. It's unbelievable how much not only the know-how but respect and everything that comes with what they have.

"To be representing that, it's going to be awesome. We have a lot to learn with each other. It's a new season for us. It's a new adventure for the National Guard."

Panther Racing announced that the Army National Guard will be a co-primary sponsor of the No. 4 IndyCar Series car driven by Vitor Meira. Delphi will continue as the other co-primary sponsor.

The National Guard's activation plan surrounding its sponsorship is to recruit, enlist and retain soldiers. It is the oldest component of the United States Armed Forces with the duel mission of providing states with units trained and equipped to protect life and property while serving the nation with units ready to defend the country and its interests around the world.

There are about 350,000 men and women in the Army National Guard. Combined with about 150,000 Delphi employees worldwide, the third-year Panther Racing driver will have a strong fan base.

VITOR MEIRA (No. 4 Delphi National Guard Team): ""It's fantastic. We've been working on this for the whole off-season. It really paid off. It's really, really good to have National Guard on board with us. It's unbelievable how much not only the know-how but respect and everything that comes with what they have. To be representing that, it's going to be awesome. We have a lot to learn with each other. It's a new season for us. It's a new adventure for the National Guard."

JOHN BARNES (Co-owner Delphi National Guard Team): "In all my years of racing, I have never been so proud to see a sponsor's logo on the side of my race car."
COL. MIKE JONES (National Guard Recruitment and Retention bureau): "IndyCar Series racing offers an exciting opportunity for the Army National Guard to not only expand its award-winning racing program, but also to display our image and traditions with a new audience of racing fans.