Forgeline Motorsports expands marketing presence with IMSA

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Forgeline Motorsports L.L.C. has increased its marketing involvement with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) for the remainder of the sports car racing sanctioning body's 2018 season, a move that puts the alloy wheel producer more into the realm of an IMSA media partner.

Forgeline's increased involvement will bolster a support vendor relationship that dates to the early 1990s, according to David Pettit, vice president, marketing, for IMSA.

"Forgeline has been a part of the IMSA paddock for many years," Mr. Pettit said, "and we appreciate the opportunity to work more broadly with their team to expand their brand's presence and tell the Forgeline story."

Forgeline said it has increased its advertising presence at IMSA events with ad banners and will have a greater exposure on IMSA's various social media endeavors, including Twitter (@IMSA), Facebook and Instagram.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Forgeline Vice President Steve Schardt called the expanded presence a "natural progression" for his company, considering its nearly 30-year relationship with IMSA.

"The Schardt family has three generations currently racing, and it is our goal to keep sports car racing thriving in the United States. Sports car racing and IMSA have always been a part of Forgeline, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the series."

Forgeline Motorsports designs, engineers and builds its lightweight forged aluminum wheels at its factory in Dayton, Ohio. It is the only U.S. producer with wheel homologated for the new international GT4 racing category, which includes the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro participating in IMSA's Continental Tire Challenge series.

Earlier this year, Forgeline signed a sponsorship deal with the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) racing series that provides it with brand exposure through the PWC's promotional efforts.

Forgeline also is a sponsor of the National Auto Sport Association, Sports Car Club of America, CAM Challenge, Goodguys autocrossing, DriveAutoX and the Midwest Muscle Car Challenge.