BENETEAU PARTNERS WITH RACE CAR DRIVER TOWNSEND BELL
Beneteau America announces its partnership with Townsend Bell, professional race car driver and new brand ambassador for Beneteau’s lines of powerboats. Beneteau will be a personal sponsor of Bell’s No. 6 Robert Graham – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone in the 2014 Indianapolis 500 on May 25, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Ind
"It’s a perfect match when you can promote your passion,” commented Bell. “I have always had a love for the open water; the adventures both above and below. I look forward to promoting Beneteau’s industry-best line of powerboats and yachts. The beautiful simplicity of their European design and cutting-edge performance including innovations like their Airstep ® hull (similar to the F-Duct concept in Formula
1), which make their boats a thrill to enjoy on the water.”
“Townsend embodies the next generation of first-time boat buyers,” commented Laurent Fabre, president of Beneteau America. “It’s only after he purchased his Barracuda 9 from our local Beneteau dealer that the relationship emerged. And we could not be more thrilled to have found in Townsend a spokesperson for our powerboats division. Townsend not only represents our customers, he genuinely believes in our products as much as we do.”
“Supporting Townsend Bell’s racing efforts, starting with his 8th entry in the Indy 500, means we’re able to reach a broader audience of busy professionals who are eager to spend quality time with their family engaged in leisure activities.” added Fabre.
The 2014 Indianapolis 500 will be the 98th running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” It has been held every year since the first race in 1911 except the war years of 1917-1918 and 1942-1945. The race will be contested on May 25, 2014 and will be broadcast live on ABC beginning at 11:00 a.m. (ET).
About Townsend Bell
Townsend Bell made his IndyCar debut in 2004. He has only contested six IndyCar events since 2009 running the Indy 500 five times and competing in one race at Kentucky Speedway, but has been a consistent competitor in the American Le Mans Series and now the United SportsCar Championship. He won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2012, the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2014 (GTD class) and currently leads the championship after two of 11 rounds. Bell is also a Verizon IndyCar Series broadcast analyst for NBC Sports.
About Beneteau America
Beneteau has become a world leader in the manufacturing of seaworthy sailing and power yachts known for their sleek design, quality construction and innovation. The North American Beneteau Powerboats Division encompasses three distinct ranges: the Swift Trawler, Gran Turismo express cruiser, and adventure hungry Barracuda, an all-weather, all-water recreational outboard boat. Headquarters for the Americas is located in Annapolis, Md. Beneteau has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., France, Italy, and Brazil.
