Arrow Electronics extends deal with Schmidt Peterson

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) announced today that Arrow Electronics is extending its primary sponsorship of the No. 5 IndyCar via a three-year agreement.

Headquartered in Centennial, Colo., Arrow Electronics is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions.

SPM team co-owner Sam Schmidt, who was severely injured in a practice lap crash in 2000 that left him a quadriplegic, initially collaborated with Arrow on machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies in 2014.

The project enabled him to drive official qualifying laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a uniquely modified 2014 Corvette known as the Arrow Semi-Autonomous Motorcar (SAM). 

The affiliation expanded in early 2015 when Arrow became the primary sponsor of the SPM No. 5 Indy car. The combination went on to win at the one-off GP of NOLA, as driver James Hinchcliffe drove to his fourth IndyCar victory.

Before the season started, Schmidt commented: "This has been an amazing journey from day one. Ever since I received that phone call from Arrow to drive the SAM car, our lives, both on and off the track, have changed dramatically.

"The vehicle became a message that has inspired thousands worldwide while B2B and B2C relationships have blossomed. Arrow will assist our non-profit Conquer Paralysis Now to accomplish its goal of curing paralysis and greatly improving the day-to-day life of those with disabilities.

"In my 20 years of being involved in motorsports at this level, I have never met a group of executives this focused on doing good things for humanity in addition to watching the bottom line. This program proves you can do both."

Michael Long, Arrow's chairman, president and CEO declared: "Arrow's collaboration with Sam Schmidt and SPM is a natural fit - we are both committed to guiding innovation forward to help improve people's lives. We're excited to see the Arrow-sponsored Number 5 car in action during the upcoming IndyCar seasons."

SPM team co-owner Ric Peterson added, "Since the inception of our relationship with Arrow Electronics, I've had the opportunity to meet many members of the organization and I've been highly impressed. From their mission to their services, everything is exceptional.

"A sponsorship extension like this is important for us as a team, so that we can look ahead and focus on long-term results for both sides. I look forward to watching the SPM and Arrow relationship thrive."