INDYCAR and the USA TODAY Sports Media Group announced that they have entered into a multi-year official marketing relationship that will make USA TODAY Sports and its affiliated properties a preferred marketing partner of INDYCAR in the United States.

As part of the agreement, INDYCAR and its official sponsors will have the opportunity to purchase advertising at preferred rates as well as the ability to help develop several INDYCAR-themed special sections over the course of each year of the agreement.

“INDYCAR is one of the premier sports properties in the world and we’re thrilled to be able to partner with them,” said Dave Morgan, president of USA TODAY Sports Media Group. “We’re looking forward to collaborating on ways to maximize our unique cross-platform capabilities in order to create the greatest impact and value for INDYCAR and their partners.”

“USA TODAY reaches millions of potential fans every day and this partnership is a big step forward in our efforts to grow the Verizon IndyCar Series,” said CJ O’Donnell, INDYCAR chief marketing officer. “This partnership will ensure we leverage USA TODAY’s digital and print platforms to showcase our drivers, and the excitement of our sport, to an expansive audience.”

As part of the partnership, USA TODAY Sports will also expand its digital coverage in the sport via USATODAY.com and a greater collaborative editorial effort with the Indianapolis Star. USA TODAY and the Star are Gannett properties.