Zoeller will keep one eye on Indy 500 this weekend

text size

IMS Photography

Fuzzy Zoeller and driver Ed Carpenter are revved up about their chances in this week's Indianapolis 500.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Fuzzy Zoeller is competing in this week's Senior PGA Championship in Colorado, but that's not the only big sporting event he has an interest in this weekend.

Zoeller will keep close tabs on Sunday's Indianapolis 500, thanks to his involvement as a supporter of the No. 20 Dallara/Honda/Firestone driven by Ed Carpenter of Panther Racing. Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka is the car's primary sponsor for the 2010 Indy 500.

Known as one of the most fun-loving personalities in golf, Zoeller -- an Indiana native -- entered into the spirits business in July 2009, launching his own ultra premium vodka that will be displayed on the No. 20 livery for the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Should Zoeller miss the cut at the Senior PGA Championship, there's a chance he may attend the race on Sunday.

"I've won some majors in my golf career, and there is no doubt the Indianapolis 500 is the major championship in the world of motor racing," said Zoeller, who has 12 wins (including the Masters, the U.S. Open and the Senior PGA Championship) on the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour. "I am very excited about our partnership with Tony (George), Ed (Carpenter) and Panther Racing, and their deep ties to Indiana. I would love to add another major to my resume. Ed's resume on ovals is impressive, so we think we have a shot."

Said Vision Racing team owner Tony George: "This is an exciting development for us. The opportunity to have Fuzzy Zoeller be part of this collaboration between Panther Racing and Vision Racing, with sponsorship from Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka really gives us the confidence we can go out and win. Fuzzy is a true champion and knows what it takes to win. I am very grateful Fuzzy and to all the many people who have come together to support this effort."

Panther Racing, who will field the No.20 along with their No.4 National Guard entry at the 500, boasts 15 IndyCar Series wins, two league championships and has also finished runner-up in each of the last two Indianapolis 500s; in 2008 with Vitor Meira and again last year with current team driver Dan Wheldon.

"It's an honor for both myself and Panther Racing to be able to partner with a Hoosier legend like Fuzzy Zoeller," said John Barnes, Panther Racing CEO & Managing Partner. "The opportunity we have to work with Vision and Tony George, who has been a good friend of mine for years, is extremely exciting for us -- and now maybe Fuzzy can help us with our short game."

Carpenter, a six-year IndyCar Series veteran, will make a return behind the wheel of the No. 20 that he has driven since Vision Racing's inception in 2005. The 29-year-old Indianapolis resident finished the 2009 season by earning his career best finish of second, matched his career best start of fourth, led 35 laps and drove to six top-10 finishes.

"It has been a very long and difficult offseason sitting on the sidelines after such a productive 2009 season and being back to the Indy 500 really means the world to me," Carpenter said. "I'm looking forward to performing competitively and representing these Indiana traditions to the best of my ability."