AutoNation Announces New Partnership With McLaren-Honda-Andretti And 2-Time Formula One Champion And Indy 500® Rookie, Fernando Alonso

AutoNation Announces New Partnership With McLaren-Honda-Andretti And 2-Time Formula One Champion And Indy 500® Rookie, Fernando Alonso

PR Newswire

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), America's Largest Automotive Retailer, announced on May 20th that it has partnered with McLaren-Honda to sponsor Fernando Alonso, two-time Formula One Champion, in his first ever Indy 500® race. For the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500®, McLaren-Honda has a limited time partnership with Andretti Autosport, a current partner of AutoNation.

Fernando Alonso is one of the youngest champions in F1 history. The 35-year-old driver will miss the Formula One Grand Prix in Monaco on May 28 to run the Indy 500® instead. Currently, there are five drivers that hold both Formula One World Championship and Indy 500® titles. Alonso wants to not only join this elite group, but go on to win a Triple Crown; Grand Prix of Monaco, Indy 500®, and Le Mans races.

Fernando will be racing in the No. 29 car. Sponsoring Fernando closes the loop for AutoNation, which currently sponsors two Andretti Autosport drivers; long-time teammate and Indy 500® Champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 28) and another newcomer, Jack Harvey (No. 50).

"We are excited to announce this partnership with McLaren-Honda and Fernando Alonso and his historic entrance into the 101st Indy 500®. We wish Fernando great success," said Mike Jackson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer AutoNation.

McLaren Technology Group Executive Director Zak Brown added: "To take the McLaren name back to Indianapolis, and to do it with no less a driver than Fernando Alonso is an incredible honor. We are all looking forward to our partnership with AutoNation as we embark on our epic adventure to race in this weekend's historic 101st Indy 500®."

About AutoNation, Inc.

AutoNation, America's largest automotive retailer, through its bold leadership, innovation and its comprehensive brand extensions, is transforming the automotive industry. As of March 31, 2017, AutoNation owned and operated 372 new vehicle franchises from coast to coast. AutoNation has sold 11 million vehicles, the first automotive retailer to reach this milestone. AutoNation's success is driven by a commitment to delivering a peerless experience through customer-focused sales and service processes. Through its Drive Pink initiative, AutoNation is committed to drive out cancer, create awareness and support critical research. AutoNation continues to be a proud supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other cancer-related charities.

Please visit investors.autonation.com, www.autonation.com, www.autonationdrive.com, www.twitter.com/autonation, www.twitter.com/CEOMikeJackson, www.facebook.com/autonation, and www.facebook.com/CEOMikeJackson, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations.

AutoNation logo (PRNewsFoto/AutoNation, Inc.)

 

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autonation-announces-new-partnership-with-mclaren-honda-andretti-and-2-time-formula-one-champion-and-indy-500-rookie-fernando-alonso-300463460.html

SOURCE AutoNation, Inc.

Copyright CNW Group 2017