Danica Patrick, "Star" Of The 89th Indianapolis 500 Was Sponsored by Norwalk Furniture

Furniture World Magazine

Norwalk Furniture, a well known manufacturer of custom upholstered furniture, was the first sponsor to believe in Danica Patrick, signing her sponsorship agreement in June 2002. The world watched as the rookie driver started in fourth position at this Sunday's 89th Indianapolis 500the highest start for a woman in the race's historyand nearly won it all by finishing fourth. Her incredible drive to win combined with a strong sense of self is what made Norwalk Furniture realize she was a winner from the start. Just 23 years old and 5' 1" tall, 100-pound Danica Sue Patrick does not fit the stereotypical image of a racecar driver in a male-dominated sport. She's beautiful and stylish. She loves yoga and shopping. She prefers eating healthy and relaxing in a chaise lounge while watching "Sex in the City." "Danica knows her own style," says Jim Gerken, president and CEO of Norwalk Furniture, "And she is not afraid to do what she loves. She has always represented everything that Norwalk Furniture believes. Through thousands of custom furniture and fabric options, Norwalk also is in the business of empowering women to choose what they love and dare to be themselves." A fresh face in the sport, Danica prefers furniture that is clean and classic, a sort of "understated urban" look. She likes casual, transitional pieces that make her home a quiet respite from the roar of the race track. Gerken says, "Open-wheel racing and home furnishings might not seem like a match, but Danica's 'be yourself' approach resonates with Norwalk Furniture's customers." When Danica made a store appearance at a Norwalk location in Tampa, hundreds of fans were lined up to meet the woman who's shaking up the racing world. As part of her partnership with Norwalk Furniture, Danica makes appearances at Norwalk Furniture locations across the country, is featured in a magazine advertising campaign, and presents the "Rising Star" award to the company's most successful up-and-coming salespeople. Gerken adds, "Danica is driven to win, but above all, to be herself. For that, Norwalk Furniture is proud to be on her team." For more information on Norwalk Furniture, go to www.norwalkfurniture.com.