Fifth Third Bank, Kalitta Motorsports Sign Multiyear Partnership Extension
Note: For members of the media on site in Gainesville this week, Team Kalitta drivers Doug Kalitta, J.R. Todd and Shawn Langdon will join Fifth Third Bank executives in the Team Kalitta hospitality area for interviews and photo opportunities at 11 a.m. Friday morning, March 10.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (March 6, 2023) --- A long-time partner of both Kalitta Air and Kalitta Motorsports, Fifth Third Bank, National Association, signed a multi-year contract extension and will be a team partner through the 2026 NHRA season, the team announced today.
With its branding prominently displayed on all three Kalitta Motorsports entries driven by Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and J.R. Todd, Fifth Third Bank will begin its fourth year of Kalitta partnership when the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series begins at the historic NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 9-12, 2023.
“We are excited to extend our sponsorship of Kalitta Motorsports and continue to support this dynamic, top-notch racing team and organization,” said David Girodat, regional president, Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan. “This strategic partnership with Kalitta also solidifies Fifth Third’s commitment to motorsports as the leading financial institution in racing.”
At Kalitta Motorsports with Shawn Langdon’s Gainesville car, seen here left-to-right, are Doug Kalitta, David Girodat, Regional President, Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan, Terry Solomon, Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager III, Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan and Jeff Leithauser, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Line of Business Manager, Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan. (photo Courtesy: Kalitta Motorsports)
With significant presence on the front of Langdon’s Top Fuel dragster at Gainesville, Fifth Third will be an associate on all three cars for the remainder of the season. They will continue to entertain existing and potential clients at the Kalitta VIP hospitality area.
Fifth Third will also be incorporated into the robust Kalitta Motorsports business-to-business program which presents opportunities for team partners to work together in an effort to enhance each organization’s business.
“We are very appreciative of our partnership with Fifth Third Bank,” Team Kalitta general manager Chad Head said. “With Fifth Third, it’s more than a partnership – it’s a long-term relationship, and we are grateful for their support of our race team as well as Kalitta Air. We look forward to making these next four years as mutually beneficial as possible and celebrating with them in the winner’s circle this season.”
Through its partnership with Kalitta Motorsports, as well as existing partnerships in NASCAR and INDYCAR over the last decade, Fifth Third Bank further demonstrates its commitment to Motorsports by providing the financial expertise to each of its partners and other stakeholders in the industry. Fifth Third also supports motorsports as a founding PRI member and active member of SEMA.
About Fifth Third:
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust. Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com.
About Kalitta Motorsports:
Kalitta Motorsports is a three-car team competing in the 21-race NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Camping World Drag Racing Series. Founded by team owner Conrad “Connie” Kalitta in 1959, Kalitta Motorsports fields two Top Fuel dragsters driven by Doug Kalitta and 2013 NHRA Top Fuel champion Shawn Langdon as well as a Funny Car driven by 2018 NHRA Funny Car champion J.R. Todd. Located in Ypsilanti, Mich., the team owns four World Championships and more than 100 national event wins through multiple sanctioning bodies. For additional information, please visit www.teamkalitta.com and follow the team on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using @TeamKalitta.
