Ram Truck to Award 143rd Kentucky Derby Winning Trainer With a One-of-a-kind Special Kentucky Derby Edition Ram 2500 Limited Truck as Part of Brand’s Exclusive Sponsorship of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby

May 3, 2017 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Churchill Downs® and the Kentucky Derby® are steeped in tradition and the Ram Truck brand will again be part of the festivities at this year’s 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 6.

In recognition of eight years as the “Official Truck” of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby and exclusive automotive partner, Ram Truck will award the trainer of the winning horse a one-of-a-kind special 143rd Kentucky Derby edition Ram 2500 Limited truck.

“Ram trucks are the perfect match for horse owners, trainers and riders, and partnering with America’s premiere racing events is a great way to demonstrate our commitment to these customers,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – Global. “With the longest-lasting pickup trucks on the market and class-leading capabilities, Ram trucks are well-deserving of the ‘Official Truck of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby’ status.”

The brand’s sponsorship includes immersing fans attending the races, and those watching the festivities on TV, in a total Ram Truck brand experience. Fans will see on-site truck displays, video board integrations, backcountry and trackside signage throughout Churchill Downs, and branding on gate crew staff uniforms and on the clothing of jockeys Javier Castellano (Gunnevera), Brian Hernandez , Jr. (McCraken) and Joel Rosario (Practical Joke). In addition, Ram television spots will run during the NBC network telecast and there will be Derby posts on Ram social channels. Fans can follow the content and join the conversation at hashtag #RamDerby.

On Friday and Saturday mornings, Ram ProMaster vans will transport the traditional Kentucky Oaks “Lilies Garland” (Friday) and Derby “Roses Garland” (Saturday), to be worn by each day’s winning horses, and the winning jockeys’ bouquets to Churchill Downs from the Kroger store where the large floral arrangements are created each year. The rose garland is crafted with Freedom Roses and the lily garland is crafted with Stargazer Lilies.

For the first time, Ram has created a custom Derby edition Ram 2500 Limited and will award the one-of-a-kind truck to the trainer of the Thoroughbred who wins the 143rd Kentucky Derby. The exterior of this unique Brilliant Black truck includes blue Kentucky Derby 143rd logos on the left and right rear panels and a hand-painted Kentucky Derby rose badge on the front grille.

Also new this year, a pink-wrapped Ram 3500 Limited dually will lead the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade taking place Friday, May 5. Now in its ninth year, the parade is a march of breast and ovarian cancer survivors on the Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack. Prior to the 143rd running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks race, 143 survivors will walk in the parade led by the pink Ram truck.

On-site truck displays
Ram will have special Derby-themed truck displays and branded giveaway items at multiple locations throughout the Churchill Downs grounds. Two of the displays will include unique Ram Truck Kentucky Derby floral displays where race fans will have the opportunity to have commemorative souvenir pictures taken so they can share their Derby experience with friends and family.
               
Signage
Strategically placed posters and signs throughout the Churchill Downs stable area feature specially crafted “Dominate the Field” messages, reminding race fans of the dedication, unrelenting tenacity, stamina and years of hard work it takes to earn the glory of making it to the Kentucky Derby.

Ram will also run videos and social media messaging on Churchill Down’s “Big Board,” the largest video board in an outdoor arena capable of displaying advanced 4K ultra-high definition technology.

Television Spots
Four 30-second Ram television ads – three from the brand’s “Long Live” campaign with new Churchill Downs footage added – and a number of branded integrations will air May 6 during NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage. Set to a custom recording and arrangement of Bob Dylan’s song “Forever Young,” the “Long Live” spots salute tenacity, valor, courage, strength, community and tradition, values shared by those who depend on Ram trucks every day and those who work hard to make it to Churchill Downs. All spots end with “America’s Longest-lasting Pickups,” the brand’s “Guts. Glory. Ram.” tagline and the Kentucky Derby logo highlighting Ram as the official truck of Churchill Downs and the Derby.
 
The ads were created in partnership with full-service advertising agency Doner and can be seen on the Ram YouTube channel Saturday evening. In addition, NBC will run a custom co-branded vignette during its Derby coverage that extends these messages. 
 
TwinSpires Ram Truck Giveaway
Ram is also working with TwinSpires.com on a truck giveaway for those at the Derby and everyone watching at home. The TwinSpires Ram Truck Giveaway is a fun and free way to try and win a 2017 Ram 3500 Limited. While the giveaway involves predicting the first four finishers in the 143rd Running of the Kentucky Derby, it is totally free and does not involve any race wagering or betting of any kind. Visit www.derbytruck.com for more information.

About Churchill Downs Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is an industry-leading racing, gaming and online entertainment company anchored by our iconic flagship event - The Kentucky Derby. We are a leader in brick-and-mortar casino gaming with approximately 10,070 gaming positions in eight states, and we are the largest legal online account wagering platform for horseracing in the U.S., through our ownership of TwinSpires.com. We are also one of the world's largest producers and distributors of mobile games through Big Fish Games, Inc. Additional information about CDI can be found online at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.
 
Ram Truck Brand
In 2009, the Ram Truck brand launched as a stand-alone division, focused on meeting the demands of truck buyers and delivering benchmark-quality vehicles. With a full lineup of trucks - the Ram 1500, 2500/3500 Heavy Duty, 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab and ProMaster - the Ram brand builds trucks that get the hard work done and families where they need to go.

Ram continues to outperform the competition and sets the benchmark for:

• Best-in-class standard horsepower 
• Segment-first 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel
• Most luxurious: Ram 1500 Tungsten with real metal and leather elements and a new 14.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen
• Best ride and handling with a double wishbone front suspension and five-link solid rear axle with available, segment-exclusive, active-level, four-corner air suspension
• Best-in-class available rear leg room
• The most cargo space available in any traditional full size cargo van
• Most capable full-size off-road pickup – Ram Power Wagon
• Most awarded light-duty truck in America
• Highest owner loyalty of any half-ton pickup

The latest J.D. Power APEAL study, which rates the emotional bond between customers and their vehicles, named the 2023 Ram 1500 as the best full-size light-duty pickup.

Ram is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

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