BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – IndyCar driver E.J. Viso does not believe the death of Hugo Chavez will affect the sponsorship of he and other Venezuelan drivers.
Most of Viso's sponsorship money comes from PDVSA, the Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company. His primary logo is CITGO.
PDVSA also sponsors Formula One driver Pastor Maldonado, and Milka Duno is sponsored in the ARCA Series by CANTV, a telecommunications provider in Venezuela.
Viso says Chavez was a staunch supporter of promoting Venezuelan athletes, and he's grateful for the support. Chavez died last week after battling cancer. Viso believes the Venezuelan government will continue Chavez' commitment to sponsoring motorsports and other athletes because of the positive attention it brings the country.
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