Saturday, September 1, 2012

Arie Luyendyk Jr Turns Down "The Bachelor" for Racing Return



From May to late July of this year on ABC television, viewing audiences of the Bachelorette abroad were able to familiarize themselves with Arie Luyendyk Jr. The son to the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, Luyendyk Jr was determined to follow his father's footsteps to greatness at the Brickyard. Finishing 2nd overall in the Infiniti Pro Series (now known as the Firestone Indy Lights Series) in 2002, Arie Luyendyk Jr's career hit the glass ceiling separating so many drivers from the major IZOD INDYCAR Series. While he finished runner-up in the quest for love, a new sponsorship deal announced late Friday allows Luyendyk Jr to reconnect with his new love of motorsports.

Cementing racing plans for the 2013 season, Arie Luyendyk Jr has joined forces with media technology solutions company XYQ Inc. for a full 2013 auto racing calender. First, he will co-drive at the January 27th Rolex 24 of Daytona in a Michael Shank Racing sports car. After the sports car event, Luyendyk Jr will compete in the IZOD INDYCAR Series with XYQ Inc. support. "The entire business of sports and entertainment creation has evolved. Professional athletes require a new kind of digital-savvy management company – one that can oversee all points of engagement with their fans. Arie Jr. embodies the future of racing, sports and media. We could not be more excited about working with Arie." said John Marcum, CEO of XYQ, Inc.

This renewed focus on auto racing for Arie Luyendyk Jr has led to a decision relating to the ABC relationship reality show. The leading candidate to become the Bachelor where he would search for his true love from a number of contestants, Luyendyk Jr has chosen to decline any participation with the show. During his time spent on the Bachelorette, Arie Luyendyk Jr said to have rediscovered his connection to the passion of racing cars. "ultimately, I realized my heart is tied to the race track and my career is my main priority" said Luyendyk Jr. The 30 year-old Dutchman has not ruled out future involvement in broadcasts.

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