Hashtag program includes all driver and team handles from the USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights Series

FINDLAY, Ohio (March 22) – Cooper Tire and Mazda are thrilled to announce the extension of their MRTI Hashtag Program that encourages drivers and teams to utilize the #MRTI and #TeamCooperTire hashtags through their social messaging on Twitter and Instagram.

The program originated in 2014 as an initiative by Cooper Tire in cooperation with the Mazda Road To Indy. Participation from drivers such as Spencer Pigot, Gabby Chaves and Matthew Brabham garnered immediate results. The program’s success was boosted in 2015 after receiving full support from Mazda Motorsports.  

Casey Ackerman, Cooper Tire’s Activation Director, has spearheaded the program since its inception and sees it as another benefit to joining the Mazda Road To Indy. 

“In addition to the unique and incredible scholarship programs awarded by Mazda and the MRTI, drivers also have a chance to be rewarded for their usage of hashtags and creating content throughout the race season,” said Ackerman. “Meanwhile, their content is featured in an easily searchable location, further tying the entire ladder together as one entity.”

Drivers are eligible to win tires for their specific racecars, along with other prizes such as merchandise from Mazda and race/hospitality tickets that they can give away to their fans.

The program reached over seven million unique users on Twitter and Instagram in 2015. At the season opener for the MRTI at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the hashtags reached over one million unique users alone on Twitter.

“The MRTI Hashtag Program has evolved into a great initiative by our tremendous partners at Cooper Tire and Mazda,” said Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. “The contest periods feature fun challenges for our drivers and teams and rewards them for their efforts on social media. Providing race and hospitality tickets for drivers to give away strengthens and expands their fan base – it’s a win-win program and I have to thank Cooper and Mazda for continuing to think outside the box.” 

Fans of the series can follow their drivers’ and teams’ favorite content by searching the hashtags #MRTI and #TeamCooperTire on Twitter and Instagram. All content featuring the #TeamCooperTire hashtag is also featured at TeamCooperTire.com.

“The Mazda Road to Indy is growing because of a team effort from Cooper Tires, Andersen Promotions and Mazda, and the hashtag promotion is a great example of that,” said John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports in North America. “The awards benefit our racers who participate, but the hashtags also provide the fans with an easy way to follow and get to know the personalities of so many talented drivers.”