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Polkadot (DOT) and Conor Daly revolutionize sports sponsorship
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Breaking new ground in sports sponsorship, the Polkadot community has chosen race car dynamo Conor Daly as its brand ambassador for the Indianapolis 500. This decision, made using Polkadot’s decentralized governance feature, marks the first time that a major athlete’s sponsorship has been determined by a community vote using blockchain technology. Second Polka dot netThis innovative partnership aims to engage fans and introduce them to the exciting world of decentralized governance.
What is Polkadot? A closer look
Launched in 2020 by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood, Polkadot is a digital platform designed to be the powerful and secure core of Web3, a foundational technology for a new Internet that prioritizes privacy, openness, inclusiveness, and financial accessibility. By providing powerful modular tools for developers, Polkadot has sparked the creation of never-before-seen applications for users from all walks of life, from games and metaverses to decentralized finance.
One of Polkadot’s defining features is its community governance model, which places power in the hands of its users. Through a feature known as OpenGov, holders of the Polkadot token, known as DOT, can participate in the decision-making process that influences the platform’s development and future direction. This democratic approach not only ensures that the platform remains adaptable and responsive to user needs, but also aligns with Web3’s core principles by supporting a decentralized, user-authorized structure.
Meet Conor Daly: racing’s versatile powerhouse
American professional race car driver Conor Daly is celebrated for his skill and adaptability on the track, evidenced by his rare achievement of competing in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 in the same year. In 2021, he led the most laps at the Indianapolis 500, secured a podium and proved himself to be a formidable competitor. Daly’s dynamism extends beyond the racetrack, where he interacts with fans through appearances on reality TV and as host of the popular motorsports podcast, Way of speed.
“It’s fast, powerful and adaptive, just like Polkadot,” says Polkadot community member Chris Wade (LearnPolkadot), who supported the proposal. “It all started with a direct message on Twitter,” recalls Chris Wade. Driven by a bold vision but unsure of the outcome, I reached out to Conor Daly, setting in motion what has been an incredible response from the Polkadot community.”
The next proposal, OpenGov #514, has received tremendous support. With 95.8% approval, the community committed 290,000 DOT to cover the sponsorship fee and associated costs for Daly’s running team, securing the first sports sponsorship of its kind.
Beyond sponsorship: driving engagement and innovation
Leveraging Conor’s strong fan base, the Indy 500’s large audience and the synergies between Daly’s dynamic racing style and Polkadot’s innovative technology, this sponsorship seeks to captivate a global audience. It aims to educate people about the potential of decentralized governance and Polkadot’s vision for a free and open web. Scheduled for May 26, 2024, the iconic Indianapolis 500 will serve as the launch pad for a dynamic year-long collaboration, which will continue through two additional race series: NASCAR truck series AND Nitro RallyCross. Beyond the track, Daly will participate in a series of interactive community events and digital initiatives throughout the year, designed to engage racing fans and introduce them to Polkadot’s innovative technology.
“The fact that thousands of people in the Polkadot community – not a corporate marketing team – used their voices to vote and select me as their ambassador is an incredible honor and reflects the power of what a freer and more open Internet can look like in the future,” said Conor Daly, “Running not just for a brand or logo, but to represent developers, investors and regular people building the web of tomorrow, is both exciting and overwhelming.”
As Daly races the Polkadot-liveried car at the iconic Indianapolis 500, he symbolizes more than speed: he represents a future where technology and the real world converge. This race is not just about who crosses the finish line first, but also how innovation continues to redefine boundaries.
Meet Conor Daly at Consensus: Racing Meets Innovation in Austin
You can join them on Consensus for a unique opportunity to meet racing star Conor Daly, face to face. Conor will be at the Polkadot booth, ready to greet fans and share insights into his exciting experiences on the track and with Polkadot. Feel the adrenaline rush with the Polkadot brand ambassador as he tests his racing skills beyond the asphalt with Exiled Racers. Don’t miss your chance to see the Polkadot-branded No. 24 race car at the Polkadot wrap party – an incredible opportunity for both motorsports and blockchain enthusiasts.
Image source: Shutterstock
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