RAC, the longest established motoring organisation, is sponsoring West Surrey Racing (WSR) in the 2006 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), under the name "Team RAC".
RAC, the longest established motoring organisation , is sponsoring West Surrey Racing (WSR) in the 2006 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), under the name "Team RAC".
The sponsorship deal represents a return to RAC’s roots in motorsports, after the organisation was involved in the initial BTCC when it was established in 1958. Team RAC is the latest in a series of activities designed to demonstrate RAC’s expertise in motoring, which includes the current advertising campaign - "More Know How" - featuring real-life patrols giving motorists practical hints and tips.
Under the sponsorship, Team RAC will enter the 10 race events with two branded WSR-designed and built MG ZS cars.*
Commenting on the sponsorship deal, Shaun Meadows, marketing director, RAC, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring a team in the BTCC, which is a key event in British motorsports. Our recent advertising campaign has shown our patrols sharing advice with motorists and this deal further demonstrates how we can establish RAC as the experts on motoring.”
Dick Bennetts, team principal, WSR, said: “ We are extremely pleased to be working in partnership with RAC and forming what I believe will be a formidable force in the 2006 BTCC. The RAC name has been associated with British motorsport since the earliest days of the sport in this country. The MG is a race-winning car and with further development I’m confident we can build on our previous success. We are currently in negotiations with a number of experienced drivers to complete our line-up.”
Commenting from BTCC, Alan Gow, BTCC series director, said; “It's great to see a household name such as RAC in the BTCC. With the WSR team and thanks to the excellent marketing opportunities the BTCC offers, I’m sure RAC will enjoy great results both on and off the track.”
The Team RAC car will be unveiled on Thursday 12 January on the MIA stand at the Autosport International Show, held at the NEC, Birmingham. The Team RAC drivers are due to be announced in the next few weeks.
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Press office contact:
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Tamsin Johnston
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RAC Press Office
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pressoffice@rac.co.uk
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Notes to editors:
*Key BTCC dates for 2006
March 28 Brands Hatch – media day
Races:
April 8/9 Brands Hatch, Kent
April 22/23 Mondello Park, Co Kildare
May 13/14 Oulton Park, Cheshire
June 3/4 Thruxton, Hampshire
July 15/16 Croft, North Yorkshire
July 29/30 Donington Park, Leicestershire
August 12/13 Snetterton, Norfolk
September 2/3 Knockhill, Fife
September 23/24 Brands Hatch, Kent
October 14/15 Silverstone, Northamptonshire
About BTCC
The championship is firmly established not only as one of Britain's most popular form of motor racing but also as one of the UK's top sporting attractions. Over the past decade, action-packed BTCC race meetings have repeatedly drawn crowds on a par with Premiership football matches and Test Match cricket, with over 200,000 loyal spectators and over 20 million terrestrial television viewers.
About RAC
With more than seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations and a provider for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs.
Aviva recently announced its acquisition of RAC. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.