AMPOL RETURNS TO MOTORSPORT

Amplify signage added to RBHRT Holden Commodores for the first time this weekend – Photo: Supplied

Ampol branding this weekend will return to the racetrack with the Caltex signage that emblazoned the pair of Red Bull Holden Racing Team ZB Commodores being replaced to reflect the branding change coming into effect this year.

By HEATH McALPINE

It was revealed late last year that Caltex Australia will transfer the branding of its service stations to Ampol after US oil company Chevron terminated the agreement to use the Caltex name.

Envisioned to take three years, the complete rebranding process began in June marking a return to the Ampol brand for the first time in 25 years.

The two Red Bull Holden Racing Team Commodores will carry Ampol branding and promote its new Amplify range of premium fuels.

Ampol’s managing director and CEO Matt Halliday believes the renewed partnership with RBHRT, through the re-introduction of Ampol fits perfectly with Amplify premium fuels range.

“Ampol’s knowledge and experience in fuel technology and global sourcing is unparalleled in the Australian market and the new Amplify brand and partnership with the Red Bull Holden Racing Team captures and celebrates our continued commitment to deliver the world’s best fuels technologies and high performance for all customers,” Halliday said.

“We have had strong presence in Australian motorsport for over 60 years and we can’t wait to see the new Ampol brand return to Australian motorsport this weekend.”

Could this be a future livery on the Supercars grid? Image: Supplied

Team co-owner and seven-time Supercars champion Jamie Whincup hopes to add to Ampol’s successful history in Australian motor sport.

“Ampol has a long history in Australian motorsport and I’m excited that the Red Bull Holden Racing Team is part of its return,” said Whincup.

“Ampol’s commitment to the ongoing evolution and adoption of the latest fuels technology aligns with our own passion for high performance. We’ll have the new Ampol and Amplify Premium Fuels logos on our cars from this weekend and we’ll be doing our best to give the brand a successful return to the track.”

Both the Caltex and Ampol brands enjoy a strong history in Australian motor sport. The Ampol sponsored Round Australia Trials through the 1960s started the brand’s involvement in motor sport, which lasted until it was phased out of the market in 1995.

Colin Bond featured the star logo of Caltex on his Alfa Romeo 75 in 1987 before transitioning to the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 where he took multiple Australian Touring Car Championship round wins.

Ampol sponsored Bob Jones’ Commodore team from 1992-1994, which was highlighted by a second-place finish in the 1993 Sandown 500 with Greg Crick and the Privateers Cup a year later.

“It’s fantastic to see the Ampol brand back in Australian motorsport. It has a rich history in car racing and is a brand that’s always been about high-quality products for all Australians,” said Jones.

“The re-introduction of Ampol is quite nostalgic for me and I will be very proud when I see the logo on the cars in Darwin this weekend.”

Team co-driver Craig Lowndes will also host the ‘Ampol pit stop’, a premium webinar series providing behind the scenes access to RBHRT and its personnel.

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