SUPERCHEAP IN ‘REVENGE’ MOVE TO TRIPLE EIGHT
By Bruce Williams
Date posted: 29 October 2020
Supercheap in ‘revenge’ move to Triple Eight – Photo: InSyde Media
Bitter Bathurst 1000 sponsor Supercheap Auto looks ready to join Triple Eight as a major backer to gain revenge against rival Repco.
By MARK FOGARTY
Multiple informed sources have told AUTO ACTION that Supercheap will stay in Supercars despite being unhappy about the way it lost naming rights to October classic.
Those same sources are linking the auto accessories giant with a switch from backing one car at Tickford Racing to supporting both Triple Eight entries from next year.
The word is that Supercheap would replace Holden, joining Red Bull as one of Triple Eight’s main sponsors.
AA is also reliably informed that a big part of Supercheap Auto’s motivation is to upstage Repco on the track.
Following the withdrawal of Roger Penske and Scott McLaughlin’s despatch to IndyCar, it sees Triple Eight as a strong chance to beat Repco-supported Dick Johnson Racing.
An alliance with Triple Eight would also give Supercheap extended exposure in the Repco-branded Supercars championship and Bathurst 1000
After 16 years as naming rights sponsor, Supercheap reacted emotionally to being outbid by Repco, posting mock press conference announcements and harping on its reluctant departure in TV ads during the Bathurst 1000 weekend.
Repco has committed hugely to Supercars, adding to its secondary backing of the new-look DJR with five-year agreements to sponsor the Bathurst 1000 and the championship series.
Supercheap has also been a team sponsor since 1999, backing John Briggs Motorsport, Steve Ellery Racing, Paul Weel Racing, Paul Morris Motorsport, Walkinshaw Racing, Prodrive Racing Australia and Tickford Racing.
Drivers have included Chaz Mostert, Tim Slade, Russell Ingall, Paul Dumbrell, Cam McConville and Greg Murphy.
But it had little success in that arena until taking over as title backer of Mostert’s Ford Falcon FG X at PRA (now Tickford) in 2016.
Jack Le Brocq assumed that seat this year following Mostert’s move to WAU, but it is now unlikely Supercheap will stay with Tickford as it aspires to avenge its Bathurst 1000 snub.
Tickford has given Supercheap Auto prominence on the track, but hasn’t approached the title-winning association DJR Team Penske has had with Repco since late 2018.
Le Brocq is secure, bringing Truck Assist and other major backing to Tickford.
Triple Eight will welcome major backing as it seeks to replace Holden’s funding, worth up to $2 million a year.
It has raced as the Red Bull Holden Racing Team since 2017, scoring the last factory backed Holden victory at Bathurst on October 18.
In 2021, Triple Eight is in the last year of its long-running Red Bull deal and may be looking for a new primary sponsor for 2022, when it will change to the Gen3 Chev Camaro.
Team supremo Roland Dane hinted at a change next year when asked by AA if his squad would revert to Red Bull Racing Australia next year.
“You’ll see in due course,” Dane said. “We’re running Commodores next year, but you’ll see what the team looks like in due course.”
In hindsight, there may be more to that guarded comment than Dane’s usual caginess suggested.
For more of the latest Supercars news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.
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