SUPERCHEAP AUTO SIGNS DEAL WITH BATHURST INTERNATIONAL
After being dropped as the naming rights sponsor of the Bathurst 1000, Supercheap Auto has been announced as the naming rights sponsor of the Bathurst International with a long-term deal.
Supercheap Auto, a retailer of automotive parts and accessories is already the naming rights partner of the ARG owned TCR Australia Series, and this new deal cements the relationship between the two new parties.
The news continues a rich history of the Australian-owned company sponsoring a major event at Mount Panorama.
It follows on from a lengthy 16-year stint as the naming rights partner of the Bathurst 1000 from 2005-2020 when it was controversially dropped by the Supercars Championship and replaced by rival international company Repco for this year’s event.
ARG CEO Matt Braid is delighted to get Supercheap Auto onboard in what he described as a long-term deal with the event.
“It’s absolutely fantastic,” he said to Auto Action. “Supercheap are undoubtedly one of the best and most passionate sponsors in Australian motorsport.
“They like what we’re trying to do with the ‘International’ and what we want to make it in the years to come.
“They see it as a great marketing platform to again deliver what they need, we’re very pleased that they’ve signed another long term commitment (as naming rights sponsor) for the International.”
As Supercheap and Repco have a rivalry blossoming, AA asked Braid if he was afraid the competition could affect any potential relations with Repco in the future.
“You never like to see competition get bad,” he said. “But I think if there’s competition between brands in motorsport, that actually means that motorsport in Australia’s quite healthy.
“We’ve got a strong relationship with Supercheap, quite obviously now strengthened by this announcement, and that allows us to promote them very heavily.
“Other brands will be attracted to that too, so I think having Supercheap as a partner and maintaining their support really helps the reputation of ARG, the categories we have and the events we have. I think it’s a win, win.”
The announcement also coincided with tickets going on sale for the inaugural Bathurst International, with camping available at both the bottom and top of Mount Panorama, with the McPhillamy and Paddock campgrounds open, while children under 12 can attend the event for free.
The Bathurst International will take place from November 26-28 and showcase many of the feature Australian Racing Group categories, headlined by S5000 and TCR Australia.
It will be the maiden appearance of the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship at Mount Panorama.
The presence of S5000 will mark the long-awaited return of V8-powered formula cars to the Mountain, for the first time since Formula 5000 in 1970.
Many TCR Brands will be represented from France, Italy, Korea, Japan and Germany just to name a few, while the format will be confirmed in due course.
GT World Challenge Australia drivers will compete over a three-hour, two-driver race and will decide the 2021 Australian Endurance Championships.
The National Trans Am Series, Touring Car Masters, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and the Australian Production Car Series make up the impressive category line up.
The event will be broadcast live on Channel Seven, as well as being streamed live on demand via 7 Plus.
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