‘DUNLOP SERIES’ ANNOUNCED AS NEW NAME TO V8 DEVELOPMENT SERIES

Global tyre giant Dunlop has extended its sponsorship portfolio in V8 Supercars by assuming the naming rights of the development Series.

In a six-year sponsorship, the category will become the Dunlop Series, commencing at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide (March 1-4) and six other V8 Supercar events around the country in 2012.

Dunlop recently renewed its long-standing portfolio as the Official Control Tyre Supplier of the V8 Supercar Championship and the Presenting sponsor of the Car of the Future Driven by Dunlop.

Dunlop Managing Director Mike Martens said the company’s significant stake in V8 Supercars and the Dunlop Series continued its long history in motorsport globally.

“Ever since John Boyd Dunlop invented the pneumatic tyre in 1888, his name has been synonymous with industry-leading technical developments in tyres,” he said.

“Now the Dunlop name is also connected to the development of the very best up and coming race drivers in the country with the Dunlop Series.

“In Australia, just as it is around the world, Dunlop’s long and proud association with motorsport is an integral part of our heritage and success. Dunlop truly is an icon of the road and the choice of racing legends.”

Dunlop has been providing tyres to the V8 Supercar Championship and the Dunlop Series for more than a decade.

"The Dunlop brand stands for technology, performance and quality, making it the perfect fit as the official tyre for V8 Supercar Championship and the Dunlop Series. Our V8 Supercar program is also a key aspect of our Dunlop brand marketing strategy for our business.

“Our additional involvement in the sport from this year as the naming right sponsor to the Dunlop Series further enhances our relationship with V8 Supercar racing, as well as allows us to better engage with the fans.

“We look forward to continuing our long and exciting association with Australian motorsport and would like to wish all competitors in the 2012 V8 Supercar Championship Series and the Dunlop Series the very best of luck for the year ahead.”

V8 Supercar CEO David Malone said the support of long-term sponsors such as Dunlop was the backbone of the sport’s success.

“Dunlop has been a magnificent partner for a long time and we are very proud to have them back across multiple platforms for the next six years,” Malone said.

“Through these partnerships Dunlop are able to showcase their tyre technology as a world leader on and off the race track.”

The Dunlop Series acts as a feeder category to the future stars as a place where young drivers can be groomed to take the next step to the Championship.

A range of former Dunlop Series Champions will line up on the grid in the main Clipsal 500 event this year including Mark Winterbottom (2003 Champion), Tony D’Alberto (2007), Steve Owen (2008/2010) and Jonathon Webb (2009).

Media contacts:

Cole Hitchcock

V8 Supercars Media Manager

Phone: 07 5630 0315
Mobile: 0412 743 097

Email: CH@v8supercars.com.au

James Peate

Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres Communications Manager

Phone: 03 8416 7319

Email: james_peate@goodyear.com

About Dunlop

Dunlop Tyres is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high and ultra high performance tyres with an impressive track record of motorsport success. Dunlop’s extensive experience has led to innovative tyres designed for motorsport, everyday motoring, commercial, motorcycle and agricultural applications. Always looking to maximise driving pleasure, Dunlop offers all types of motorists the performance and durability of the latest tyre technologies. Many of the most prestigious automotive manufacturers fit Dunlop tyres as original equipment, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, AMG, Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Rover, Seat, Skoda, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Aprilia, Benelli, Buell, Derbi, Ducati, Harley Davidson, HRD, Husaberg, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, MV Agusta, Piaggio, Suzuki, Vertemati and Yamaha. For more information about Dunlop Tyres and its products, please visit www.dunloptyres.com.au

Cole Hitchcock | Media Manager | D +61 7 5630 0315
M 0412 743 097  |  F +61 7 5630 0338 |  P +61 7 5630 0364 |  www.v8supercars.com.au