Driving team looks for new backer

[Grum]

We've probably all seen them, and despite the holden utes they do have some skill. I wonder if ford would be interested??? I’d love to see them in XR8 utes…


Thursday January 18, 01:01 PM

Driving team looks for new backer

A precision driving team, backed for more than 30 years by car maker Holden, is looking for a new sponsor after the company decided against renewing its deal.

Known for the past three years as the Holden Stormriders, the team was formed in 1969.

It switched to using Hyundai vehicles for a short time after 2000 but changed back to Holden utes when the local producer returned as the major backer in 2003.

Lead driver Paul Goodwin said the whole team was shocked when they heard Holden would not continue with the group in 2007.

"I've been with the team for almost 10 years myself and it's been pretty special to be part of something that had such a great history," he said in a statement.

The team's infrastructure and equipment has been bought by the Elite Motorsport Group Ltd and director Scott Anderson said Holden's decision had opened the door for other potential sponsors.

"We are already in discussions with a number of other car companies," he said.

"We are confident that the team will be back on the road again soon."

Holden's communications manager Maya Donevska said the company had enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the precision driving team for many years.

"After a series of negotiations regarding sponsorship costs late last year, including Holden's suggestion to bring additional sponsors on board, a consensus over the sponsorship agreement could not be reached," she said.

"As such, Holden and the precision driving team have not renewed their existing contract.

"Again, as mentioned, there has been a long and beneficial relationship for many years.

"But for a variety of commercial reasons, this relationship will not continue in the foreseeable future."

Ms Donevska said Holden conducted an annual review of all its sponsorships to ensure they aligned with the company's overall marketing strategy and direction.

Since it started in 1969, the precision driving team has performed more than 9,000 times at a wide range of shows and events including Sydney's Royal Easter Show.