RICHO GETS RUBBER

By Briar Gunther
4:43 PM Thu 11 February, 2010
Source: BigPond Sport
http://www.v8supercars.com.au/richo-gets-rubber/ta...


Dunlop, the official tyre of the V8 Supercars, will have even more branding on track with the announcement the company will sponsor Steve Richards’ Ford Performance Racing (FPR) Falcon.

Richo’s car will be known as the Dunlop Super Dealer FPR Falcon and he is keen to put 2009 behind him.

“Personally I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

“I’ve done a lot of work with Dunlop Super Dealers over the years, so to have my car emblazoned with their colours is brilliant.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the new season; I’m expecting the Dunlop Super Dealer FPR Falcon will be a contender this year.”

FPR Team Principal, Tim Edwards, said Dunlop has been a proud and active sponsor of FPR since it began in 2002.

“So to see a fully livered Dunlop Super Dealer FPR Falcon on the track in 2010 reflects the value we both hold in this relationship,” he said.

“It’s pleasing to see an existing, blue chip sponsor stepping up to take on naming entitlements.

“In many ways it’s a logical step; Dunlop is obviously aware of the commercial advantages of owning a competitive car. We can now take this long standing support to the next level.”

Dunlop Tyres’ Marketing Vice President, Phillip Cavagna, said the Dunlop Super Dealer sponsorship was a first for the tyre retailer.

“This partnership marks the first time the Dunlop Super Dealer retail network has come together to be involved in the V8 Supercar Championship Series,” he said.

“We are extremely excited to be the naming-rights sponsor on Steven Richards’ #6 Ford Performance Racing Falcon for the 2010 Series, as well as to have Dunlop continue our ongoing partnership of the entire FPR team.

“Dunlop is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high and ultra high performance tyres with an impressive track record of motorsport success, so Ford Performance Racing is a great fit for our brand.”

Cavagna said it also reinforces Dunlop’s longstanding relationship with Ford Australia and Ford Performance Vehicles to engineer and supply original equipment tyres for the new road cars.

“Taking over the naming rights of Steven Richards’ FPR Ford Falcon is a perfect fit for the tyre dealer as the popular driver has been an ambassador to the business for several years,” he said.

Richo ran a blank livery at the test day for Victorian teams at Winton Motor Raceway on Monday.

The Dunlop Super Dealer FPR Falcon will make its track debut at the opening event of the 2010 V8 Supercar Championship, the Yas V8 400, which takes place next week starting February 18.