Castrol launches Suzuki Swift Sport Cup scholarship

Castrol launches Suzuki Swift Sport Cup scholarship at Taupo V8 SuperTourer weekend

Premium lubricant brand Castrol will launch its Suzuki Swift Sport Cup driver scholarship programme this weekend at the Father’s Day 400 V8 SuperTourer event being held at the Ricoh Taupo Motorsport Park 1-2 September.

For aspiring race drivers world-wide up to the age of 25, the scholarship provides a car and backing to contest the 2013 Suzuki Swift Sport Cup series being held at the six V8 SuperTourer events.

“It’s for anyone, Australia, New Zealand or anywhere else in the world who’d like the chance to run in a competitive entry-level car racing category at a top-tier,” says series co-ordinator Paul Burborough.

“Anyone who hasn’t completed a full national race championship and is aged under 25.

“Winger Suzuki will provide use of a car and engineer with further support from Castrol, Dunlop, Chicane Clothing and Hamilton Stripes and Signs providing goods, services and additional financial support. Essentially it is an-arrive-and-drive package – itself worth $35,000.”

Their fifth scholarship campaign with the Suzuki Swift class Castrol are boosting their support with access to drivers they back in the V8 SuperTourer category through a mentoring programme. Marketing manager Jayne McEwan says it is a prime opportunity to introduce new talent to the sport through their brand.

“A big part of our marketing is forming long-term relationships. That starts at grass roots level and the professionally run Suzuki series has been a perfect place to bring a potential motorsport star through our program. Alongside the well regarded name of Castrol we can guide them to become a brand identity in their own right,” says McEwan.

The selection process requires candidates to complete a variety of tests, including fitness, interview technique and sporting aptitude before they’re tested behind the wheel.

“While we search for the applicant that impresses on and off the track it is a chance for them to learn from the experience in becoming better themselves,” adds McEwan.

“Our customers demand the best from our products – and that’s what we require from our brand ambassadors - their best.”

Potential applicants can apply via the www.swiftcup.co.nz website before being drafted for a selection day to be held 16 November at the Hampton Downs race circuit in the Waikato.

Winner of the 2011/2012 Castrol scholarship opportunity, Nelson’s Kent Yarrall says it got him to a level he can seriously continue on with.

“Essentially it got me to a tier one level of racing – to that next level of professionalism. Being there allowed me to compete with greater confidence. Plus with the media exposure I got a lot more confident at delivering the message – especially with television,” said Yarrall, who was completing an accounting degree when he won the scholarship.

“I met a lot of good people, some of which I hope become future sponsors. Now I’m keen to continue and compete again next season.”

A preliminary driver line-up will be announced next week along with a management board as interest in the series attracts new competitors to try their hand in the small car race category.

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