Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance announced today that it would continue its support of the SA Off Road Car Racing Championship, which will be known as the Absa Off Road Championship, for a further year.
A partnership, unique to South African motorsport, that was formed three years ago between Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance, Ford, Nissan and Toyota, which ensured that the championship would be well funded, enjoy significant television coverage and be professionally promoted, will continue.
“Our involvement in off road racing has been carefully evaluated and we are satisfied that it has delivered a significant return on our investment,” said Sizwe Tati, Managing Executive: Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance. “Furthermore, the opportunity to be closely associated with Ford, Nissan and Toyota has been mutually beneficial in the past and will continue to be so in 2005.”
MSA Off Road Car Racing Commission president, Piet Swanepoel, welcomed the news, which is regarded as a major endorsement for what has become the premier category of motorsport in South Africa.
“Off road racing has gone from strength to strength and we are heartened by the continued support of Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance, Ford, Nissan and Toyota,” said Swanepoel. “Eighty entries have been received for the season opening Nissan Sugarbelt 400 in Kwa-Zulu Natal on March 18 and 19, which is a sure sign that the marketing efforts of our sponsors and the Commission are paying off.”
Ford, Nissan and Toyota management were unanimous in their support for Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance’s ongoing sponsorship of off road racing and pledged to continue with the joint marketing effort aimed at popularising the sport.
The Absa Off Road Championship will be widely publicised and enjoy extensive television coverage on Supersport in 2005. Eleven 52-minute slots have been secured for an Absa Off Road Championship season preview, season review and event highlights, which will be broadcast before or after the live Formula 1 broadcasts on Supersport followed by a number of repeat broadcasts during the following week. A further seven 13-minute event previews will be broadcast on Supersport.
“The Absa Off Road Championship will receive over 90 hours television coverage in 2005, which will be a major boost for the factory and privateer teams participating in the championship,” said Piet Swanepoel.
