Ricoh Sponsors Formula Challenge

Ricoh Backs Formula Challenge Series

In a major move on the motorsport marketing front here in New Zealand, the leading global manufacturer of office automation equipment Ricoh has joined the popular Formula Challenge Winter Series as naming rights sponsor.

Ricoh's involvement is a real boost for the televised F1-style ‘wings-and-slicks' single-seater series - which has gained the reputation of being the country's premier winter championship since it was set up just over three years ago.

True to its aim of providing the complete motorsport experience, the Ricoh Formula Challenge Winter Series gives the opportunity for ambitious young up-and-coming drivers to gain invaluable wings and slicks racing experience, whilst mixing it with experienced wheelmen who like the convenience of 'arrive-and-drive' racing and the professionalism of Formula Challenge's support package, which includes hospitality and series PR.

The combination has already helped launch the careers of several of New Zealand's best young drivers - in particular 2003 winner Gene Rollinson and reigning champion Barry Holden - while at the same time providing valuable TV exposure for high profile brands like Dynatron, Pump, and Killinchy Gold.

The Winter Series will again be showcased on TV ONE's award-winning Shell Helix Motorsport programme, with special emphasis on the 'Grand Final' meeting in September.

Announcing the partnership with Ricoh, former F1 McLaren Marketing man Peter Burns said:

“We are delighted to be joined by such a premium brand as Ricoh, who will use the Formula Challenge motorsport experience as an integral part of their performance driven marketing programme”.

In explaining why Ricoh New Zealand became involved, Marketing Manager Murray Clark said that:

“Motorsport is of great interest to our target market, especially as New Zealand probably can boast the highest per capita motorsport interest anywhere in the world. It is important for us to be able to involve and build relationships with our customers. We will be leveraging our involvement in Formula Challenge in a number of ways and on a number of levels, from the televised coverage on Shell Helix Motorsport through to incorporating it into a promotional and incentive campaign.”

Driver interest in the series this year is very high, especially as Formula Challenge has restructured the package to a very cost effective price for the 8 race series. The full line up for the 10 places in this year's Ricoh Formula Challenge 2005 Winter Series which starts in June will be announced in the very near future.

RICOH FORMULA CHALLENGE 2005 WINTER SERIES

26 June     - Round 1 – Races 1 & 2

24 July     - Round 2 – Races 3 & 4

28 August     - Round 3 – Races 5 & 6

18 September   - Round 4 – Races 7 & 8 (Grand Final)

Click to visit the Formula Challenge web site

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