Vauxhall renew North West 200 title sponsorship

Car manufacturer Vauxhall have renewed their title sponsorship of the International North West 200 for 2016, retaining the naming rights for the fourth year.

Set to run from the 10^th to 14^th May this year, Vauxhall Regional Operations Manager for Scotland, event director Mervyn Whyte MBE says the decision is important to the event for more than just financial reasons.

“Vauxhall provides us with finance, a vehicle fleet and significant branding around the circuit, all of which are vital in running an International event each year.

“We have enjoyed longstanding support from the local Council and the financial and logistical input we receive is vital in ensuring the International North West 200 continues to attract the best road racers in the world to our grid for local residents and visitors alike to enjoy.”

His sentiments were echoed by Gordon Hannen, Vauxhall Regional Operations Manager for Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, who says the decision was an easy one to make for them.

“Vauxhall Motors are delighted to return as title sponsors for the fourth consecutive year and are looking forward to reaching out to thousands of motorcycle fans through our sponsorship of the event.

“Alongside financial support and substantial course branding, our sponsorship includes the use of over 50 vehicles for officials including our New 2016 Astra, Astra GTC, Cascada, Mokka, Insignia and the very special course car, the mighty 6.2 litre engine VXR8 supercar.

 “We are also especially excited to announce that we will also be bringing along our VXR race transporter this year, as seen previously at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“This will be placed in the paddock, providing seating for up to 300 people with free tea and coffee for current Vauxhall drivers. All other visitors will be asked to make a small donation with all the proceeds being split equally between the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance appeal and the Marie Curie Cancer Hospice in Northern Ireland.”

Whyte and Hannen were joined this week by racers Ian Hutchinson and Alastair Seeley, now tied as the most successful racer ever around the Triangle circuit with Robert Dunlop, on the North Coast to officially announce the deal.