An expanded Team 18 in the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship will see official light and medium duty truck and bus sponsor, Hino Australia, extend its support of the 14 round competition.
Announcing its commitment to Team 18 drivers Mark Winterbottom in the IRWIN Tools-backed entry and new recruit Scott Pye in the DEWALT Tools car, Hino will use a Hino 700 Series SS2848 AMT prime mover to haul the team’s B-double trailers around Australia for the first time.
AS the Team 18 squad expanded to two cars Dimitri Andreatidis, Head of Customer and Brand for Hino Australia said it was a great opportunity to grow the partnership.
“Supercars has proven to be a fantastic fit for Hino; the sport truly resonates with our customer base, making it an ideal platform to build further brand exposure, while at the same time providing us with incredible trackside experiences,” he said.
“Through the sport, not only have we been able to engage with both our dealer network and customers, but we have developed strong relationships with the other brands involved with the team,” said Andreatidis.
“These partnerships will see Hino continue to promote our brand not only on the track, in the pits and around the event precincts, but also throughout the country, with numerous activations planned alongside our partners nationwide.
“Renowned brands such as IRWIN and DEWALT are used by Hino customers every day, so it is a natural fit for all involved.
“Mark Winterbottom is a proven champion in the sport, while Scott Pye is a star on the rise.
Team Owner Charlie Schwerkolt welcomed the expanded involvement of Hino.
“I'm extremely proud to have Hino onboard for what will be the third year with Team 18 and an exciting time as we expand to two cars with IRWIN Racing and DEWALT Racing in the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship,” he said.
“Team 18's partnership with Hino will jointly grow the brand together with IRWIN and DEWALT, and we can't wait to meet Hino dealers and customers at each and every event throughout the season,” Schwerkolt said.
Hino has a rich motorsport heritage, which in 2019 saw its support of Team 18 and the Supercars Championship extended, with the brand becoming the Official Recovery Vehicle at Supercars promoted events, with a Hino 500 Series FE1424 tilt tray seen on track at various rounds.
Meanwhile, Hino also backs the exciting one-make Toyota 86 Series which supports the Supercars Championship, while in off-road circles, it recently claimed its 11th class victory in the gruelling Dakar Rally.
The 2020 Supercars Championship kicks off with all-in test day at The Bend Motorsport Park on Tuesday 18th February, before the cars hit the streets of Adelaide on Thursday 20th February, for practice ahead of the season opening event.
(Image: Hino 700 Series SS2848 AMT prime mover will lead the Team 18's B-double trailers around Australia for the first time).