carsales.com.au and Shannons Insurance have joined forces to tackle this year's Great Race - the, 50th anniversary of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
Australia's number one automotive website and the specialist insurer will co-sponsor a Kelly Racing Commodore V8 Supercar in the event.
The Shannons carsales.com.au Racing Commodore will be piloted by the winner of the 7mate reality television series,Shannons Supercar Showdown. The identity of the rookie driver of the Shannons carsales.com.au Racing entry will be revealed on the show on Sunday, September 30. The race itself kicks off on the morning of October 7, 2012.
carsales.com.au CEO and Managing Director, Greg Roebuck stated: The chance to drive a V8 Supercar at Bathurst is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a young racer. Like Shannons, carsales.com.au is a key part of the Australian automotive landscape and were very excited to be able to play our part in making this dream a reality.
Shannons Insurance Marketing Manager, Mark Behr welcomed carsales.com.au's support to the Shannons Supercar Showdown project.
Its great to have carsales.com.au on board. The opportunity to partner on the track at Bathurst and leverage carsales Australia-wide online and mobile audience is a great synergy for Shannons.
"We believe in the importance of investing in the future of Australias motor racing talent and the Shannons SupercarShowdown does that. Were really looking forward to seeing the car on the grid at Bathurstespecially during the 50th anniversary race, said Mr Behr.
Campaigned by Kelly Racing, the Shannons carsales.com.au Racing entry is also supported by Fuchs Oil, Kitten Car Care and Seiko.
Team Owner of Kelly Racing, Rick Kelly said:"Todd and myself have tried to provide a pathway via the Shannons Supercar Showdown project so that some of the best young driver talent is showcased and we deliver a winner who is worthy of the Bathurst entry. This year the series introduced two female drivers and we had contestants from New Zealand and the USA.
"We are excited that carsales.com.au has seen the opportunity that exists with this unique team."
This year is the second time the V8 Superstars television program has given rookie race drivers the opportunity to race in Australias most prestigious touring car event.
In 2011, winner Cameron Waters' tilt at the Great Race was cut short when he crashed just a few laps into his first driving stint. Kelly Racing was able to get the car back on the track and Waters talent was recognised, post the race, as he spent the 2012 series in the V8SC development category.
