Anticipation is high at Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) ahead of the Supercars season as it resumes sponsorship of the Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) team for second year.
Isuzu technicians recently had the opportunity to visit with the WAU pit crew whose area along with the vehicle transporter and racecars will all be branded by Isuzu in 2023.
IAL Head of Marketing and Customer Experience John Walker was thrilled to launch the second year of the Isuzu Technician Pit Crew Experience, which gives five lucky mechanics from Isuzu dealerships the chance to join the WAU team on selected race weekends.
“This program has been a great incentive to the technicians who really strive to earn an invite,” he said.
“These guys not only see the inner workings of the Walkinshaw Andretti United race team, but also their professionalism and expertise and speed,” said Walker.
“The 2023 racecars look great, and Isuzu shares the enthusiasm of the race team and is looking forward to the season overall.”
This year marks a shift from General Motors to Ford for WAU and the inauguration of Gen3 vehicle regulations in which all teams in the championship have had to build all-new cars.
In addition to a new wheel design, smaller rear wing and a number of new safety features, the Gen3 ruleset is expected to enhance the racing spectacle, with a significant downforce reduction between 60 to 70 per cent implemented across the teams.
This will encourage greater reliance on driver skill and less on engineering and data.
Isuzu Trucks branding will be seen on the Ford Mustangs of Chaz Mostert and Nick Percat in the 12-round championship that begins in Newcastle on March 10-12.
“Isuzu are huge fans of supercars, as are many of the staff of our network of dealerships and, of course our customers,” said Walker.
“Our involvement with Walkinshaw Andretti United allows the Isuzu family to feel part of the team and will offer some great insights into the world of Supercars and provide us with many great benefits.
“These include the corporate events at the track such as hospitality and garage experiences, plus hot laps for guests in the actual racecars with the likes of Chaz and Nick at the wheel.”
Team Principal for Walkinshaw Andretti United Bruce Stewart said he was pleased to once again have Isuzu on-board in 2023.
“Isuzu Trucks is a great brand in Australia and the benefits of our partnership certainly go both ways,” said Stewart.
“The past six months has been massive for our team getting ready for the switch of cars and regulations, and it is great to have an enthusiastic partner like Isuzu Trucks along for the ride.
“Supercars offers so many great opportunities for partnerships and Isuzu Trucks do a fantastic job engaging with its employees, dealers and customers.
“From a team point of view, we enjoy having the technicians along as they bring energy which is a great benefit to the crew.
“Last year Chaz finished third in the championship, and we are clearly looking at going better in 2023. The cars look awesome; the team is primed and together we are feeling confident.”
In other news DP World has teamed up with F1 racing team McLaren.
